7 Ways to Make the Most of the Long Weekend
Throw a backyard party, clear out space for new fall clothes and enjoy one last summer adventure
Labor Day weekend marks the unofficial end of summer. With vacations wrapping up and kids starting a new school year, the transition from summer to fall can be bittersweet. Treat this long weekend like your own personal reset button, and make the shift in gears a bit smoother. These seven could-dos will help you savor the last days of summer and prepare for a productive fall.
2. Attend a Local Festival or Fair
Or take the party out into your community. Many cities have special events planned for the holiday weekend. For example, the San Francisco chapter of the American Institute of Architects is launching its annual Architecture and the City Festival on Sunday, Sept. 1. The monthlong festival also will feature walking and home tours, films, exhibitions, lectures and more.
Find a local architect on Houzz
Or take the party out into your community. Many cities have special events planned for the holiday weekend. For example, the San Francisco chapter of the American Institute of Architects is launching its annual Architecture and the City Festival on Sunday, Sept. 1. The monthlong festival also will feature walking and home tours, films, exhibitions, lectures and more.
Find a local architect on Houzz
3. Make Way for Fall Clothes
Take the time to clear out any clothes and accessories that don’t fit, are not flattering or are worn out, and make space for new fall purchases. If you have items you’ve been meaning to mend or have dry cleaned, make a point of getting it done this weekend. Once your wardrobe is upgraded, take the time to hang or fold everything neatly, and use hooks or baskets to keep accessories organized.
Take the time to clear out any clothes and accessories that don’t fit, are not flattering or are worn out, and make space for new fall purchases. If you have items you’ve been meaning to mend or have dry cleaned, make a point of getting it done this weekend. Once your wardrobe is upgraded, take the time to hang or fold everything neatly, and use hooks or baskets to keep accessories organized.
4. Get the Homework Zone in Shipshape
If you have kids in the house, the beginning of a new school year is a good time to give that study area a refresh. Clear out paper clutter, restock school supplies and add a few fun touches to personalize the space. If your child prefers doing homework at the kitchen table, keep things tidy by investing in a portable caddy or rolling cart to hold supplies.
Browse office carts, cabinets and stands
If you have kids in the house, the beginning of a new school year is a good time to give that study area a refresh. Clear out paper clutter, restock school supplies and add a few fun touches to personalize the space. If your child prefers doing homework at the kitchen table, keep things tidy by investing in a portable caddy or rolling cart to hold supplies.
Browse office carts, cabinets and stands
5. Go for One Last Summer Adventure With the Kiddos
Whether it’s to the beach, lake or woods — or just the tree house in the backyard — carve out some time this weekend to reconnect with your kids before they start the new school year. And as a reminder that fun doesn’t have to end just because we’re saying goodbye to summer, consider sitting down together to put monthly family adventures on the calendar.
Whether it’s to the beach, lake or woods — or just the tree house in the backyard — carve out some time this weekend to reconnect with your kids before they start the new school year. And as a reminder that fun doesn’t have to end just because we’re saying goodbye to summer, consider sitting down together to put monthly family adventures on the calendar.
6. Clean and Store Summer Gear
If it’s not likely the boogie boards, kayaks and canoes will see another day in the water this year, clean them up and store them safely away. Do the same for beach toys, folding chairs and swimming gear. And if you’re in need of new gear, take advantage of end-of-season sales this weekend to pick up some goodies to tuck away for next summer.
If it’s not likely the boogie boards, kayaks and canoes will see another day in the water this year, clean them up and store them safely away. Do the same for beach toys, folding chairs and swimming gear. And if you’re in need of new gear, take advantage of end-of-season sales this weekend to pick up some goodies to tuck away for next summer.
7. Find Some Time Just for You
What good is a long weekend without some downtime? Sway on the porch swing, take a walk on the nearest nature trail or get lost in a good book. Just an hour (or even 30 minutes) of time devoted to a practice that feeds your soul is enough to boost your energy and put you in a more positive frame of mind.
What good is a long weekend without some downtime? Sway on the porch swing, take a walk on the nearest nature trail or get lost in a good book. Just an hour (or even 30 minutes) of time devoted to a practice that feeds your soul is enough to boost your energy and put you in a more positive frame of mind.
Tell us: What are you looking forward to this weekend? Share in the Comments.
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More on Houzz
Simple Pleasures: Savor Summer’s Last Hurrah
9 Simple Ways to Savor Summer’s Final Days
Find pros for your next project
Shop for home products
Try one or more of the following ideas to make your end-of-summer fete extra special. Just remember that Labor Day is a popular day for backyard barbecues, so plan to do your shopping early if you want to avoid crowds.
- Choose a theme based on your summer vacation. Traveled to Hawaii? Put on some slack-key guitar, and light up the tiki torches!
- Boost ambiance with a set of string lights suspended above your party area.
- Have a fire pit? Don’t miss this chance to sneak in one more round of s’mores before summer slips away.
- Encourage guests to bring photos or souvenirs from their summer adventures to spark conversations.
Find outdoor lighting in the Houzz Shop