Memorial Day kicks off the hot American summer and suddenly we’re ready to put on our sunglasses, get outside, and party!
No more hiding inside watching TV, it’s time to meet the neighbors and soak up some rays. Remember the good old days, when neighborhood kids ran wild or zipped around the block on bikes while their moms and dads grilled, talked, and hung out?
Let’s throw the perfect block party—the kind they’ll talk about for years to come—with a sizzlin’ grill, red gingham table cloths, music, lemonade, and laughter.
Block Party Checklist
Let’s get started. Here’s your checklist for must-dos to plan a perfect block party this summer. Print it and stick it on your fridge!
Decide on the date, send invitations or fliers to your neighbors, and plan for safety with your local municipality. Then, you’re ready to get into the finer details of the block party, including the menu, decorations, and activities.
1. Block Party Activities
The most important part of the block party is the activities. After all, it’s a party. There are obvious activities like listening to music, dancing, and enjoying the buffet. But make sure you plan some fun for the kids, as well. Create some homemade paint and let the neighborhood kids use the whole block as their mural. While the sun’s shining, set up a Giant Outdoor Waterbed in someone’s front yard, so the kids can cool off. Every great block party has a bike parade, where kids can decorate their bikes, like this one from Apartment Therapy.
2. Block Party Decorations
What says summer more than blue jeans or red gingham? We love these simple red and blue decorations. They’re so classic and summery, and remind us of childhood potlucks and block parties. String Festive Denim Party Bunting from tree to tree near the central party house. Then, decorate the buffet with a red gingham tablecloth by Beach Vintage. Top it off with cute Burlap Utensil Holders, easy!
3. Block Party Menu
Grill out with Barbeque Chicken Sandwiches, then chill out with some Fresh Cherry Lemonade. Have the neighbors bring the appetizers, salads, and other desserts. Check out this gourmet burger bar layout from Heart Tree Home and display your food in a similar way, as a buffet with everything labeled. Here’s the rest of our block-rockin’ menu to fuel all the neighborhood fun.
What’s your favorite block party memory?
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