The first Monday in September is widely known as Labor Day, a legal holiday celebrating working men and women. On this day, there are many activities to participate in, ranging from parades and barbecues to relaxing picnics and family time. The main goal is to share time away from the office with the ones you love, while taking it easy. Some people also think of this holiday as the end of summer and use it as their way to have one last ‘fun in the sun’ outing before fall officially sets in. What better way to celebrate than with a Labor Day party!


The Invitation:

-Since this holiday is meant to be relaxing, why not by pre-printed invitations? Use ‘fill-in-the-blank’ invites from your local craft store or order fully printed versions from any local copy stores.

-American flags, old-fashioned photos of your town, or scenes depicting the workforce (current or of days gone by) would be appropriate backing for your invitations.




The Decoration:

-American flags, red, white, and blue streamers, banners, or retro posters are fitting decorations for walls and ceilings

-Fill an empty paint can (you can find new empties, unlabeled in your craft store or home center) with a mixture of daisies, paintbrushes (clean or dirty), stir sticks, and greenery and use as a centerpiece

-Buy small, inexpensive hammers and tie red/white/blue ribbon to the end. Use as party favors or place card holders (writing your guests names on them in permanent marker)

-If doing the party picnic style, use old tools (screwdrivers, hammers, wrenches, etc) laid on the corners of an old blanket as your table.


Tip: You should be able to use many of your party supplies from your 4th of July party for this party as well!


The Activity:

-Play any classic games: softball, horseshoes, volleyball, badminton, flag football, or corn-hole.

-Before or after dinner activity could include watching the local parade together or watching a sporting even on tv.

The Food:

The following food items will be acceptable for either a picnic style party, buffet party, or a sit-down style dinner on this occasion:

-Friend chicken, grilled hamburgers, steak, or hot dogs
-Potato Salad, Macaroni salad, or pasta salad
-Coleslaw
-baked beans
-watermelon, cantaloupe, strawberries, grapes (seedless), or blueberries
-Potato chips
-Cake, pie, or cobbler
-ice cream
-Sodas, water, or beer, all served on ice



Final Tips:

If you do decide to have this party picnic style, and choose to do so away from home, be sure to pack the following picnic essentials:

-Disposable plates, silverware, cups, napkins
-Tablecloth (see the decoration section)
-Trash bags
-Serving spoons, and at least 2 knives sharp enough to cut with.
-Condiments (ketchup, mustard, salt, etc)
-Aluminum foil (for cleanup)
-Ice
-Citronella candles and matches
-potholders, and any utensils needed (if barbecuing is to be done on the picnic site)