For most, Labor Day represents the unofficial close of summer. I try to squeeze the most outdoor enjoyment possible with my family, friends and neighbors during this long weekend. Creating an inviting, cozy oasis outdoors will help get guests out of the kitchen and on to the deck.

People want to be where you, the host or hostess are. If you're putting the meal together or just serving wine and snacks from your kitchen, people will gravitate to where you and other guests are. To get your party started on the deck and stay on the deck, here are a few tips.

Finish your food prep outside. Before your first guest arrives, set up a prep table on your deck so you can finish putting together the snacks, etc. out of the kitchen. Make sure you have plates, glasses, ice, paper towels, knives, etc. outside. This way you've "moved" your kitchen outside and the guests who insist on helping you are near you.

Tightly cluster furniture. The element most people like about a host's or hostess's kitchen is the relaxed, informal space. Make sure your deck furniture is grouped to invite conversation. Place your dining set chairs away from the table and mix them with your sofa/loveseat set. People like to see one another, so loosely arrange a circle. If you have outdoor floor cushions for seating, drop them around; if not, just grab an indoor rug and spread it out to encourage sitting on the "floor."

Help with the heat—and bugs! While you can't deny the kitchen has its advantages in being air conditioned and bug free, you can think through how to make you and your guests as comfortable as possible. Set up a fan to blow across your food prep table to keep flies and other bugs from invading. An extra oscillating fan probably wouldn't hurt your guests either. Surround your furniture cluster with citronella candles and offer bug spray.

If you have other tips to keep the traditional last big bash of the summer outside on your deck and not in the kitchen, we welcome your comments!