Back in the day … I know everyone cringes when they hear those four words. But, back in the day block parties were big things. Why did they fall to the waste side? I suspect people got busy with kids and extra activities that drove us away from our neighborhoods.
It is time to bring the neighborhood party back. First step to a great block party is to go met your neighbors. See if any are interested in helping you plan the party. In most cases, we all have at least one neighbor we know well and can count on to help us out. That neighbor probably knows some of the other neighbors who would be excited to join a block party.
The day of the block party you will need a designated party area. This could be your drive way, the end of a cul-d-sac or part of the street and a couple yards. You’ll need a way to block-off or mark the designated neighborhood block party area. Use paper streamers and balloons to designate where the party is.
The best way to let everyone know about the block party is by sending invitations. Send out invites that read: Join us in a get to know your neighbor party. Bring your own drinks and chairs, food will be provided along with fun. Don’t for get to put the time and the address on the invitation. You’ll need to have an alternate date in case of bad weather.
I suggest getting a few huge sub sandwiches, potato salad, chips, cookies and cupcakes. You can make all these things or your can buy them from a deli, or bakery. If several neighbors are involved in the planning , you can make it a pot luck celebration. Don’t forget to buy some inexpensive party plates, napkins and utensils.
You know back in that day, they did have some good ideas. A block party is a great old-time get-together. We all need to block out a bit of time to get to know our neighbors, after all we might gain a few friends from this party … you can never have to many friends.
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