Hosting an adult-only Labor Day BBQ? Take your backyard gathering to the next level with an elevated menu featuring gourmet dishes, stylish decor ideas, and engaging games. From lobster rolls to truffle mac and cheese, this guide provides everything you need to create a sophisticated, memorable event.
As Labor Day approaches, it’s time to plan the ultimate adult-only backyard BBQ. This year, why not elevate your gathering with a sophisticated menu, stylish decor, and fun games that will leave a lasting impression on your guests? Whether you’re a seasoned host or throwing your first backyard bash, this guide has everything you need to make your Labor Day BBQ an event to remember.
Elevated Food Menu
Appetizers
Start your party off right with appetizers that combine luxury with flavor. Consider serving mini lobster rolls on brioche buns, or impress your guests with duck confit crostini topped with fig jam and microgreens. For seafood lovers, grilled oysters with garlic butter and Parmesan make for an indulgent treat. Vegetarian and vegan guests will appreciate the thoughtfulness of grilled veggie platters or vegan stuffed mushrooms bursting with flavor. Here are some other options:
Grilled Shrimp Skewers with a garlic-lime marinade.
Stuffed Mini Peppers: Fill with a mixture of goat cheese, herbs, and pine nuts.
Caprese Skewers: Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, fresh basil, and a balsamic glaze.
Charcuterie Board: Include gourmet cheeses, cured meats, olives, nuts, and artisan crackers.
Lobster Rolls on Brioche Buns: Mini lobster rolls with a lemon-herb aioli, served in bite-sized brioche buns.
Duck Confit Crostini: Crispy crostini topped with tender duck confit, fig jam, and microgreens.
Tuna Tartare: Fresh tuna, avocado, sesame seeds, and a soy-ginger dressing served on crispy wonton chips.
Truffle Deviled Eggs: Classic deviled eggs elevated with truffle oil and a sprinkle of chives.
Grilled Oysters: Topped with garlic butter and Parmesan, served with lemon wedges.
Vegetarian / Vegan Appetizers
Grilled Veggie Platter: Asparagus, zucchini, portobello mushrooms, bell peppers, and eggplant with a balsamic glaze.
Vegan Stuffed Mushrooms: Portobello mushrooms filled with quinoa, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes.
Watermelon Salad: With arugula, vegan feta, and a mint vinaigrette.
Main Course
Take your main course to new heights with dishes like herb-marinated grilled chicken or cedar plank salmon with a maple-soy glaze. For a real showstopper, serve grilled tomahawk steaks, or opt for seafood paella cooked in a large paella pan on the grill. Vegetarian and vegan options like vegan BBQ jackfruit sandwiches or grilled portobello burgers ensure that every guest is well-fed and satisfied. Here are some other options:
Herb-Marinated Grilled Chicken: Served with a chimichurri sauce.
BBQ Ribs: Slow-cooked with a homemade bourbon BBQ sauce.
Lobster Tails: Grilled with garlic butter.
Grilled Tomahawk Steaks: Thick-cut tomahawk steaks seasoned with rosemary and garlic, grilled to perfection.
Cedar Plank Salmon: Salmon fillets cooked on cedar planks with a maple-soy glaze, served with a side of dill yogurt sauce.
Rack of Lamb: Marinated in a mixture of rosemary, garlic, and Dijon mustard, then grilled and served with a mint chimichurri.
Seafood Paella: A rich and flavorful dish with saffron rice, shrimp, mussels, clams, and chorizo, cooked in a large paella pan on the grill.
Wagyu Beef Sliders: Mini sliders made with premium Wagyu beef, topped with caramelized onions, arugula, and truffle aioli.
Vegetarian / Vegan Main Course
Vegan BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches: Served on a brioche bun with coleslaw.
Grilled Portobello Burgers: Marinated in balsamic vinegar and topped with avocado and caramelized onions.
Vegan Sausages: Served with grilled onions and peppers.
Vegan Grilled Flatbreads: Topped with roasted red peppers, artichokes, olives, and a drizzle of balsamic reduction.
Stuffed Acorn Squash: Roasted acorn squash filled with wild rice, cranberries, pecans, and a hint of maple syrup.
Cauliflower Steaks: Thick slices of cauliflower grilled with harissa and served with a tahini sauce.
Vegan Mushroom Wellington: A savory mushroom and walnut filling wrapped in puff pastry, served with a red wine reduction.
Grilled Eggplant Rollatini: Grilled eggplant slices filled with cashew ricotta and spinach, topped with marinara sauce.
Sides
Elevate your side dishes with choices like truffle mac and cheese or grilled asparagus with hollandaise sauce. A refreshing heirloom tomato and burrata salad adds color and sophistication to your table, while vegan options like vegan mac and cheese and grilled sweet potatoes with maple glaze offer delicious alternatives. Here are some other options:
Truffle Mac and Cheese: Made with a blend of gourmet cheeses.
