You’ve made a big decision by moving to another neighborhood and you have a chance for a fresh start. This is a great opportunity to make new friendships and let your neighbors get familiar with your style. There’s no better way to meet people than to throw a big neighborhood block party at your new place. It might happen that you’ve got into a vivid community and organizing a social gathering can be your golden ticket. So don’t hesitate and make it happen.
Start with planning
First of all, you’ll need to set a date and location. Take a short walk through your neighborhood and gather with your new friends. Once you’re all seated, try to choose a date that works best for everybody. This is a great way to make sure that at least a few families will come over. Your party has a greater chance to succeed if you avoid holiday weekends since most of the people have already planned other activities.
The best time for a party to start is afternoon. Not too early nor late. Make sure to take weather into your equation. Of course, you can’t absolutely rely on the forecast, but it’s a good start. If you live in the rainy area, the better move is to organize indoor lunch or dinner gathering. Spring and autumn are best choices season-wise. If someone offers help with preparation, accept it without hesitation. Don’t forget to give people enough time to get organized by calling them weeks in advance.
Location matters
Choose the right location for your block party and equip it the way everybody will feel comfortable. You’ll need a lot of chairs, coolers, grills, tables etc. If you choose to throw the party in your backyard, make sure there are plenty of shaded areas, because nobody likes to be exposed to the sun too much. OF course, you’ll have to think about the setting where kids can have their own thing and enjoy as much as you do. Leave driveways free and make them approachable.
Set up your bankroll
These kinds of events can be very pricey. Make sure that you can cover it, or if you prefer, you may ask your neighbors to chip in, so you’ll be able to cut your costs a bit. There are a lot of things that need cash. For instance, you’ll need money for groceries and drinks, helium balloons and maybe for a DJ or a band. Put all of your expenses on the paper and make sure you can afford it.
Decide upon activities
You don’t want for your guests to get bored on the big day. Most of the activities would be children centered since they’ll need some occupation while grown-ups are talking around BBQ. You may ask your neighbors to bring some toys such as frisbees, kites, slip n’ slides, water balloons etc. Another way to make people remember the occasion is affordable party photo booth you can hire in your area (if, for example, you’re looking for photo booths in Sydney, Australia).
Don’t forget invitations
In case you’ve moved into a small neighborhood, everybody should be invited. Otherwise, call just people from your street, since you’ll be seeing them the most. That should be enough for the first party. After a while, you can throw another one and call more people. Make some exciting flyers and start distributing them down the street. Pick an interesting design and lively colors. Include all needed information: date, time, location. Besides that, you should include contact phone for RSVPs and what should they bring when coming over.
Work on the menu
A good party will turn into the best one just in case the food is delicious. In order to have a colorful menu, the best way is to ask every guest what will they bring. You can talk about that when they RSVP. Make a list of dishes they’ll bring, so you don’t end up with seven loaves of bread and none desserts. You may contribute with the barbecue, which will immediately become gathering point. You don’t have to worry about drinks, just make sure to remind people to bring their own favorite beverages.
Conclusion
Once you’ve planned the party, you may relax until the party day. On that day, check the location, do the cleaning, check if there’s something to repair and align chairs. Light up the BBQ and start welcoming your guests. Escort children to their area put the food on the table, and have the best time of your life with your new friends.
About the Author: Ian Pearson is an IT Consultant at Media Gurus of New South Wales, Australia. Aside from his primary area of interest and expertise in business consulting, Ian is a passionate sports fan, nature and photography enthusiast, and is always trying to keep up to date with tech innovations and development.
Be the first to comment