11 Designers Give Their Stylish Tips For Celebrating Labor Day

FLORALS

“I love using red, white and blue florals for inside as well as sticking with those colors on a tablescape. When entertaining, lighting is so important—I make sure to have a mix of low lamps and candlelight.” —Mary Patton, Mary Patton Design

“My hydrangeas often have a second bloom this time of year in a deep eggplant, and I mix in late ranunculus and astilbes for a more vibrant arrangement. In New England, Labor Day is the last hurrah of summer so I celebrate with the best of our colorful flowers, a great cocktail and of course the food. Inside, I use this time as a changing of the tides and start to dress the house toward more fall florals and change out our pillows and bed linens to stay a little cozier as the nights get cooler.” —Kathryn Hunt, Kathryn Hunt Studio

“I believe that any moment is an opportunity to make something elevated and memorable. When entertaining, I like to pick flowers from my garden and place them in small glass containers on the table. It is a wonderfully personal way to add texture and fragrance. Incorporating colorful linen napkins is a great way to have a bit of fun with color and pattern. And lastly, mixing in candles of various heights and colors allows for an effortless transition from day to night and adds a bit of charm to the setting overall!” —Glenna Stone, Glenna Stone

OUTDOOR ENTERTAINING

“Design a chic outdoor living space that enhances comfort and aesthetics. Arrange seating with a combination of stylish outdoor furniture, like cushioned loungers or modern patio chairs, and add colorful throw pillows or blankets for extra coziness. Use outdoor rugs to define the space and add a touch of elegance. Incorporate ambient lighting with string lights, lanterns or fire pits to create a cozy, inviting atmosphere as the sun sets. Don’t forget to include functional elements like a chic beverage station or a small bar cart for serving drinks.” —Jonah Kilday, MK Workshop

“In Florida, the heat is still sweltering on Labor Day, so it’s about having fun while staying cool. This means a day spent around the pool, with great cocktails and some shade. Right now, I’m loving the Coral Spray napkin rings from Kim Seybert; they will dress up any table. And Juliska outdoor dinnerware is a must.” —Lindsay MacRae, Lindsay MacRae Interiors

“I live near the Berkshires and every party here is effortless. Flowers from the gardens, mismatched silverware and dinnerware, mason jars for drinks, gingham cotton/linen tablecloths—I love the effortless approach and it makes hosting a breeze. If you can think of the easiest way to entertain and not overdo it, that’s my suggestion. But, please, no paper plates!” —Abigail Horace, Casa Marcelo

“Late summer/early fall farm fresh foods in a collection of handmade mismatched pottery. A steel fire pit with seasoned wood and cedar shavings, and cozy blankets tossed over Adirondack chairs. And late summer blooms and wild grass in a natural bouquet with battery-operated candles set on a burlap runner.” —Rachael Grochowski, RHG Architecture + Design

“My favorite way to celebrate Labor Day is at my weekend house in the country. It is a weekend of nonstop entertaining but in the most casual way. I love creating gourmet picnic baskets for large group canoe trips down the Delaware River. For nighttime parties around the fire pit, it’s all about the lighting. I string carnival lights in the yard and light tons of candles to create a wonderful vibe.” —Lisa Frantz, Lisa Frantz Interiors

Incorporating a theme

“Add a touch of the American flag colors without being too literal. Think about using a muted red, white and blue palette but in a more sophisticated way—such as soft terracotta, pale blush, and deep navy. Incorporate natural elements like potted plants or a vertical garden wall to blur the lines between the indoor and outdoor spaces, making the area feel cozy and connected to nature. Start by defining the space with an outdoor rug that adds pattern and texture.” —Elizabeth Graziolo, Yellow House Architects

“Serve cocktails that feature red, white and blue, and add in natural woven materials; i.e., rattan chargers with white dinnerware featuring limited pops of red and blue.” —Evan Millárd, Millárd

“Pluck fresh flowers from the garden, create an Americana-themed tablescape with vintage linens in red, white and blue, and use vintage Americana quilts as throw blankets.” —Jennifer Hunter, Jennifer Hunter Design

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