Celebrate the End of Summer with Some Upper Valley Style
Aug 21, 2017 08:40PM ● By Linda Ditch
Many people find the approaching
end of summer to be somewhat sad. No more swimming, boating, and cookouts. It’s
time to put away the outdoor gear and get out the leaf rakes and snow shovels. However,
others (myself included) say to summer, “Don’t let the door hit you on your way
out!”
Whether you’re saying a sad "so long" to summer or welcoming fall, now is a great time for one last cookout to
celebrate the transition. Labor Day Weekend gives you the perfect excuse to
hang out with friends and family before the rush of back-to-school and work
begins.
For the Patio
Start with decorating your deck or
patio. Picture a rustic, casual evening outdoors with plenty of hay bales scattered
about, some covered with soft (and washable) throw blankets. Color choices
could be a combination of summer and fall, with bright yellows and reds mixed with
muted greens, oranges, and browns. (Check out Tractor Supply or Longacres Nursery Center for the hay, or ask your favorite farmer at the farmers’ market if
you can borrow a few bales!)
One of my favorite things to do for a party is to
set up a television outside so sports fans (of which I’m one) can watch the
game. Just be sure to station the TV in the shade for optimum viewing.
For the table
For the table, a burlap runner provides
a rustic look and a neutral backdrop for other decorations. In the center,
position metal vases filled with sunflowers alongside bowls of shiny red
apples. Galvanized mini buckets can hold utensils, while washtubs set off to
the side can store iced beverages. Stores like Michaels, Dollar Tree, and
Jo-Ann Fabrics and Crafts will have what you need, though a visit to a
collectable shop or flea market—such as the Vermont Antique Mall in Quechee or the
Railroad Station Flea Market in Fairlee—might provide some unique and fun
decorations.
For the Menu
For the menu, the grill takes
center stage, of course, for one last encore. Stick with tradition by serving up
hot dogs and hamburgers, and set up a condiment bar so people can choose their
own toppings. You can hold a fun contest for the most creative hamburger and
hot dog and offer prizes. You can also print and frame condiment combinations,
such as how to make a Chicago dog, to set on the bar or write the directions on
a chalkboard.
For the Evening
As the sun goes down and the
temperatures cool, light up a campfire. When the fire gets going, it’s time for
s’mores. Set up a bar with all the traditional fixings of milk chocolate bars,
graham crackers, and marshmallows, as well as some nontraditional selections,
such as peanut butter cups, sliced strawberries, and raspberry jam. And be sure
to have plenty of sticks or long forks ready for toasting marshmallows.
One final gathering of friends and
family is a lovely way to end the summer. It will also add to summer memories
to keep us warm as we settle into the colder months ahead.
Hot dog and hamburger bar necessities include:
- Regular and poppy-seed hot dog buns
- Regular and onion hamburger buns
- Ketchup
- Mustards, yellow and brown
- Barbecue sauce
- Mayonnaise
- Salsa
- Sweet pickle relish
- Dill pickle slices
- Dill pickle spears
- Diced onion
- Sliced purple onion
- Sautéed onions
- Banana pepper slices
- Jalapeno pepper slices
- Sauerkraut
- Tomato slices
- Lettuce leaves
- Chili
- Coleslaw
- Crispy bacon, slices and crumbles
- Nacho cheese
- Blue cheese crumbles
- Sliced American, cheddar, and pepper-jack cheeses
- Grated cheddar cheese
Necessities for the s’mores bar include:
- Graham crackers in regular, cinnamon, and chocolate flavors
- Chocolate-covered graham cracker cookie squares
- Marshmallows
- Chocolate bars in milk, dark, mint, and cookies ’n cream flavors
- Caramel chocolate bars
- Sliced strawberries
- Peanut butter
- Chocolate hazelnut spread
- Raspberry jam
- Sticks or long forks for toasting marshmallows
What are your plans for Labor Day weekend?
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