Wonderful Watermelon: A Sensational Summer Tribute

Labor Day is this Monday and with it comes the unofficial end of summer. We’ve had a glorious couple of months, but we all knew it couldn’t last forever. As summer vacation comes to a close, we’d like to encourage folks to send this wonderful season off in style.

Not sure how you should mark the occasion? Celebrate Labor Day weekend with the epitome of summer foods: watermelon. This tasty treat can be done up in hundreds of unique and delicious ways. Grill it, mash it, blend it, chop it, and more – friends and family will be thrilled. Check out our fun recipes below and say goodbye to summer with a salute to watermelon.

With Feta – Not only do these appetizers look and taste amazing, they’re also exceptionally easy to make. Chop your watermelon, add a sprig of mint, cube your feta, and skewer. You can drizzle with balsamic vinegar if you want to knock your guests’ socks off (or not, it’s your call).  

Image via Bites Of Bri

With Prosciutto – Here’s a dish you don’t see every day: melon and prosciutto salad. Another sweet and savory creation (if you haven’t noticed, feta and watermelon pair very well together) this is a lovely summer meal. It’ll keep everyone cool and satisfied.

Image via Lynsey Loves Food

With Chicken & Blue Cheese – Not one for feta or prosciutto? They aren’t for everyone. That’s why we’ve got this tasty chicken, blue cheese and watermelon creation. Placed on a bed of spinach this is a delicious and healthy combination.

Image via Pinch Of Yum

With Basil – Expecting vegetarian, vegan or gluten intolerant visitors? We’ve got you covered. This watermelon basil salad has the crunch and flavor to satisfy many, while keeping most dietary restrictions in mind. Plus, it’s a snap to make!

Image via Oh, Sweet Basil

Jerky – You’ve heard of beef jerky and pork jerky, but watermelon jerky? This is definitely one of the most creative ways we’ve heard of cooking with watermelon. But it’s also incredibly simple and yummy. All you need is a food dehydrator and a watermelon and you’re good to go.

Image via Dash Of Butter

Grilled – Have you ever grilled a watermelon before? Something sort of magical happens. This recipe calls for the melon to be grilled with mandarins and honey, which caramelizes as it heats up (yum!). Sprinkle with granola and yogurt if you want, or just eat this sweet treat on its own.

Image via Capture By Lucy

Sorbet – The final days of summer always seem to be the hottest. You think the end of August and beginning of September will start to see chillier temperatures, but it just gets hotter. If you’re trying to beat the heat this weekend here’s a recipe that’s sure to help. Watermelon sorbet is so simple. All you have to do is freeze a cubed watermelon, blend it, let it set in a pan, and refreeze it.

Image via Pure Wow

Sangria – Watermelon, strawberries, lemons, wine, and vodka combine to create a sensational summer cocktail. Sipping these bad boys on your porch is the perfect way to say goodbye to summer.

Image via Show Me The Yummy

Mojitos – Sangria not your thing? Try making watermelon mojitos. We already know from our salad and skewer recipes that watermelon and mint make a lovely couple. Add a little rum and see what happens! (As Martha would say, it’s a good thing!)

Image via Martha Stewart

Jell-O Shots – We saved the best for last! These Jell-O shots are totally adorable and delicious. They’re a bit more work than some of our other recipes, but you can be sure they’ll add a splash of fun to every party!

Image via BuzzFeed

We hope these fun and flavorful watermelon recipes help you celebrate the last long weekend of the summer in style. If you try your hand at any of these dishes make sure to share snaps of your creations with @HomeShows on Twitter and Instagram!

Some of you may be dreading fall’s arrival, but we’re excited. Summer is fabulous, but fall means the start of home show season! To celebrate the start of this lovely time, we’re offering 2-for-1 tickets to the Marketplace Events homes how of your choice! Visit our Facebook ticket deals to learn more! Happy Labor Day from our family to yours!

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End of Summer Bucket List: 5 Things to do Before Labor Day

Labor Day is fast approaching and although we all love a long weekend, there’s always something bitter sweet about this one. Yes, we get to stay out on Sunday and sleep in on Monday, but once it’s passed, summer is essentially over. School will be back in session, most will be back at work full time, and the season will begin to change. The sun’s already setting earlier and rising later, Labor Day just makes it more official.

Don’t be sad. You’re forgetting one very important thing: it isn’t Labor Day yet. So let’s make the most of the final days of summer. To aid in this pursuit we’ve come up with our Top 5 things you have to do before September 7th. Check it out below and soak up summer before it’s gone.

Color Fight – Learn how to make colored powders while it’s still warm out and challenge friends and family to a color fight. Much like the Hindu festival of Holi, where participants dance, play, chase, and cover each other in colored powder, you and yours can run around throwing colorful powder on one another. This activity makes for great pictures and great memories to keep you warm as the seasons change.

Image via Dukes & Duchesses

Water Balloon Slip ‘N Slide – Most of us have had a turn down a Slip ‘N Slide at least once, but it probably wasn’t covered in water balloons. This unique idea looks like an absolute riot, and perfect for the sizzling days of August.

Image via Hallmark Channel

Friendship Bracelets – This activity is a little bit of a throwback, but we’ve got to admit we’re really into it. If you’ve ever been to summer camp (day or overnight) you’ve most likely toiled with embroidery thread or gimp to make bracelets for your BFFs. Try making some for family and friends, and wear them as a reminder of better, warmer days.

Image via Honestly WTF

Star Gazing – Grab a kiddie pool, some blankets, and your kids or significant other and head outside to watch the stars. This is a great date for the whole family, presenting a fun opportunity to bond and reminisce about the summer while getting back to nature.

DIY Planter – Celebrate the end of summer by make something you’ll enjoy all year ‘round: a planter. We can’t stress how much we seriously love this craft. One of the many reasons we’re fans of this DIY is that it’ll add a little green to your space during the bleak winter months. Plus, its little freckly face is beyond cute. They’re using this planter for herbs, but you can use it for just about any small plant.

Image via By Wilma

We hope these activities help you make the most of the final days of summer. Do you have an end of summer tradition? Make sure to share it with @HomeShows on Twitter or Instagram!

Don’t be too sad after Labor Day ends. Sure, summer will be over, but fall means it’s time for Home Shows! Embrace the new season by getting 2-for-1 tickets to the Marketplace Events Home Show nearest you. Check out our Facebook page to take advantage of this exclusive deal.

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Tune It Up For The Long Weekend

via Pinterest

Every long weekend, especially the (sigh) last long weekend of the summer, calls for a proper, pump-you-up playlist. Today’s comes courtesy of Girl on Wax Events and DJ Chelsea J, who lended her talents to our Summer Getaway Preview Party at Park Royal back in July. Make this Labour Day weekend one to remember and check out these tracks on iTunes – I know I’ll be cranking them starting at 5pm today!

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