Labor Day Entertaining: Ice Buckets & Outdoor Serveware

Labor Day falls on the first Monday of September. It honors the American labor movement and the contributions of working people, and for most families it marks the unofficial end of summer – one last long weekend, one last cookout, one last evening outside before school and work schedules take over.

Make it a good one. Here are our end-of-summer entertaining ideas: ice buckets that keep up with a crowd, serveware that can live outdoors for an afternoon, and a few pieces to carve and serve from the grill.

Ice Buckets That Keep Up

On a hot September afternoon, ice goes fast. Put one bucket by the drinks and one by the wine. See all Christofle ice buckets and bar tools.

Christofle Club 30 Stainless Steel Insulated Ice Bucket

An insulated ice bucket with removable cooling inserts that keep ice chilled throughout service. A recessed detail gives an easy grip, and a silicone base protects the table.

Michael Aram Ocean Reef Ice Bucket – Coral

A handcrafted metal ice bucket from Michael Aram's Ocean Reef collection, beautifully boxed – a last reminder of the beach.

William Yeoward Daisy B Ice Bucket

From William Yeoward's American Bar "Daisy B" collection: handmade glass with hand cutting in a leafy fern motif. Perfect for ice – or for a bouquet of late-summer flowers.

L'Objet Prism Ice Bucket + Tongs – Green

A green ice bucket with its own tongs from L'Objet's Prism collection.

Match Pewter Wine Cooler

Handmade Italian pewter, cast and finished by hand, to keep a bottle of white or rosé cold on the table.

Salad Bowls and Platters

The end-of-summer table is all about the garden: tomatoes, corn, peaches and herbs. Serve them in pieces big enough for a crowd.

Michael Aram Reflective Wood Salad Bowl

A handcrafted salad bowl from Michael Aram's Reflective collection, beautifully boxed. Also see the Butterfly Ginkgo wood salad bowl.

Michael Aram New Leaves Magnolia Medium Platter

A handcrafted serving piece shaped like a magnolia leaf – for sliced tomatoes, grilled vegetables or a peach salad.

Michael Aram Olive Branch Serving Tray

A handcrafted serving tray in the Olive Branch design for carrying drinks or passing appetizers.

Gien Acrylic Serving Tray, Large – Route des Indes

An 18¼ x 14 5/16 in acrylic tray in Route des Indes, the painter Arnaud d'Aunay's watercolor travel diary of India.

From the Grill

Christofle Cluny Silver-Plated Carving Knife

For carving and serving meat and poultry. Christofle notes that this carving service is also ideal for sharing moments around a barbecue with family or friends.

Christofle America Silver-Plated Steak Knife

The same size as the America dinner knife, with a pointed, serrated blade suited for cutting meat – for steaks straight off the grill.

End-of-Summer Entertaining Ideas

Cook what's in season. Corn, tomatoes, peaches and plums are at their best in late summer – let the menu be simple.
Set up a drinks station. An ice bucket, a pitcher of lemonade and a bottle of rosé in a cooler let guests help themselves.
Use real serveware outside. Sturdy trays and handcrafted metal bowls handle an afternoon on the patio and make paper plates unnecessary.
Plan for the evening. As the days shorten, have candles or lanterns ready for when the sun goes down.
Toast the season. A last summer toast before everyone heads home is a nice way to end the weekend.

Looking back on the summer? See our Memorial Day summer table and our red, white and blue table. For more barware ideas, see our gifts for wine lovers.