Recipe for a long holiday: lots of food, light on the labor

Labor Day is such a nice respite — a three-day opportunity to enjoy one last barbecue before leaves start changing, daylight-saving time ends and holiday decorations start appearing in stores.

When Labor Day began more than 120 years ago, it was a celebration of the worker and the prosperity the labor force brings to the country. That's the sentiment that inspired our labor-free party — a day off from prep work, housework and cleanup.

The holiday has become associated with cookouts, so we kept that barbecue theme but went nontraditional by having guests grill their own pizzas. Having the party outdoors means little, if any, pre-party housecleaning and minimal cleanup afterward.

Serve the grilled pizza with store-bought salad mix and a simple dessert like ice-cream bars for the kind of relaxing party where both the hosts and guests enjoy each other's company.

If grilling sounds like too much effort, have pizzas delivered.

GRILLED PIZZA

A grill can give a pizza a great smoky flavor without a lot of effort. Here's an easy, fun way to involve guests in making the pizzas:

Crust: Pizza dough may be easy to make, but it's even easier to buy from the grocer's refrigerated case or in a can. The dough can be rolled or stretched to make two 8-inch pizzas and goes well with store-bought pizza sauce.

Toppings: Set out a tray with shredded cheeses, sliced tomatoes, onions and peppers, pepperoni and grilled chicken.

Also consider using some unexpected toppings such as fontina, sun-dried tomatoes, capers, pesto, pears or shrimp. If desired, give prepared pizzas a splash of olive oil and a sprinkling of dried oregano.

Preparation: Brush or spray the grill with oil. Have guests stretch the dough into 8-inch crusts. Let the guests know that it is OK if the crusts don't look pizzeria perfect.

Cook one side of the dough on the grill for 1 to 2 minutes, until the bottom starts to brown. With a metal spatula or tongs, turn the crust over, then cook the other side for another 1 to 2 minutes. Quickly add the sauce and toppings. Cook until the cheese melts and the bottom is as crispy as the guest desires.

Tip: Empty a jar of pizza sauce into a pot and leave it on the top rack of the grill. The warm sauce will help melt the cheese.

OTHER NO-LABOR PARTY IDEAS

Marlene Holloway, author of "Let's Have Company" ($19.95, Partners Pub Group), suggests these other low-prep, low-stress, low-cleanup parties.

• Tea party: Water is pretty low-maintenance. Have guests bring sandwiches or petits fours. "All you have to do is make the tea," Holloway says.

• Ice-cream social: A buffet of cones, syrups and ice cream can be a nonstress party for children and adults. Kids can drown their ice cream in root beer, while adults use a shot of espresso to make affogatto.

• Guilty-pleasure potluck: Share with others what they are missing from the drive-thru. Have each of your guests bring a sampler from their favorite fast-food restaurant. The host provides the drinks. There's no need for plates — just ask for extra napkins.