Labor Day Weekend is possibly the most beautiful weekend of the year. The weather is hot but not sweltering (hopefully), the kids are getting in last-minute fun before school starts, and relaxation is the name of the game. It's the best weekend to have that last summer barbecue with friends, and I've got some tricks to ensure that your party is truly an Ode To Summer.

1) Set the mood. Last year, Rebel Red put together a playlist for Middle Sister called "We Don't Want Summer To End!" It features some of the best summer songs ever written, including "Wipe Out," the classic "Wouldn't It Be Nice," and some newer favorites like "Pumped Up Kicks."

Click Here To View Rebel Red's Playlist in iTunes!

2) Remember those Sangria recipes I've been going on about? Make a big batch - of all four! Nothing like holding a fun fruity drink in your hand while toasting to the season, and with those options your guests can happily imbibe in whichever flavor most says "summer" to them!

Drama Queen's Italian Stallion Sangria

Rebel Red's Berry Sangria

Glamour Girl's Sparkling Peach-Basil Sangria

Wild One's Untamable Apple Sangria

3) Tell your guests to "Do-It-Yourself." Too busy (or lazy, he he) to make all that sangria? Make your guests do it! It's really easy to put together a buffet-style drink bar, and you'll barely have to lift a finger. Talk about relaxation.

4) Heat up that grill! Think beyond ketchup and mustard by trying one of these "haute dog" ideas. Don't like hot dogs? Want to try something different? I love this recipe for grilled beef satay. Your guests will too!

Hello my thirsty darlings! Part 4 of my Sangria Recipe Series is brought to you by the always-entertaining Wild One. She tells me she whips this up the night before a day/weekend/party on her yacht and that it's proven to loosen even the tightest of ties (how scandalous!). Here are some quick links to Parts 1, 2 & 3. Give 'em a taste! Drama Queen's Italian Style Sangria Rebel Red's Berry Sangria Glamour Girl's Sparkling Peach-Basil Sangria

Wild One's Untamable Apple Sangria 

You'll need:

• 1 bottle Wild One Malbec
• 1/4 cup Brandy
• 1 red apple
• 1 green apple
• 1 peach
• 1 orange
• 1 liter seltzer water

Here's what you do:

1. Cut fruit into bite-size pieces.
2. Combine fruit, wine, and brandy in a large pitcher.
3. Refrigerate over night.
4. To serve, pour into glasses and top with seltzer water.
5. Watch the party unfold.

Not wild enough for you? What would you add to make it better?

Hello my thirsty darlings! Part 3 of my Sangria Recipe Series is even more fabulous than the last two, probably because it's sparkling! It also requires a little more preparation, but the result is oh-so sophisticated and refreshing - I promise it's worth the extra effort! Here are some quick links to Part 1 & 2. Check em out! Drama Queen's Italian Style Sangria Rebel Red's Berry Sangria

Glamour Girl's Sparkling Peach-Basil Sangria

You'll need:

• 1 bottle Glamour Girl Sparkling White Wine
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 3 1/2 cups peach nectar
• 1 cup strawberries, covered in sugar
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves

Here's what you do:

1. In a saucepan, combine sugar, basil leaves, half peach nectar and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer. Crush basil leaves with back of spoon to release flavor. Cook until sugar is melted. Remove from heat.
2. Strain basil mixture into a pitcher filled with ice cubes.
3. Pour in sparkling wine, remaining peach nectar and strawberries.
4. Stir briefly and serve!

Have any recommendations to make this Sangria even better? Let me know!

Hello my thirsty darlings! So, are you ready for part 2 of my Sangria Recipe series? Last week I brought you an Italian Style Sangria featuring Drama Queen Pinot Grigio. This week, I thought I'd go for a sweet Red Sangria with lots of yummy berries and of course, our very own Rebel Red. So I ask you again: ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FABULOUS FRUITY FUN?

Rebel Red's Berry Sangria

You'll need:

• 1 bottle of Rebel Red Blend
• 1/4 cup brandy
• 3 tbsp grenadine
• 2 cups cranberry/raspberry juice cocktail
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 pt strawberries, hulled
• 1 pt raspberries
• 2 oranges, sliced
• 2 tbsp. sugar

Here's what you do:

1. Combine red wine, cranberry juice, grenadine, and 1/4 cup sugar in a serving bowl.
2. In food processor, puree 1/2 pt. strawberries, 1/2 pt. raspberries, and 1/4 cup sugar. Combine the wine and fruit mixtures.
3. Slice rest of strawberries and coat with 2tbsp sugar. If preparing a day ahead, stop here! Refrigerate over night.
4. When ready to serve, add sliced strawberries, raspberries, and orange slices to sangria.
5. Pour into glasses or serve in a punchbowl. Ta Da!

Like this recipe? Think it needs anything? Let me know!

Hello my thirsty darlings! August is here, and with it comes the heat heat heat (as though we haven't had enough already)! This month, I'm bringing you a series of my favorite Sangria Recipes to help you beat the heat and stay refreshed. ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FABULOUS FRUITY FUN?

Italian-Style Sangria with Drama Queen Pinot Grigio 

You'll need:

• 1 bottle of Drama Queen Pinot Grigio
• 1 cup grapefruit liqueur (think Campari)
• 2 lemons, thinly sliced and seeded
• 2 oranges, thinly sliced and seeded
• 1 liter club soda or seltzer water
• Ice cubes (as needed)

Here's what you do:

• In a large pitcher, combine wine, grapefruit liqueur and citrus slices. Refrigerate until ready to serve (up to 2 days!)
• Fill glasses with ice. Pour sangria over ice until 3/4 full. Top with a splash of club soda or seltzer water. 
• Indulge!

Would you add anything to make this sangria more scrumptious? Let me know!