Last Minute Labor Day Entertaining Tips From An Ace Party Planner

If you're anything like us, you've let this whole Labor Day thing get down to the wire. Perhaps it's because we're in denial of the fact that this is the unofficial end of summer, or may be we're just procrastinators. Whatever the case may be, it's not too late to plan a cool little gathering for you and your friends.

Event planner and producer Tony Schubert of Event Eleven has created events for some of the biggest names in entertainment, fashion, sports, art, and media, and he's offered up these simple design and decor tips to make your BBQ layout be carefree and fabulous.

Here are his tricks:

-- If your backyard isn't that large and you need seating for your guests, simply bring the inside out. Move your sofa, love seat and dining chairs outside for guests to relax on. If you have old colorful throw blankets, you can accessorize by covering a dining chair or sofa. This changes up the look and also protects your furniture.

-- Prepare fun and easy items to grill like hotdogs, hamburgers, chicken burgers, and skewers. Whole Foods have all these prepped and ready to go so half the work is done. That gives you more time to mix and mingle with guests, or to prep a pitcher of fabulous drinks.

-- Lighting can be done on a dime. Simply buy some paper bags and votive candles from Ikea to set the tone for evening setting. Tiki torches are fun as well.

-- Use various containers like red pales and fill with succulents from the hardware store. Osh has great inexpensive succulents. You can place these on table tops and on steps leading to the front door or backyard.