Sliding out of summer

Petite Labor Day barbeque portions have super-size flavor

Family Features

Friends and family across the country will gather for backyard bonanzas to celebrate Labor Day. While hamburgers and hot dogs have been staples of barbecue menus for years, modern party-throwers are always looking for new tips and recipes to satisfy guests at celebratory cookouts.

Here are a few ideas to help you throw a sensational Labor Day soiree:

Guard your guests: Shield your guests from the summer heat by setting up a large umbrella over the patio table, place chairs under trees for shade or have an outdoor fan running. When the sun sets, make sure the party is well lit by hanging festive lanterns and deter pesky insects with citronella candles.

Keep cool knowing you’re prepared: To fully enjoy the day, plan in advance as much as possible. Be sure to stock up on supplies such as plates, napkins, utensils and ice. Get charcoal or refill the propane tank beforehand, and clean and season the grill rack the morning of your barbecue.

Create hot spots: Make different areas of interest around your yard to prevent everyone from congregating in one place. Put your bar opposite of where you’re serving the food. Set up games for both children and adults to encourage movement around the party and interaction with each other.

Super-size fun with petite portions: Dishes with smaller serving sizes are currently the rage and offer guests more tastes to choose from. Give guests petite portions of classic barbecue favorites such as sliders, minichicken sandwiches or hotdog bites. A number of perfect party recipes are available at King’s Hawaiian Bakery’s website, www.kingshawaiian.com.

Here is a delicious recipe that will be sure to keep your friends and family talking about your Labor Day barbecue all year long.