42 • The Beacon August 3 , 2023

One last bash as summer winds down is a great way to send off a season that ’ s synonymous with recreation and leisure . And end-of-summer soirée also provides an opportunity to get together with friends and family before a new school year begins and families ’ schedules fill up .

As August inches closer to September , hosts can consider these tips as they plan a memorable sendoff to summer .

Avoid Labor Day weekend . Labor Day marks the unofficial end of summer in many places , but hosts may want to avoid choosing this popular three-day weekend for their end-ofsummer soirée . A survey from the travel experts at The Vacationer found that roughly 137 million people had travel plans over Labor Day weekend in 2022 . Travel is undeniably popular on Labor Day weekend , and hosts likely won ’ t want to contend with guests ’ travel plans . The weekend before Labor Day may produce a greater turnout , which undoubtedly makes for a more enjoyable affair .

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Pick a summer theme . An end-of-summer party should have a theme that evokes the season ’ s special vibe . A beach theme with some sand in the backyard , some specialty cocktails served with mini beach umbrellas and , of course , some water play for adults and kids can help to establish a vibe that ’ s synonymous with summer .

Serve traditional fare . Though hosts who already hosted a handful of backyard barbecues this summer might have had their fill of hamburgers and hot dogs , an end-of-summer party is the last time many people will eat such foods until next spring . So while it ’ s alright to offer some alternatives , such as meat cooked on a smoker or grilled fish , be sure to offer the standard hamburgers and hot dogs as well .

Invite the neighbors .

If possible , ensure outdoor entertaining areas can provide some respite from the elements if need be .

It ’ s tempting to throw a season-ending bash that lasts into the wee hours , but that can be problematic for hosts whose neighbors are within arm ’ s length . That potentially sticky situation can be remedied by inviting the neighbors to the party . Neighbors won ’ t be upset by a little extra nighttime noise if they ’ re living it up as well . If that ’ s not an option ,

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hosts can just remember to turn the volume down a notch once the sun sets .

Create a contingency plan . August can be a bit on the rainy side in many areas , particularly those where hurricane season hits full swing as summer winds down . Though summer storms tend to come and go in the blink of an eye , it ’ s best to have a contingency plan in place . If possible , ensure outdoor entertaining areas can provide some respite from the elements if need be . A well-placed pergola can keep guests and food safe from the rain and a retractable patio awning can provide an extra layer of protection . Hosts also can clear out part of their home interior and have some backup games at the ready to accommodate guests if the party has to move inside for a little while .

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