Howcast

How to Throw a Labor-Free Labor Day Party

Howcast — Sat, 06 Aug 2011 12:00:44 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Limit the drinks Limit the drinks to wine and beer so you don’t have to play bartender.
Step 2: Make a list Make a general list of appetizers, side dishes, and desserts you’d like to serve at your party. Have it ready when you invite friends and they inevitably ask, “what can I bring?” Or just assign them a course and leave the details to them.
FACT: While the U.S. celebrates Labor Day on the first Monday in September, much of the rest of the world celebrates May 1.
Step 3: Pre-cook an entree Unless you’re a really demanding host, you’ll probably be stuck providing the entree. Instead of standing over a grill all day, consider cooking the day before and serving the main dish cold. Or prepare an entree that can be made — and served — in a slow cooker, like pulled pork.
TIP: If you want to offer a cocktail, provide one that can be made in big batches in advance, like margaritas.
Step 4: Use disposable plates Use disposable plates, cups, and utensils without guilt with biodegradable products — some are even compostable. Or invest in heavy-duty plasticware that’s dishwasher safe and reusable.
Step 5: Rope guests into cleaning Start cleaning up while plenty of guests are still around so they’ll be guilted into helping. When enough people have joined in, excuse yourself to go to the bathroom — and don’t reappear until they’re done.
Step 6: Leave the rest Leave any remaining cleanup for tomorrow; there’s no sense in ruining your labor-free Labor Day party now!

You Will Need

Food assignments
Make-ahead entree
Limited bar
Disposable dinnerware
Manipulation
Make-ahead cocktail (optional)

How to Deal with the End-of-Summer Blues

Howcast — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 04:06:59 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Remember Indian Summer Summer may be ending, but take heart: An “Indian summer” — a period of unusually warm temperatures — is likely between late October and mid-November. Plus, the hot weather doesn’t just disappear on Labor Day; there will be several more days in September fit for outdoor fun.
Step 2: Plan something fun Book a special fall outing — even a mini-vacation, if you can swing it — so you have something to look forward to.
Step 3: Preserve the taste of summer Preserve the taste of summer by putting up fruit preserves and pickling vegetables. Make a party out of it by inviting friends over to help.
TIP: Check out Howcast’s videos on preserving produce, including “How to Pickle Vegetables”:http://www.howcast.com/videos/214948-How-To-Pickle-Vegetables?p=6381 and “How to Make Jams and Preserves”:http://www.howcast.com/videos/218415-How-To-Make-Jams-and-Preserves
Step 4: Make a list Make a list of all the things you like about fall and winter and put it somewhere visible, like on your fridge. It will serve as a reminder that the good times don’t end in August.
Step 5: Go clothes shopping Go clothes shopping. Seeing the new fall and winter styles — and buying one or two pieces you can’t wait to wear — will take some of the sting out of the summer ending.
Step 6: Get over it Still suffering the end-of-summer blues? Well, there’s just one thing to do — get over it! The world hasn’t ended, only summer. And it will be back again next year.
FACT: A recent survey found that nearly half of U.S. workers felt unmotivated about returning to work after Labor Day, citing little to no time off during the summer as a main reason.

You Will Need

Fall outing
Summer fruits and veggies
Autumn and winter positives
New clothes
Maturity

How to Plan a Last-Minute Labor Day Weekend Getaway

Howcast — Thu, 30 Dec 2010 11:30:47 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Watch for hotel bargains Be on the lookout for hotel bargains. Some hotel rates are nearly half of the high season rates during Labor Day weekend. Search travel websites for hotel bargains to get started.
TIP: Some restaurants offer Labor Day discounts.
Step 2: Visit a large city Consider visiting a larger U.S. city. There won’t be any business travelers there during the holiday, so hotels with extra rooms may be offering deals.
Step 3: Watch for other deals Keep your eyes peeled for other deals. Cruise ships, Amtrak, and airport parking garages may all offer discounts during the weekend.
Step 4: Be flexible If you just have to get away, and you don’t care where you go, search for last-minute package deals that online travel sites were not able to sell. They’ll be cut rate as the holiday weekend approaches. Now have a great holiday!
FACT: The first Labor Day holiday was celebrated on September 5, 1882, in New York City.

You Will Need

Airfares
Internet access
Hotels
Cities
Discounts
Restaurants (optional)

How to Celebrate Labor Day

Howcast — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 10:16:27 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Go to beach Gather sand toys, beach balls, and water toys, and head to the beach. Labor Day happens at the end of the summer season, so there are few chances left to enjoy the sun and sand!
Step 2: Go to a parade Take the kids to see the floats, marching bands, and clowns at a Labor Day parade.
TIP: Arrive early to get a good spot.
Step 3: Go camping Pack up the fishing poles, marshmallows, and tents, and go camping at your favorite campsite. Labor Day weekend is a perfect three-day holiday to get away from civilization.
Step 4: Enjoy the water Enjoy the water by renting jet skis or going on a boat ride.
Step 5: Pack a lunch Take the family to the park to play Frisbee, fly a kite, or have a picnic.
Step 6: Spend the day with friends Enjoy the day with friends and family by eating together at a cookout.
Step 7: Stay home Grab your favorite drink, a lawn chair, and a good book, if you’d rather stay at home and enjoy the peace and quiet. However you celebrate, remember that honoring workers means taking the day off!
FACT: Congress passed legislation making Labor Day a national holiday in 1894.

You Will Need

Beach toys
Beach
Parade
Camping
Jet skis or boat
Park
Cookout
Favorite drink
Lawn chair
Book