Grilled Corn on the Cob: With lime, chili powder, and cotija cheese.
Quinoa Salad: With roasted vegetables, chickpeas, and a lemon-tahini dressing.
Lobster Mac and Cheese: A decadent twist on a classic, made with a blend of cheeses and chunks of lobster.
Grilled Asparagus with Hollandaise Sauce: Crisp asparagus spears grilled and served with a rich hollandaise sauce.
Heirloom Tomato and Burrata Salad: Colorful heirloom tomatoes paired with creamy burrata, fresh basil, and a drizzle of olive oil.
Truffle Parmesan Fries: Crispy fries tossed in truffle oil and grated Parmesan, served with a garlic aioli.
Creamed Spinach with Nutmeg: A rich and velvety spinach side dish with a hint of nutmeg for warmth.
Vegetarian / Vegan Sides
Vegan Mac and Cheese: Made with cashew cheese sauce.
Vegan Potato Salad: With a mustard vinaigrette.
Grilled Sweet Potatoes: With a maple glaze.
Desserts
Elevate your side dishes with choices like truffle mac and cheese or grilled asparagus with hollandaise sauce. A refreshing heirloom tomato and burrata salad adds color and sophistication to your table, while vegan options like vegan mac and cheese and grilled sweet potatoes with maple glaze offer delicious alternatives. Here are some other options:
Mini Cheesecakes: Topped with fresh berries.
Chocolate Fondue Station: With fruits, marshmallows, and pretzels for dipping.
Grilled Peaches: Served with a dollop of vanilla ice cream.
Molten Lava Cakes: Individual chocolate cakes with a gooey, molten center, served with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.
Pistachio Cannoli: Traditional Italian cannoli filled with a pistachio-infused ricotta filling, dusted with powdered sugar.
Affogato Bar: Offer an affogato bar with a selection of gelato flavors and espresso shots for guests to pour over their choice.
Lemon Basil Sorbet: A refreshing and light dessert, served in chilled glasses with a basil leaf garnish.
Mini Tarts: Assorted mini tarts with fillings like lemon curd, raspberry, and dark chocolate ganache.
Vegetarian / Vegan Desserts
Vegan Chocolate Mousse: Topped with coconut whipped cream.
Grilled Pineapple Slices: Sprinkled with cinnamon and served with coconut ice cream.
Elevated Cocktails & Mocktails
No Labor Day BBQ is complete without a well-curated drink menu. Offer elevated cocktails like a rosemary gin fizz, spicy margarita with a chili-salt rim, or a peach bourbon smash. For those who prefer non-alcoholic options, mocktails like a cucumber mint cooler or sparkling lavender lemonade will keep things refreshing and sophisticated. Here are some other options:
Cocktails
Rosemary Gin Fizz: Gin, rosemary syrup, lemon juice, and soda water.
Spicy Margarita: Tequila, lime juice, jalapeño slices, and a chili-salt rim.
Peach Bourbon Smash: Fresh peaches, Maker's Mark, mint, and ginger beer.
Champagne Mojito: White Rum, lime juice, simple syrup, mint, and champagne.
Elderflower Champagne Spritz: St-Germain, lemon juice, and champagne.
Mocktails
Cucumber Mint Cooler: Fresh cucumber, mint, lime juice, and soda water.
Sparkling Lavender Lemonade: Lavender syrup, lemon juice, and sparkling water.
Virgin Piña Colada: Coconut cream, pineapple juice, and crushed ice.
Stylish Decor Suggestions
Create a chic and inviting atmosphere with a navy blue, gold, and white color scheme. Hang Edison bulb string lights for a warm, inviting glow as the sun sets. Set elegant table settings with white tablecloths, gold accents, and fresh flower arrangements. A cozy lounge area with outdoor rugs, plush cushions, and a fire pit will encourage guests to relax and enjoy the evening.
Fun Games For Adults
Keep the fun going with a mix of classic and creative games. Set up a cornhole tournament with customized boards that match your decor, or try lawn bowling with a modern twist. For a bit of suspense, bring out a giant Jenga set. You can also host a mixology contest, encouraging guests to create their own signature cocktail or mocktail, or test everyone’s knowledge with a summer-themed trivia game. Shop some of my favorite lawn games here.
In Closing
With this guide, you’re ready to host an elevated, unforgettable Labor Day BBQ that your guests will be talking about for years to come. From gourmet menu options to stylish decor and engaging games, every detail has been covered to ensure your event is a hit. Cheers to a successful celebration!
For booking and more info email bookme@djmonie.com.
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