The Most Important Thing You Can Do When Throwing a Block Party
Updated: May 10, 2022
Make new friends and get to know your neighbors by organizing a neighborhood party using these block party ideas
In this busy age where we run to work, school and extra-curricular activities, you may be home hardly long enough to see your family much less your neighbors. One great way to connect with your neighbors is by planning a potluck block party. However, hosting an outdoor party for dozens of neighbors isn’t the easiest task. Here’s what you can do to make your block party totally manageable.
Make sure you check out our definitive guide to throwing a block party your whole neighborhood will be jealous of.
Divvy Up and Delegate
Start getting to know your neighbors even before the party begins by forming a block party committee. Go door to door to visit your neighbors with a flyer for the party. Explain to them about the party, ask them if they think that they will be able to attend and if they would like to be on the committee.
Take a sign up sheet along asking the following questions:
- Family name
- Address
- Phone
- How many people will attend, names and children’s ages
- How they can help
- What food would they like to bring
- Do they have any special equipment available for use? Tables, chairs, tents, etc.
Not only will working together make the party easier to organize, you’ll make some new friends in the process. Have one person act as the main contact person, then assign other groups to handle the following:
- Permits and other legal requirements. Many communities require a permit for block parties. Determine an alternate parking area for people who live in the section of the street where the party will take place.
- Food and refreshments. Potlucks are an easy way to make sure there’s a variety of tasty fare at your block party. To keep from having a buffet full of chips or desserts, circulate a sign-up sheet with assigned categories such as salads, veggies and desserts. For the main course, charge a per-person fee and purchase grill meat or have each family supply their own.
- Activities. Bicycle decorating contests, scavenger hunts, relay races…the sky’s the limit when it comes to planning the fun and games for your neighborhood block party. To make sure both the young and young at heart have a good time, include a variety of activities that appeal to a wide age range.
- Set up and clean up. Think about music, decorations, plates, cutlery, napkins. Have a potty talk—determine if people will use the restrooms at their home or rent a portable restroom.
The Best Block Party Recipes
Pulled BBQ PorkDuring years of vacationing on the North Carolina coast, I became hooked on their pork barbecue. The version I developed is a favorite at potluck dinners. —Joseph Sarnoski, West Chester, Pennsylvania
If you're new to summer entertaining, check out our guide to throwing a block party your whole neighborhood will be jealous of.
Summertime Fun CookiesUse this basic sugar cookie recipe to make the perfect poolside treat. Kids (and adults) won't be able to get enough. —Coleen Walter, Bancroft, Michigan
Dilly Veggie PizzaAlways popular at special events and a cinch to prep, this is one of my favorite ways to use leftover veggies. You can change the mixture to match your kids' tastes, and it's just as yummy the next day. —Heather Ahrens, Columbus, Ohio
Grilled Italian Sausage SandwichesTry these sausage sandwiches for a casual but hearty meal. Full of traditional Italian flavor, they're a snap to make. —Mike Yaeger, Brookings, South Dakota
Frozen Berry & Yogurt SwirlsI enjoy these frozen yogurt pops because they double as a healthy snack and a cool, creamy sweet treat. —Colleen Ludovice, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
Summer Dessert PizzaEspecially refreshing during the summer months, this dessert lets fresh fruit shine. —Ida Ruth Wenger, Harrisonburg, Virginia
Frozen Peanut Butter and Chocolate TerrineThis terrine can be made ahead of time and stored in the freezer. When served, it cuts easily, revealing the lovely layers of banana, peanut butter and chocolate. —Jennifer Jackson, Keller, Texas
Zucchini Panzanella SaladI learned how to make panzanella from my friend's grandmother. Once I discovered how to make the perfect vinaigrette, it became a dish I crave during the summer. It's also a great way to use day-old bread and your garden's bounty of zucchini. —Felicity Wolf, Kansas City, Missouri
Pretzel Gelatin DessertThis is one of my mother's absolute favorite desserts. The salty pretzel crust is the perfect complement to the sweet cream cheese filling. —Erin Frakes, Moline, Illinois
Bacon Macaroni SaladThis pleasing pasta salad is like eating a BLT in a bowl. Filled with crispy bacon, chopped tomato, celery and green onion, the sensational salad is coated with a tangy mayonnaise and vinegar dressing. It’s a real crowd-pleaser! —Norene Wright, Manilla, Indiana
Sesame Chicken DipI can't tell you how many times I'm asked to bring this easy dip to holidays, birthday parties or girls' weekend getaways. It's fresh and light, and it has the Asian flavors that make it stand out. The rice crackers are a must! —Dawn Schutte, Sheboygan, Wisconsin
Slow-Cooked Peachy SpareribsCanned peaches make a delightful addition to my flavorful sparerib sauce. Served over rice, the sweet-tangy ribs make a sensational meal any time of the year.—Jeanne Brino, Woodbury, Minnesota
Orange LemonadeThis juice is a favorite at our place. I'll often double the batch and send a jar next door to my mother-in-law! I was looking for a way to sweeten lemonade without using more sugar when I came up with the recipe. —Wendy Masters, Grand Valley, Ontario
Honey-Garlic Glazed MeatballsMy husband and I raise cattle on our farm here in southwestern Ontario, so it's no surprise that we're fond of these saucy meatballs. I know your family will like them, too. —Marion Foster, Kirkton, Ontario
Blueberry Lime SlushMy husband's family makes a cranberry beverage for the holidays. I changed it up and serve it this way in winter and summer, when blueberries are in season. —Rebecca Bratsman, Tacoma, Washington
Hot Dog Sliders with Mango-Pineapple SalsaFor parties, we shrink down lots of foods, including these quick hot dogs, to slider size. Pile on the easy but irresistible fruit salsa for a burst of fresh flavor. —Carole Resnick, Cleveland, Ohio
Garden Spinach-Potato SaladNot only is this summer side dish something to look at, it's a treat for the taste buds, too. The medley of textures and garden-fresh ingredients perfectly complement one another for a delightfully different potato salad. —Marilyn Haynes, Sylacauga, Alabama
Buffalo Chicken Deviled EggsMy daughter Sara loves spicy Buffalo chicken and deviled eggs, so I combined the two. Make and chill a day ahead so the flavors mingle. —Robin Spires, Tampa, Florida
Originally Published: April 05, 2018
