Have A No-Labor Labor Day Party Slideshow

Instead of hosting a luncheon or dinner party, pack a picnic and head out to the beach or park for a casual meal outside. Easy! As there is no need to set a table and often fewer dishes to clean. Try this menu featuring dishes you can make in advance.

If entertaining at home, set up a buffet table instead of plating each plate. It requires less effort on your part and adds to your gatherings' relaxed feeling. If it's warm and sunny, you don't even have to set up a formal buffet if you've got a grill. When you're surrounded by chatty friends (and a cold beer in hand) grilling isn't even considered "work" (it's a hobby, right?). Fire it up! From burgers to vegetables, grilled pizzas to grilled fruit desserts, the options are nearly limitless. Read our tips for making the perfect burger, then check out our ideas for grilling chicken, lettuce, fruit, even pizza.

 Potlucks are great, especially if you're expecting 20 guests on Labor Day Monday. Everyone loves a potluck, and both hosts and guests are happy as there is plenty of good food and something for every taste and palate. Just remember to ask guests to make enough for everyone and choose something that is readily portable and doesn't require any extra labor on the host's behalf (no last-minute heating). Here are some of our favorite potluck-friendly dishes to try.

 Potlucks are great, especially if you're expecting 20 guests on Labor Day Monday. Everyone loves a potluck, and both hosts and guests are happy as there is plenty of good food and something for every taste and palate. Just remember to ask guests to make enough for everyone and choose something that is readily portable and doesn't require any extra labor on the host's behalf (no last-minute heating). Here are some of our favorite potluck-friendly dishes to try.

If you're set on steak frites or craving fried chicken, don't let your low-maintenance menu deter you from serving what you really want. Just leave it up to the pros at Mickey D's and KFC and supplement your grilled rib eye with fries or cole slaw and mac 'n cheese with fried chicken.

Practice your assembly and presentation skills by picking up some grocery store staples (we promise, it's what many pros do). Pull out some everyday plates and bowls and create an eye-catching spread of appetizers and desserts without even turning on the stove or oven. (We've got even more to try here.)

Serving up a special cocktail doesn't require you to have a special mixologist on hand. Aside from BYOB and a bucket of ice cold beers, a well-planned signature drink will add something special without taking up too much time. For adults, a self-serve prosecco bar is one of my favorite ideas — all you need is sorbet and bubbly. Sherry Lemonade is both cool and refreshing. For something sweet, how can anyone resist a creamy milkshake (just sub chocolate syrup for the Baileys if you're serving kids)? All it takes is the push of a blender button and voilà.

In an effort to keep tasks to a minimum, divide and conquer what needs to be done with friends. A couple of friends can help prep/make the meal, another can tend the bar. And don't forget the dishes need to be done, too — isn't that what teenage kids are perfect for?

Just because you're keeping things simple when it comes to entertaining over Labor Day weekend doesn't mean the party has to be devoid of style. Leave the table bare and add color and texture with what is outside. Clip grasses, leaves, and wildflowers and place them in glass goblets or highballs instead of traditional flowers. Don't have a yard or live in a city? Raid the fruit drawer of your fridge and pile whatever you find into bowls and atop cake stands for an unusual yet visually appealing look. You can also try it with vegetables, too. 

Good music does wonders for a party. Check out our favorites for summer, and don't forget a couple of patriotic tunes, of course. Make a big playlist on your iPod (or tune into Pandora) and then let the music play on its own, no babysitting the remote or changing CDs necessary.