Rip & Tan

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Everything You Need for the Perfect Labor Day Weekend

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Food & Drink

Everything You Need for the Perfect Labor Day Weekend

August 28, 2023

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If we’re measuring our summer in truly memorable gatherings, we can safely say it’s been one for the books. So, as we prepare to celebrate the end of one season and the beginning of another, the question begs—why improve on perfection? We’ve pulled from the best of the Rip & Tan archives to compile a complete guide to end-of-summer celebrations. Whether you prefer a casual pizza party, show-stopping evening spread, or the perfect simple Sunday brunch, we’ve got a menu—and coinciding tablescape—to make it all the more effortless. Read on for everything from easy dinner ideas (that impress nonetheless) to the cappelletti spritz recipe you didn’t know you needed.

outdoor dining table in the grass with a white linen tablecloth and wooden dining chairs

Everything You Need for the Perfect Labor Day Weekend

The Outdoor Dinner

With summer as her muse and simplicity as her guide, designer Devon Liedtke’s approach to seasonal entertaining is as inspired as it is easy to recreate. By keeping her table clean and a little rustic, her vibrant stone fruit pavlova recipe and spread of refreshing summer cocktails take rightful center stage. Topped off with a few personal touches—plus fresh blooms, of course—it’s the picture of a perfect summer gathering.

grating parmesan into a taupe bowl of pasta on a linen placematPacific Soup Bowl, Taupe, Regular: $30 | Member: $24
summer cocktail with an orange hue and a sprig of garnishing on a linen tablecloth
summer Pavlova toppen with golden berries on a white serving platter

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two clear glasses on a wooden outdoor dining table filled with campari spritz
roasted vegetables including carrots on taupe serving platters

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The Pizza Party

As an ode to the pizza parties we all grew up with, Leanne Citrone’s refined take on the occasion is what summer gatherings should all be about—total and complete ease. From her relaxed Italian-inspired setting (backyard pizza oven optional) and her go-to easy cake recipe (we’re obsessed with citrus and cardamom for summer) to her philosophy on getting guests involved, the goal is to have your party and enjoy it too.

outdoor wooden dining table with an olive oil cake and pizzas on ivory dinnerware

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Photos by Devon Liedtke and Nicki Sebastian and Bliss Kaufman