Block parties are an easy and fun way to build a sense of community and meet new people. With these simple block party tips, you and your neighbors can host a fabulous block party without being overwhelmed by a lot of work!
1. Set a theme
Setting a theme gives direction to the event and aids in planning the party. Determine whether you want to have a day or evening block party, or one that spans across both. Do you want to have families wear distinctive colors to make members easily identifiable or feature a beach flair? Your theme can set the tone of the party, and then the remainder of the planning will center around that.
2. Location, location, location
The best place to have a block party is at a house in the middle of the block. It is also helpful to choose a house with a driveway in the front or one that has a circular drive to make it easier to watch the grill and restock ice.
The best place to have a block party is at a house in the middle of the block. It is also helpful to choose a house with a driveway in the front or one that has a circular drive to make it easier to watch the grill and restock ice.
3. What is allowed?
Check with your local city or town hall to learn if you need a permit, and/or to ask about the regulations with regard to blocking off access to your street. Many municipalities will provide barriers for the street that can be picked up the day before or of the party. Others may prohibit the use of a grill on public property, easements, etc., so it's always best to ask first and avoid a potential snag or fine.
Check with your local city or town hall to learn if you need a permit, and/or to ask about the regulations with regard to blocking off access to your street. Many municipalities will provide barriers for the street that can be picked up the day before or of the party. Others may prohibit the use of a grill on public property, easements, etc., so it's always best to ask first and avoid a potential snag or fine.
4. Set limits
It's important for all guests to know the safety rules and plans for the area. Not tossing trash into a fire pit or barbeque or staying out of the yards of neighbors not attending the party ensures everyone enjoys the block bash. You will also want to set a time limit for the party to prevent the block party from getting out of hand or from becoming a nuisance to neighbors trying to sleep or otherwise ignore the festivities.
It's important for all guests to know the safety rules and plans for the area. Not tossing trash into a fire pit or barbeque or staying out of the yards of neighbors not attending the party ensures everyone enjoys the block bash. You will also want to set a time limit for the party to prevent the block party from getting out of hand or from becoming a nuisance to neighbors trying to sleep or otherwise ignore the festivities.
5. Delegate duties
Avoid stress and assign party planning duties to the neighbors. Ask one person to make the invitation flyer, others to bring yard chairs and folding tables, someone to manage the store run, and one or two people to dedicate use of their grill. Many neighborhoods opt for each family to bring their own beverages (although some will provide soft drinks) and often ask every family to donate a set amount to offset the cost of the meat, prizes for the kiddies and entertainment.
Avoid stress and assign party planning duties to the neighbors. Ask one person to make the invitation flyer, others to bring yard chairs and folding tables, someone to manage the store run, and one or two people to dedicate use of their grill. Many neighborhoods opt for each family to bring their own beverages (although some will provide soft drinks) and often ask every family to donate a set amount to offset the cost of the meat, prizes for the kiddies and entertainment.
6. Ensuring safety
The concern of accident liability has many steering clear of allowing the BBQ grill or bounce house on their property. How to handle this worry? Have everyone sign a waiver to protect homeowners and reduce potential neighborhood tension. And even if everyone's signed the waiver and you have homeowner's insurance, still take the time to minimize any tripping hazards (loose stepping stones, uneven pavement, hoses or sprinklers in the way) and ensure any dogs and/or other pets are safely out of the way if there is any tendency whatsoever to bite or scare people. It is also a good idea to inform everyone on the street of the details of the party -- regardless of whether or not they're coming to the gala. In the event they're not going to be home or attending, they can take precautions to not park vehicles on the street or leave out any potentially hazardous items -- such as tools, garden equipment or baby pools -- in the yard.
The concern of accident liability has many steering clear of allowing the BBQ grill or bounce house on their property. How to handle this worry? Have everyone sign a waiver to protect homeowners and reduce potential neighborhood tension. And even if everyone's signed the waiver and you have homeowner's insurance, still take the time to minimize any tripping hazards (loose stepping stones, uneven pavement, hoses or sprinklers in the way) and ensure any dogs and/or other pets are safely out of the way if there is any tendency whatsoever to bite or scare people. It is also a good idea to inform everyone on the street of the details of the party -- regardless of whether or not they're coming to the gala. In the event they're not going to be home or attending, they can take precautions to not park vehicles on the street or leave out any potentially hazardous items -- such as tools, garden equipment or baby pools -- in the yard.
7. Cleanup - before, during, after
Before the party, make sure each of the residents in the party area checks their front yard for any trash, doggie debris and even things like dead birds and anthills. You will want to be sure that you station trash and recycling bins throughout the area where you're holding the block party -- and also make certain that at least a few people will stay after the event to help clean up whatever's left behind.
Before the party, make sure each of the residents in the party area checks their front yard for any trash, doggie debris and even things like dead birds and anthills. You will want to be sure that you station trash and recycling bins throughout the area where you're holding the block party -- and also make certain that at least a few people will stay after the event to help clean up whatever's left behind.
8. Fun activities
Bicycle decorating contests, searching for candy hidden in a pile of straw and water balloon tosses are just a few activities that will keep younger party goers entertained. You can never have too many activities waiting in the wings. Plan a few activities geared at introducing those at one end of the block to their counterparts on the other end. Even silly games such "egg toss" can help start the party off with a festive bang.
Bicycle decorating contests, searching for candy hidden in a pile of straw and water balloon tosses are just a few activities that will keep younger party goers entertained. You can never have too many activities waiting in the wings. Plan a few activities geared at introducing those at one end of the block to their counterparts on the other end. Even silly games such "egg toss" can help start the party off with a festive bang.
9. Lights and sirens
Ask local police or fire department if they would stop by the party to conduct a mini hands-on seminar for the kids. The chance to honk the horns, hold a fire hose or talk over the loudspeaker will create fond memories as well as give children a chance to brush up on safety tips.
Ask local police or fire department if they would stop by the party to conduct a mini hands-on seminar for the kids. The chance to honk the horns, hold a fire hose or talk over the loudspeaker will create fond memories as well as give children a chance to brush up on safety tips.
10. Feeding the masses
Ask guests to bring a favorite snack or side dish to share and ensure the party has a wealth of tasty treats. Assigning people to handle specific categories -- such as fruit salads, veggie crudites, other appetizers, side dishes, fruity desserts, chocolate desserts -- will make sure you don't have too many potato chips and not enough dip, or four apple pies and no brownies! Tragic!!!
Ask guests to bring a favorite snack or side dish to share and ensure the party has a wealth of tasty treats. Assigning people to handle specific categories -- such as fruit salads, veggie crudites, other appetizers, side dishes, fruity desserts, chocolate desserts -- will make sure you don't have too many potato chips and not enough dip, or four apple pies and no brownies! Tragic!!!
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