Tips for throwing a successful neighborhood block party

Bring your neighborhood and community together by throwing a block party for all to enjoy!

During the summer months, it’s usually a great time to arrange this type of event due to less hectic schedules and warmer weather to enjoy. Planning for a large group of people can seem a little daunting, but with a few tips you can prepare your community’s block party with confidence and ease.

Follow these 6 tips when planning your neighborhoods next block party.

Pick a date

First and foremost, you’ll want to choose a date that works best for everyone. Livability says the number one rule is that you must invite every neighbor. Creating name tags or badges will help people become more easily acquainted with one another during the party.

Round-up a team

With planning for a large amount of people, you can’t expect yourself to take care of all the details that go into the planning process. Find yourself a few neighbors who are willing to help you with organizing the party. This takes a lot of pressure off of you, and helps generate more help and more ideas–a win-win situation for all.

Choose a theme

Brainstorm ideas for a fun theme for the block party. Will it be a Hawaiian party? Pizza party? Barbecue? Maybe it will be themed around the holiday thats coming up right around the corner. Find a theme that you think will not only be enjoyed by the majority, but will be an idea that makes it easy to find decorations and food. She Knows suggests that your theme can help set the tone of the party, and the remainder of planning will be centered around that.

Organize food/drinks

After deciding the theme, this should make the planning of food and beverages a much easier process. Decide whether or not you will be having the food catered or if there will be a sign up sheet for neighbors to bring their own dish. Knowing the budget can help you make the right decision. You can find delicious Block Party Recipes on Pinterest for some inspiration in your menu!

Set a location

You’ll want to figure out where you’re going to hold the block party. For some, it may take place on your actual “block” or maybe the nearest neighborhood park. Whatever the case may be, you’ll want to ensure that you have the necessary permit, especially if you are choosing to block off your street. Check with your local community office and find out what you need to do to obtain permission. According to About:Home, you should gather the permits, insurance, and other legal requirements about three months before the event.

Enjoy

After all the planning and organizing is taken care of, don’t forget to enjoy the actual party! Relax and have a great time with old and new neighbors. You didn’t spend all that time and hard work to not enjoy your neighborhood celebration!

What other tips do you have for someone planning a block party? Let us know in the comments below!

Anna Young