How to Plan a Neighborhood Barbecue

One of the things we look forward to in the summer is grilling out. It's also the perfect time to meet your neighbors. Why not combine the two and plan a neighborhood barbecue? It's a fun, informal way of getting to know people and may even create lasting memories and friendships.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Grills and charcoal
• Invitations and addresses of neighbors
• Checklist of needed items (see article)

1. 
    
   Set a date

   Plan a date for the neighborhood barbecue; a Saturday or Sunday evening might work best with everyone's work schedules. Check with another neighbor or two to see if they would assist you and allow the use of their grills.

2. 
    
   Barbecue at the park

   Write out invitations and mail or hand deliver them to your neighbors. Let them know that there will be a neighborhood barbecue, list the place (your home or a centrally located park), date and time, and tell them to bring their own meat to grill, plates and silverware, beverage, and a dish to pass. If you prefer to tell them what to bring you could suggest a fruit salad, potato salad, chips, dessert, etc., and have people RSVP so you know what food items will be there.

3. 
    
   Be organized with a checklist

   Using a checklist, write down the things you will need to bring to the barbecue such as grills and charcoal, utensils, salt and pepper, extra plates and napkins, silverware, and beverages in case someone forgets to bring theirs, music and card and yard games.

Tips & Warnings

• If children are coming, make sure there are games at the barbecue for them so they don't get bored, and make sure the area is "child proofed".
• Keep dogs and other pets away from the guests and eating area.
• Make sure you have clean-up items handy such as a bucket of water and rags, trash bags, etc.
• If the neighbors don't know each other you might want to play some "ice breaker" games.

[Flybyknight]

on 11/21/2009 Great article on how to plan a neighborhood barbecue.