It’s almost Labor Day, which means it’s the last three-day weekend of the season before summer comes to a close in September. Labor Day tends to signify the unofficial end of carefree summer days, so don’t let it go without a bang! Throwing a Labor Day BBQ or bash doesn’t have to be a big deal to be a big success. Here, the Traina family shares some tips for hosting an easy Labor Day BBQ.

Keep the Menu Simple — Hosting can sometimes elicit pressure to present an elaborate display of food that keeps hosts hustling for days in advance as they prepare the “perfect” menu. The Traina family invites party throwers to focus less on presenting a “perfect” party and more on enjoying it! People have more fun when the setting and the menu are relaxed and casual. For example, set out some appetizers that can be easily whipped up in advance and set out for guests to help themselves to such as Traina® Home Grown’s Sun Dried Tomato Hummus or Polenta Crostini with Sun Dried Apricot Topping. From there, fire up the grill with some typical staples such as burgers, hot dogs and skewers (tips for Traina’s Grilled Chicken Sun-Dried Apricot ones here), and dress them up with beyond-the-basics condiments such as Traina® Home Grown’s Sun Dried Tomato ketchups and BBQ sauce varieties (that include real sun dried fruit!).

Ask for Contributions — Cooking enthusiasts love an opportunity to show off their culinary prowess, so why not give them the chance? Hosting a pot luck for those that love to cook is a great way for everyone to highlight their favorite dish and it also takes the pressure off the host to provide the entire menu for guests. If there is a theme, note that on the invitation or set up a challenge by inviting all guests to bring their favorite version of potato salad, baked beans or dip, for example. 

Let the Good Times Roll — With the food set out and a drink station (or a big cooler filled with lots of choices, both alcoholic and non, on ice) in place, there’s nothing left to do but enjoy the party! Hosts should mix and mingle with all their guests and introduce people that may not have met before (or reintroduce those that may not be very familiar with one another). Then turn up the tunes, splash in the pool, play some yard games and simply be the life of the party! Guests would rather see the host enjoy themselves too than be holed up in the kitchen the entire time or refilling drinks all night. Part of being a good host is also engaging with guests — isn’t that what get-togethers are all about?

The Traina family wishes all their patrons a happy and safe Labor Day Weekend! For more tips, recipes and more, visit www.trainafoods.com.