The first Labor Day was way back in 1882, established to honor the contributions of hard-working Americans all over the country.

It’s a day to sit back, relax and reflect on the long days, the late nights and the weekend working that we’ve all had to put in at some point. Over the years, Labor Day has evolved to being a time to spend with friends and family as the summer draws to close and as school begins again.

And what better way to celebrate the holiday than in your backyard, on your patio or around your picnic table? If you’re outdoor designs are hurting a little due to a busy summer schedule – don’t worry. Here are some ideas for how to spruce up your patio furniture and picnic tables for one last summer party:

• Centerpieces and Floral Arrangements – adding a centerpiece or floral arrangement is a quick way to add color to a picnic table or patio table. Good House Keeping has some beautiful ideas, and since flowers are usually available at any local grocery store or farmer’s market, you can just add them to your Labor Day grocery shopping list.

• New cushions and/or pillows – It may seem counter-intuitive to buy new cushions for your outdoor furniture, but it’s actually a great time to buy because they’re on sale (including on Fifthroom.com). So if your outdoor furniture’s cushions are looking a little sun-bleached, think about getting new ones and show them off at your Labor Day party!
• Container Garden – Big, leafy, colorful plants in containers bring color and texture to your outdoor designs. The best part: if you’re in a pinch – like a little more than a week away from hosting a party – you can swing by a Home Depot and pick up some already-grown plants and arrange them in a little under an hour. Better Homes and Gardens has some tips on how to make a container garden that really shines.

• Unique outdoor furniture accent pieces – Unique accent pieces can be found in antique stores, at yard sales or at garden specialty stores. They’re great conversation starters if you’re hosting a party where not everyone knows each other. And, they can add color and light to your outdoor design, as seen with these glowing outdoor luminary globes.

There’s a little more than a week left until Labor Day so start your shopping list! For more outdoor design inspiration and to see everything that Fifthroom has to offer, from patio furniture to picnic tables to pergola kits, visit fifthroom.com.