Labor Day, Summer's Last Fling

I have never truly gotten on well with Labor Day.  Groundhog Day, I dig both in day and movie form.  Arbor Day, I’m good.  Even though I’m not French and have never been to France, I like Bastille Day – thank you Alexandre Dumas and Victor Hugo.  But, I viscerally dislike Labor Day.  Aside from my inherent slacker’s distaste for labor in general, it’s also the psychological demarcation of summer’s end.  In the tender days of my youth, it was the day that signaled the start of the new school year, wounds that never truly healed.  And, of course, it begins the ban on wearing white.  Admittedly, I don’t wear a lot of white to begin with, but I like having the option open to me.

Having said all that, I’m not entirely dismissive of Labor Day’s upsides: It’s a three-day weekend and it provides an excellent opportunity to throw a party.  It also marks the shift to more dressy gatherings endemic to the winter/Holiday Season.  So, it’s a chance to write about one of my pet, cocktail-related theories -- The Party Spectrum.

At one end of that shimmering arc of fellowship and good times is a small gathering of friends relaxing and enjoying each other’s company over beverages and maybe some chips.  At the other end is that swank, sophisticated, dressed-for-success party with a full bar and fancy food served by strolling waiters.  Most people find a happy range in the middle of the spectrum and move from summer, barbeque parties held outside in flip-flops to holiday parties with a spirits bar and really ugly sweaters.

I like using the concept of the Party Spectrum as a planning tool to help outline what sort of drinks and food to offer, if there’s a need to decorate, and if I can flounce about in my cargo shorts and ratty Pixies T-shirt.

If you’re not sure what type of drinks you want to offer guests, how do you know what booze you need to buy?  Staking out your spot on the Party Spectrum provides a sort of outline for planning, which will save both time and money.

So, this is my Labor Day rallying call for one last party on summer’s end of the Party Spectrum before we all have to hang up our white leisure suits.  Have a great weekend!

If you’re looking for some more fun cocktail-related videos, check out the 30-Second Bartender channel on YouTube at www.youtube.com/user/30secondbartender.  And, don’t forget to give me a “like” on Facebook.  More recipes are available at www.30-SecondBartender.com!

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