Make new friends and get to know your neighbors by organizing a neighborhood party using these block party ideas
The Most Important Thing You Can Do When Throwing a Block Party
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
Confetti Snack MixI've made this party mix for many years and I usually double the recipe. It makes a wonderful gift, and everyone always wants the recipe. —Jane Bray, Temple Terrace, Florida
Dill Pickle DipMy love for pickles led me to create this Dill Pickle Dip. It's so easy to whip together. But be warned, it's addicting! —April Anderson, Forest Lake, Minnesota
Italian Sausage SandwichFor a casual but hearty meal, try these saucy subs created by our Test Kitchen. Full of traditional Italian flavor, these sandwiches are a snap to make.
Summertime TeaYou can’t have a summer gathering around here without this sweet tea to cool you down. It’s wonderful for sipping while basking by the pool. —Angela Lively, Baxter, Tennessee
Zucchini Walnut CakeWhat gardener doesn't have extra zucchini? When it's abundant, I shred and freeze plenty so I have it on hand to bake this moist zucchini cake recipe all year long. The cream cheese frosting is yummy, and the big panful always goes fast at picnics or potlucks. —Marie Hoyer, Hodgenville, Kentucky
Pizza CrackersKids love making these simple pizza crackers. I like to use pizza sauce from a squeeze bottle to make it easier for them. Just make sure an adult is there to put the crackers in the oven. —Tonya Sanders, Geneva, Iowa
Pickled SlawPickled slaw is a fantastic alternative to mayonnaise-based coleslaw. It can also be made ahead, so it is a great option for potlucks and backyard barbecues.
Taco Noodle CasseroleI got creative while we were housebound during a snowstorm one winter and used ingredients I had on hand to come up with this hearty Taco Noodle Casserole. —Judy Munger, Warren, Minnesota
Double-Chocolate Rolo Cookies with PretzelsThese chocolate Rolo cookies were a big hit with my father. The generous size makes them wonderful for gift-giving, and they're always the first to go at parties. —Melissa Keenan, Larchmont, New York
Slow-Cooked Barbecued Beef SandwichesChuck roast makes delicious shredded beef sandwiches after simmering in a rich, homemade sauce all day. The meat is tender and juicy and takes minutes to prepare for a weeknight dinner or potluck. —Tatina Smith, San Angelo, Texas
Sausage Squash KabobsExpect a crowd to gather around the grill when these flavorful kabobs are cooking. The zesty honey-mustard glaze gives a lovely sheen to the sausage and veggies. —Lisa Malynn Kent, North Richland Hills, Texas.
Chocolate Chip DipIs there a kid alive (or a kid at heart) who wouldn’t gobble up this cookie dough dip with graham crackers? It beats dunking them in milk, hands down! You can also try it with apple wedges. —Heather Koenig, Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin
Hot Dog SlidersAn American favorite, hot dogs, turn into a fun treat that is great for a laid-back party. They get three special treatments in this recipe: Chicago-style, Bavarian and South of the Border. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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
Spicy Cajun Potato SaladA sprinkle of Cajun seasoning makes this Cajun potato salad a deliciously spicy twist on the classic. The best part? The recipe is ready in just 30 minutes!
Grilled Lime ChickenA wonderful citrusy marinade makes this grilled lime chicken tangy and tasty. A few hours before dinner, simply marinate the chicken for a fuss-free meal later on. —Lisa Dougherty, Vacaville, California
Beet HummusBreak out of the plain hummus rut with this beet hummus recipe. Earthy, sweet beets are a vibrant, wholesome addition to the classic dip.
Summer Dessert PizzaEspecially refreshing during the summer months, this dessert lets fresh fruit shine. —Ida Ruth Wenger, Harrisonburg, Virginia
Broccoli Grape SaladWhether you need to liven up your dinner menu or prep for a potluck, broccoli grape salad blends sweet and savory flavors and acts as a side dish or a main, if you add protein. (Bonus: It includes bacon!)
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
Fried ChickenThis crispy fried chicken recipe uses a batter instead of a flour coating. That helps the flour adhere to the chicken so it won’t fall off after cooking!
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
Easy Strawberry Lemonade Freezer PieThree simple ingredients mixed together and spread into a graham cracker crust make magic while your freezer does all the work. Prep this pie ahead and freeze it overnight or even longer. Feel free to vary the fruit if you'd like! —Debbie Glasscock, Conway, Arkansas
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
Boston Baked BeansFor a savory-sweet barbecue side that's popular with a crowd, you want Boston baked beans. This recipe is tangy and tender, perfect with ribs or hot dogs.
Peachy Baby Back RibsIt's easy to get a smoky outdoor barbecue flavor from your slow cooker. Trust me, I've fooled many people on more than one occasion with these ribs. —Mary Louise Lever, Rome, Georgia
BLT BitesThese quick hors d'oeuvres may be mini, but their bacon and tomato flavor is full size. I serve them at parties, brunches and picnics, and they're always a hit. Even my kids love them! —Kellie Remmen, Detroit Lakes, Minnesota
Texas Taco Dip PlatterWhen I'm entertaining, this colorful dish is my top menu choice. My friends can't resist the hearty appetizer topped with cheese, lettuce, tomatoes and olives. —Kathy Young, Weatherford, Texas
Orange LemonadeIt doesn't get more refreshing than a cold glass of orange lemonade. Serve it with fresh mint for an extra pop of color.
Dilly Potato & Egg SaladEveryone has a favorite potato salad, and this is mine. As a young bride, I was eager to learn how to cook and make things that my husband would love. I combined my mom's and his mom's recipes, and this potato and egg salad the delicious result. —Angela Leinenbach, Mechanicsville, Virginia
Honey Garlic MeatballsMake these delicious honey garlic meatballs the next time you're craving something sweet, tangy and savory. Perfect when paired with a crisp salad and your favorite rice recipe, and equally delightful when served as an appetizer.
Layered Salad for a CrowdThis salad is a favorite of my three sons. I took it to a luncheon honoring our school district’s food service manager, and she asked for the recipe. I like to make the dressing the day before so the flavors blend together. —Linda Ashley, Leesburg, Georgia
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
Balsamic Three-Bean SaladHere's my little girl's favorite salad. She devours it just about as fast as I can make it. I suggest preparing it ahead of time so the flavors can get to know one another. —Stacey Feather, Jay, Oklahoma
Coca-Cola CakeOur coca-cola cake recipe uses not one but two cans of everyone's favorite soda. Move over, mayonnaise! Cola is our new favorite ingredient for an irresistible chocolate cake with an amazing chocolaty glaze.
Asian Chicken WingsThese baked Asian chicken wings are tender, juicy and irresistible. They soak up complex flavors from an Asian-inspired marinade made with sweet chili sauce, fish sauce, garlic and Chinese five-spice powder.
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
Refreshing Tropical Fruit SaladWant a family-friendly side dish? This colorful medley is kid-pleasing and a great way to encourage healthy eating. —Sharon Ricci, Spooner, Wisconsin
Strawberry Watermelon LemonadeThe nutrition department at my local hospital inspired me to create this refreshing summer sipper. I tweaked their recipe slightly to create this drink full of sweet-tart flavor. —Dawn Lowenstein, Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania
