How to Plan a Low-Key Labor Day Party

The recent earthquake and hurricane in Virginia inspires a back to basics Labor Day party.

9/1/11 11:44 AM

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Macaroni and cheese

After the week Virginia has just endured what should we do next? Have a back to basics, low-key Labor Day party of course. As always choose your date and location and recruit your friends as assistants. Many people went without electricity or water or both and learned they don’t need as much “stuff”. Let’s carry that theme into the holiday weekend: Make some rustic comfort food, re-live your summer memories and start planning your fall full of fun.

Here are some comfort food menu ideas. After the wind and rain of this weekend we needed some comfort food at my house so I made this old time favorite, Jonathan Waxman's Brick Chicken with Rosé Wine and Bacon Recipe, and served it over mashed potatoes. It would translate well for a Labor Day party and could be served with macaroni and cheese. Here is an Ina Garten recipe for macaroni and cheese. What is more rustic or comforting? And what is for dessert you ask? Smores, obviously.

If you're tired of being in the kitchen, offer up your home as the party location and ask your friends to bring their favorite dish of the summer to the party. To help re-live your memorable summer ask your guests to bring their favorite summer pictures. Work as a group to create a memory book which you can have published at Snap Fish (or similar).

Begin planning your fall full of fun by enjoying a beverage that previews a treat from the coming season, like Ginger Honey and Apple Martinis. Want some back to basics family fun? Plan a trip to Carter Mountain Orchard in Charlottesville and pick some apples. Mark you calendars for a day of Free Family Fun at The Richmond Children’s Festival and don’t forget to check out my preview of fall events for further for other ideas!