Labor Day Party Menus
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| Feta for Mezes Instagram / @ericdiesel |
On Labor Day proper, we cease all
work, although try telling that to those who work in hospitals,
police and fire stations, and malls. Labor Day is for rest, for
contemplation of autumn plans in the twilight of summer's passing. In
some municipalities, Labor Day remains a holiday for civic pride,
especially in towns built around industry and commerce, where local
business leaders sponsor picnics to which the entire town, meaning the
workforce and everyone from school teachers to grocery clerks who
support it, is invited. Still, the family-and-friends cookout reigns
on Labor Day, one last chance to splash around a pool, pipe some
music onto a patio, wolf a burger off a paper plate.
As John and I head off to our own Labor
Day in small town America, here are three menus for three popular
casual hangouts: a backyard barbecue Santa Maria style, a patio party
of appetizers for circulating or buffet, and All-American
burgers on the grill. As this is casual entertaining, it is likely
that your friends and family will come together naturally, but
remember to reach out through your preferred method (paper,
telephone, or e-invite) so that no one feels left out. As always,
when attendees ask what they can bring, it is correct to request wine
or beer, a bottle of liquor, a dessert or side dish that represents
their family tradition in the spirit of the event, ice, or a supply of take-home
containers for leftovers. Casual parties should have a minimum of
agenda, but creative friends can create a party game or two based
upon bingo or wheel of fortune, or you can supply paper supplies for
everyone to make a memory page of their summer. However you celebrate
it, happy Labor Day.
Labor Day Menus
For casual gatherings, menus for a
group should be an inexact science, as part of the fun is adding to
the food spread with guests' offerings. Plan to provide enough food
for one plate per person plus additional for snacks and dessert, and
enough drink for two to three per person. Mix and match these menus,
or any other of the recipes at Urban Home Blog, to suit your gathering. Most importantly, though - have fun!
Hamburgers on the Grill
Menu
Dessert
Drink
Note: Churn and serve the ice cream during the event.
Santa Maria Barbecue
Menu
Side
Dessert
Drink
California signature reds: Pinot Noir,
Cabernet Sauvignon
California signature whites: Chardonnay
Note: Set up a California Cheese Board to be served with a fresh loaf of wheat-rye
bread. Choose from among Humboldt Fog, Vella Dry Jack, Point Reyes Blue,
Purple Haze Goat, Cowgirl Red Hawk, Matos St. George, and Fiscalini
Bandaged Cheddar.
Patio Party
Dessert
Drink
Gin- and Vodka Tonics
Note: Make a Watermelon-Feta Meze by cutting the flesh of a seedless watermelon into bite-sized cubes. Arrange the cubes on a platter or in
a bowl. Drizzle with 1 – 2 shots Campari. Serve with a wedge of
Feta on the side.
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