How to Organize a Block Party

A neighborhood barbeque is a great way to introduce neighbors and become acquainted with the people next door. Organizing a block party is easy if you follow these steps.

Things You'll Need

• Invitations
• Grills
• Paper/plastic goods
• Name tags
• Pens
• Lawn chairs

Instructions

1. Enlist others to help. Ask your neighbors to help plan the party.

2. Decide on a date far enough in advance for people to include it in their schedules. Tell your neighbors about the upcoming barbecue a month in advance with a flyer or personal invite.

3. Send out formal invitations a week before the barbeque. Put a flyer on each neighbor's door, or send a more personal invitation in the mail.

4. Divide the food list among the neighbors who will be attending. Don't forget items like drinks and condiments.

5. Make arrangements to purchase plates, napkins, cups and plastic ware. This can be assigned to neighbors or you can have each family be in charge of their own dinnerware.

6. Solicit volunteers to bring grills. Ask the people who volunteer their grills to help cook as well.

Tips & Warnings

• Just invite the people that live in your cul-de-sac or literally keep it to your block.

• Use the neighborhood association for help in planning larger barbeques.

• Assign a neighbor to plan games for small children.

• Provide lawn chairs or have neighbors bring them.

• Don't forget to have garbage cans available.