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Labor Day hosting out in the sun.

Capture those last moments of summer.

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August 28, 2026 8:19am EDT

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Come On Over | Food52's guide to gathering.

Welcome to Come On Over, Food52's newsletter about hosting life's big and little moments.This week, our editor Allie is sharing her favorite ways to entertain outdoors while being mindful of the elements.

Every year, I host a Labor Day park picnic for my friends and family. We sit on blankets, uncover containers of cheese, sliced melon, and hearty salads. We argue over how to grill and we people-watch, of course. If we’re feeling particularly athletic, maybe we’ll strike up a game of cornhole.

There’s something undoubtedly special about Labor Day entertaining. It’s a time to reflect on special vacations and weekend trips, coupled with anticipating school starting up and the incoming fall. It's a gathering that marks the bittersweet end of a wonderful season. It’s worth taking a moment to celebrate with a proper outdoor get-together, big or small.

Al fresco gatherings are wonderfully flexible. Whether it’s grilling near the beach or sipping Session Margaritas in the pool, outdoor entertaining encourages you to bask in that temporary perfection of summer. However, you are not without challenges, being without refrigeration and dealing with dirt. Keep these things in mind as you prepare your al fresco dining festivities.

Celebrate the Harvest

Focus on seasonal produce for maximum flavor and plenty of color. This Spicy Bread and Tomato Salad (Panzanella) only gets better as it sits, and the Perfect Peach-Blueberry Pandowdy is a great way to celebrate the last harvest of these fruits.

Curate a warm-weather menu

Don’t worry about toting loads of ice. Instead, bring dishes that can be served at room temp. Ottolenghi’s Couscous, Cherry Tomato and Herb Salad is built to highlight summer tomatoes and this Antipasto Orzo Pasta Salad is actually better at room temperature than straight out of the fridge.

Protect Against the Elements

Sitting on picnic blankets is festive—until water seeps through. Even if it’s sunny out, the ground can be moist. Layer water resistant blankets on the ground to keep comfortably sitting (and maybe napping) for hours.

Set the Scene

Serve Outdoor-friendly Drinks

Enjoy your batched cocktails in a cup that’s made for the outdoors. Stanley insulated tumblers have lids to prevent heart-breaking spills, keep out dirt, bugs, or sand, and they’re double-wall insulated to hold onto their chill.

Sip in Style

Light the Night

The party doesn’t have to wrap up as the sun sets. A clever way to light your evening event is with lanterns that are stunning and safe. This rechargeable lantern is made with gorgeous handblown glass and it’s completely flameless.

Get the Look

Bring Games

Chatting and catching up is always the priority, but all that can be done against the background of good-natured competition. A simple pack of Uno cards, chess, or backgammon can do the trick. If you can’t decide on the game, this four-in-one game set can help.

Shop the Set

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