These products will help you celebrate the end-of-summer holiday in your own backyard
As the final days of summer and the new school year approaches, Labor Day is just around the corner and definitely worth celebrating. Between pool parties and barbecues, Labor Day is a great opportunity for one last summer bash. It’s the perfect excuse to relax, spend quality time with family and friends and host a party in your backyard.
If you need Labor Day party ideas for your get-together this year, a little planning and the right items will make it a memorable event. We’ve rounded up products for a successful outdoor party for the Labor Day weekend.
Shop this article: Sol 72 Outdoor Merlyn Wicker/Rattan Five-Person Seating Group, Brightech Ambience Pro Outdoor String Lights and Ooni Fyra 12 Wood Pellet Pizza Oven
Labor Day party planning
-
Decide on a party type: Are you planning on hosting a backyard barbecue, pool party or cocktail party? You can even combine elements of these outdoor events, such as serving summer cocktails poolside.
-
Choose a theme: Throwing a themed party can add to the fun of Labor Day, though it’s not required. Some party theme ideas that are great for summer include tropical, coastal and nautical. Throw up some decorations that fit the theme and ask guests to dress for the occasion.
-
Make your yard inviting: Before inviting guests to Labor Day celebration, you’ll want to make your backyard a place that’s ideal for having a summer party. After tidying it up and mowing the grass, adding some outdoor lighting will give it more of a party feel. Also, be sure to have plenty of outdoor furniture so that guests can gather to eat and socialize. If you don’t have a patio or deck, a gazebo will provide shelter from the sun or unexpected rainy weather.
-
Think about your menu: Deciding on what you’ll serve at your backyard event should be a key part of your party plans. When it comes to summertime meals for a group, most guests opt for recipes that are simple yet satisfying. For a holiday barbecue, have your grill ready to fire up for hot dogs, hamburgers, steaks and more. Party-goers may also appreciate an alternative like pizza from an outdoor oven and finger foods. A large cooler filled with ice and drinks makes it easy for your guests to help themselves to cold beverages.
-
Include entertainment: Entertaining people during a backyard party is easy. Lawn games pair perfectly with outdoor gatherings when it’s warm outside. Adding music to the scene with a portable Bluetooth speaker will put everyone in a party mood.
Best outdoor decor items for a backyard Labor Day party
Sol 72 Outdoor Merlyn Wicker/Rattan Five-Person Seating Group
What you need to know: If you are looking for a stylish outdoor furniture set for your next party, this one won’t disappoint.
What you’ll love: Durable and attractive, this wicker patio furniture includes comfortable cushioning and a useful table. The modern sectional can accommodate as many as six adults.
What you should consider: The price of this outdoor sectional set is on the higher side, but not out of line, considering the quality.
Where to buy: Sold by Wayfair
Brightech Ambience Pro Outdoor String Lights
What you need to know: With these string lights, you can add a nice glow to your party while keeping the activities going after the sun goes down.
What you’ll love: You can connect several strands of these outdoor string lights to create a pleasant atmosphere in your outdoor space. The antique look of the bulbs adds a decorative touch.
What you should consider: Some of the bulbs on a strand may burn out prematurely.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Best cooking items for a backyard Labor Day party meal
Ooni Fyra 12 Wood Pellet Pizza Oven
What you need to know: If you’ve always wanted to make stone-fired pizza at home, this outdoor pizza oven will delight you with restaurant-quality results.
What you’ll love: The Ooni 12 is easy to set up and clean, so it’s perfect for outdoor entertaining. It bakes pizza quickly and produces excellent results with a crispy crust and tasty toppings.
What you should consider: This Ooni pizza oven is pricey, but most owners agree that it’s a solid investment for preparing delicious outdoor cuisine.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
What you need to know: Anyone who needs a cooler that can hold everyone’s drinks will appreciate the value of this large model.
What you’ll love: This Igloo cooler will keep drinks cold for hours even though it’s lightweight and easy to maneuver. The spacious interior will hold up to 83 cans.
What you should consider: The durability is questionable compared to some pricier options, but it’s still a good deal.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Weber Spirit E-310 Liquid Propane Gas Grill
What you need to know: This is a good-looking propane grill with all of the bells and whistles that make grilling outside worth it.
What you’ll love: With a feature set that includes a large cooking surface, push-button start and easy-to-move casters, the Weber grill is party-ready. This Weber gas grill features a grill cabinet and dual side tables, which add to the convenience of preparing a backyard barbecue.
What you should consider: Some owners have reported rust and occasional faulty fuel gauges.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Grilljoy 24-Piece Grill Tool Set
What you need to know: Any avid grill cook will welcome the useful grilling tools that are included in this comprehensive set.
What you’ll love: You can have all of the grill tools you need in one handy spot with this 24-piece set. It comes with a case for transport and storage.
What you should consider: It’s a rare occurrence, but some tools have been damaged upon arrival.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Best entertainment items for a backyard Labor Day party
JBL Flip 5 Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker
What you need to know: You’ll get decent sound from this small yet capable JBL speaker that comes in a choice of several fun colors.
What you’ll love: The waterproof Bluetooth speaker lets you keep the party going, even in wet conditions. It produces nice sounds, with a full charge lasting for up to 12 hours of playtime.
What you should consider: This is a mono speaker, which may be a deal-breaker for some.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon and Kohl’s
What you need to know: Spikeball is a popular lawn game, and this set has all the pieces necessary for adding a little competition to your backyard get-togethers.
What you’ll love: This Spikeball game set is easy to set up and play with. It comes with three balls and instructions. It’s also highly portable and includes a carrying bag.
What you should consider: Durability can be an issue, especially with rough play.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon and Dick’s Sporting Goods
Best patriotic picks for a backyard Labor Day party
Labrostar Patriotic Decorations
What you need to know: This festive set contains a variety of decorations including U.S.A. and star banners, hanging swirls and pom poms that will set the mood for your party.
What you’ll love: The set is perfect for a variety of American holidays and can be stored and reused multiple times.
What you should consider: Much of the decorations are made of paper, which lacks durability.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Juvale American Flag Plates, Napkins, Cups, Cutlery
What you need to know: This patriotic set of plates, napkins, cups and cutlery serves 24 people.
What you’ll love: For a themed party, the American flag-inspired set will add festive flair to your table as everyone gathers for the meal.
What you should consider: The paper pieces are recyclable but not reusable.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Want to shop the best products at the best prices? Check out Daily Deals from BestReviews.
Sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter for useful advice on new products and noteworthy deals.
Jennifer Manfrin writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2023 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved.