How to Throw a Block Party/Subdivision Party

Summertime is the time for friends, family and food. Is there a better way to bring all three together than to throw a block party or a whole subdivision party? With a little bit of time and advanced planning, your party will be the talk of the summer and may even become a new yearly tradition.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Tables & Chairs
• Party Tent
• Food & Beverages
• Entertainment for adults
• Entertainment for kids

1. 
    
   Friends

   Enlist the help of a couple of neighbors before you begin planning the party. The more people that are involved in the planning the more likely your party will be a success and that nothing will be overlooked

2. 
    
   Playground

   Determine the best location for the party. Ideal locations would be at a park or playground if available, otherwise a low traffic street will work fine. Contact the local authorities to inquire about the permits that may be required and to see if they can provide barriers for the road. If they will not provide barriers but do allow you to block off the road, this can also be done with vehicles, tables and yellow caution tape.

3. 
    
   Association Money

   If your sub has an association, approach the board members to see if they will provide some money to be used for food, supplies and such. You may find that they are more than willing to cooperate.

4. 
    
   Rental Chairs

   Determine what items you need. Consider things like tables, chairs, party tents, grills, coolers, garbage cans, radios/stereo equipment, extension cords, plates & utensils. Many items you should be able to gather from your neighbors while others such as party tents may need to be rented. You may also want to look into renting things such as a popcorn machine, snow cone maker, hot dog cart or a cotton candy machine.

5. 
    
   Bounce House Rental

   When planning activities for the kids it is important to make sure that you cover all of the age groups. You can rent a bounce house for the little ones and an inflateable waterslide for the larger ones. Have lots of bubbles on hand and set up some common backyard games such as croquet, ladder golf, Bocce Ball, lawn darts & badminton.

6. 
    
   The Food Table

   The food selection is an important item to take into consideration in the early planning stages. Popular options for food include catering, potluck, bring your own or possibly even 'fast food' items such as KFC or the ever popular White Castles. Have a covered area availablle for the food table and maybe even place inside of a screen tent to help keep insects out. Have lots of condiments on hand that are usually associated with the types of food that you are serving. Have a variety of beverages available including drinks for kids and adults. And lastly, don't forget the desserts!

7. 
    
   freefoto.com

   After the party is over there will more than likely be quite a mess to clean up. Having garbage can strategically placed beforehand can help control the mess a little. Be sure that you enlist responsible clean up help early on so that you are not left 'holding the bag'. Be sure to leave the area cleaner than it was when you started so that nobody complains.

Tips & Warnings

• Enlist lots of help
• Take donations or possibly charge a nominal fee to cover expenses
• Make sure everyone labels donated items with their name so they can get it back
• Make sure that alchohol is only available to those over the legal drinking age

[edieness]

on 6/10/2009 Gr8 article on How to Throw a Block Party/Subdivision Party.5* and REC

[sonni57]

on 6/4/2009 Block parties are a great way to get to know neighbors thanks for the helpful tips.