While most days we pull into my garage close the door and go inside the house. The days of carports and allot of hand waving to the neighbors seems so long ago. Though I remember those days well.  My dad was always out front talking to the neighbors or working in the garage on something with one of the neighbors standing there watching him work.

 Last Moth I decided it was time to host another block party. It was a great success so I though some of you might like to give it a try. We had about 60 to 75 people come by. They were all so grateful to be invited.

It started with a flyer. I posted them on the mailbox and then walked the street and down the most adjacent side streets and handed them out. I asked for RSVPs so we would know how many people to plan for. It would be nice if someone coordinated the dishes everyone was bringing. I choose not to and we ended up with five trays of brownies. Last year tons of chips. Typical of a potluck.

I have a flat grassy front yard so my home is the best on our street to have it. Last time we got a permit and closed off the street.

I offered to grill some burgers, dogs and breasts with the fixins and suggested others bring a side salad, snack or Dessert to share. There was no shortage of food.

I set up an Ice cream social. Remember I am a caterer so it was easy for me to do. You can always hire someone (Heidi’s Events and Catering ) to do these things and have everyone pitch in at the event.

We set out a few tables and chairs and the tables for them to place their goodies on when they brought them along with some chalkboard signage so they could write what it was and who it was from.

I put out a big ice chest with drinks with room to add others.

I also set up some tables and chairs for seating and We put out a bounce house we own, corn hole and lawn checkers. People brought chairs, Frisbees and water guns.

If you are bringing a dish remember to take it home with you. Don’t leave it for the host to deal with later. If you cant stay ask another neighbor to get it for you.

 Bring a utensil to serve your dish with.

If your dish to stay cold bring it in a bowl of Ice so it is not sitting out in danger zone to long. Mayo based dishes, fresh fruit, deviled eggs ect…

 You don’t have to make a ton but bring enough to share. Homemade anything is always appreciated. Last time we had way too many chips and dip.

 If you don’t want to bring food offer to bring plates, napkins and forks. Offer to help set up, mange trash, tear down when its all over.

Have a sharpie and nametags handy. Pass around a sign in sheet for email addresses. Its easier to communicate to everyone with a neighborhood email list. Also handy for sharing information like garage sales or neighborhood news  or the next block party with each other.

 Remember to send a thank you note or drop by a gift to those that hosted it in their yard.