How to host a craft beer tasting party

• Provide paper and pencils for guests to note what they like and dislike about each beer
• "Not every pairing is going to be a matchable home run and that's kind of the fun of it."
• Save the fruity beer for dessert

Burgers and dogs are great, but this Labor Day weekend, why not shake things up?

Host a craft beer tasting party, complete with food pairings. You'll retain the easygoing fun of a typical cookout, with added conversation topics as a bonus.

Set up stations around the party with five or six craft beers and a food item to match. Consider serving heavy appetizers like grilled skewers or twice-baked potatoes so that guests enjoy a full meal while adding something new to their beer repertoire. Provide paper and pencils for guests to note what they like and dislike about each beer.

And don't hesitate to coordinate with friends for a low-stress, potluck-style execution.

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If you're not sure where to start with beer-food pairings, certified cicerone (beer sommelier) James Tai proposes starting with flavor intensity and going from there.

"Intensity is the most important thing when you're putting together a pairing," Tai says. "With food and beer, one should not overwhelm the other."

With the help of Tai, we've pulled together a few craft beer pairing recommendations for a tasting party, along with some similar brews if your guests want to delve further into a particular type. But if you want to go off-menu, don't be afraid to play around with the combinations.

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"Go with your instinct. Not every pairing is going to be a matchable home run and that's kind of the fun of it," says Tai. "Everybody has a different approach and personality that will come through."

India Pale Ale, Captain Lawrence Brewing Company

Pairing suggestion: Think spicy. Marinate shrimp in lemon juice, olive oil, smashed garlic, cayenne and paprika then thread onto skewers and grill for party-friendly fare. Or set out individual cups of crispy roasted chickpeas, tossed in smoked paprika, cumin and cayenne.

Flavors to look for: Lots of hops, citrus and pine.

You might also like: Centennial IPA by Founders Brewing Co., Flower Power India Pale Ale by Ithaca Brewing Co., Bengali Tiger by Sixpoint Brewing Co.

Seas the Day India Pale Lager, Coney Island Brewing Company

Pairing suggestion: Something that combines hard cheddar and potatoes, like cheese fries. For a potluck-style spread, go with twice-baked potatoes loaded with bacon, chives and sharp cheddar or potato and cheese pierogies served with toothpicks.

Flavors to look for: Citrus and passion fruit. "It's like an IPA that finishes clean," says Tai.

You might also like: Downward Spiral by Otter Creek Brewing, Hoponius Union by Jack's Abby Brewing, Double Agent IPL by Sam Adams.

Witte, Brewery Ommegang

Pairing suggestion: Pear, arugula and walnut salad. "Coriander and orange in the Witte picks up on the arugula and heightens the flavor of that," says Tai. "Pear also melds with a lot of the sweetness."

Flavors to look for: Coriander, sweet orange peel and sweet, bready malts.

You might also like: Original White Ale by Hoegaarden, Allagash White by Allagash Brewing Company, Namaste by Dogfish Head.

Blonde Ambition, Great South Bay Brewing Co.

Pairing suggestion: Take advantage of the late summer cream of the crop and serve corn on the cob, Mexican-style with a little queso fresco. "This is a beer with a lot of corn-y elements to it, and thecheese will just add another layer." If you can do a raw bar, the brewer recommends oysters on the half-shell served with lime and cocktail sauce.

Flavors to look for: Apricot, honey.

You might also like: Summer Ale by Narragansett Brewing Co, Old Capitol by Keegan Ales, Summer Love Ale by Victory Brewing Co.

Blue Point Blueberry Ale, Blue Point Brewing Company

Pairing suggestion: This one is dessert. Keep it summery with a fresh fruit crisp or peach cobbler. (Try making hand pies to serve a crowd!) "You need thecrust to give a little bit of harmony, to bring forward the toasted malt qualities from the beer," says Tai.

Flavors to look for: Blueberry.

You might also like: Purple Haze by Abita Brewing Co., Wild Blueberry Wheat Ale by Sea Dog Brewing Co., Sour Wench Blackberry Ale by Ballast Point Brewing Co.

Twitter: @megmccaff15