Celebrate Block Party Month with Tips from the Pros
OAKLAND, Calif. -- Honor Block Party Month this June by organizing a neighborhood celebration. Block parties are the perfect summertime activity to bond with family and neighbors, making new friendships and celebrating old ones while enjoying delicious food.
A recent study conducted by Bert Sperling, president of Sperling's BestPlaces, on behalf of the experts at the Web site mealstogether.com, a new online destination for families, showed many Americans feel a little intimidated about planning their own neighborhood bash. To simplify the planning process, follow these easy steps to make any block party a sure fire hit.
-- Select a Spot - Pick a family-friendly location like a
neighborhood cul-de-sac or nearby park everyone can access
easily. Remember - a street closure permit could take five to
six weeks to process so plan ahead.
-- Decide on a Day - Select a few options for dates and take a
neighborhood poll to determine when most people can attend.
-- Find a Focus - Choose a theme to tie everything together -
from music to decorations. Pick a tropical island theme and
ask partygoers to wear colorful flowered shirts or a sports
theme where guests can wear their favorite team's jerseys.
-- Create Committees to Tackle the Tasks
-- Money Master. Sets the budget for all committees, collects
funds and buys necessities like plates, utensils, napkins,
food wraps and bags.
-- Communications Coordinator. The creative genius in charge
of designing, and delivering party flyers. Makes sure to
keep track of the RSVPs.
-- Grilling Guru. The real block party champion who gets the
Kingsford(R) charcoal and lights the briquets in advance
for slow cooking roasts and ribs. Hot dogs and burgers can
be grilled last since they're quickest.
-- Refreshments Wrangler. Arranges coolers packed with ice
and bottled water, leaving room for other beverages
neighbors bring along.
-- Set Up Specialist. Arranges the tables and chairs before
the event and puts savory sides and sweet desserts on
separate tables as neighbors arrive.
-- Condiment
