When summer arrives, it’s time to celebrate! And there’s no better way to do so than with a block party full of food, neighbors and tons of fun. While throwing a party for your entire block might seem daunting at first, we have the guide to pulling it off without a hitch.
Organize ahead of time
- Remember that you’re not in this alone. A block party is meant to bring the neighborhood together, so make sure everyone gets involved by divvying up the responsibilities like getting the permit, setting up the blockages and clean up. It’s a good idea to make a master list of each household’s family name, address, phone number(s), how many people plan on coming and what task they’re in charge of. Honestly, it’s the best thing you can do when planning a block party.
- At least two months before summer starts, get together with your block and decide which weekend the party will be on. Try to avoid weekends with major holidays, town events or preplanned vacations, if possible. You might also want to consider planning a rain-out date, whether it be the next day or a different weekend.
- Don’t forget to get approval from your town. In most places, you’ll have to get a permit from your local government, whether it be a village president, mayor or alderman. While there may be a small fee associated with the application and permit, many towns and cities provide block parties with free barricades or trash and recycling receptacles. Some towns will even send a fire truck over for kids to interact with!
- Spead the word! Double check that everyone on the block knows the date, start and end time of the party. Also, let neighbors know what time the street will close beforehand and where they can find parking if they normally do so on the street.
Plan the potluck
When it comes to feeding an entire block, a potluck is the way to go. Be the best neighbor on the block by serving one of these potluck favorites:
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Pulled BBQ Pork
After 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
Overnight Slaw
I love to make this recipe during the fall and winter months when salad ingredients are less abundant. I also enjoy the ease of preparation when using my food processor.
Patriotic Gelatin Salad
Almost as spectacular as the fireworks, this lovely salad makes quite a "bang" at our July Fourth meal. It's exciting to serve, and our guests loved the cool fruity and creamy layers. This salad really added to my patriotic theme. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
Frozen Berry & Yogurt Swirls
I 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 Salad
Here in Louisiana we have a lot of get-togethers, and if you want your dish to be chosen over all of the rest, it has to have a kick! This does the trick. —Amanda West, Sibley, Louisiana
Zucchini Panzanella Salad
I 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
Roasted Beetroot and Garlic Hummus
This beetroot hummus is so tasty, healthy and the prettiest pink snack I’ve ever seen. This is also a handy recipe to make in large batches and keep in the fridge for lunches and snacks throughout the week. —Elizabeth Worndl, Toronto, Ontario
Summer Dessert Pizza
My family enjoys this dessert pizza recipe anytime of the year, but it's especially refreshing during the hot months. You can use whatever fruits are in season. —Ida Ruth Wenger, Harrisonburg, Virginia
Broccoli Salad Supreme
People can't get enough of the sweet grapes and crunchy broccoli in this colorful salad. I appreciate its make-ahead convenience. —Terri Twyman, Bonanza, Oregon
Frozen Peanut Butter and Chocolate Terrine
This 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
Potluck Fried Chicken
This Sunday dinner staple is first fried and then baked to a crispy golden brown. Well-seasoned with oregano and sage, this classic is sure to satisfy diners at church potlucks or late-summer picnics, too. I love fixing it for family and friends. —Donna Kuhaupt, Slinger, Wisconsin
Pretzel Gelatin Dessert
This 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 Salad
This 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
Mini BLTs
Celery adds a nice crunch to these easy, delightful appetizers. They’re always popular at parties and get-togethers. —Elizabeth Borgemenke, Mason, Ohio
Easy Strawberry Lemonade Freezer Pie
Three simple ingredients mixed together and spread into a graham crust make magic while your freezer does the all the work. Make 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 Dip
I 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
New England Baked Beans
For a potluck or picnic, you can’t beat this classic side that starts with a pound of dried beans. Molasses and maple syrup give it a slight sweetness. —Pat Medeiros, Tiverton, Rhode Island
Kansas City-Style Ribs
Our family recipe for ribs has evolved to near perfection. These country-style beauties are a legend in our close circle. —Linda Schend, Kenosha, Wisconsin
Corn with Cilantro-Lime Butter
I created a lime butter especially for grilled corn and love to add fresh cilantro from my garden. —Andrea Reynolds, Westlake, Ohio
Texas Taco Dip Platter
When 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 Lemonade
This 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
Dilly Potato & Egg Salad
Everyone 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 is the delicious result. —Angela Leinenbach, Mechanicsville, Virginia
Red, White & Blue Berry Trifle
This luscious trifle tastes best if made the day before serving. Keep additional berries on hand for decoration. —Kaia McShane, Munster, Indiana
Honey-Garlic Glazed Meatballs
My 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
Layered Salad for a Crowd
This 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
Chocolate Pudding Pizza
My sister Brenda and I made up this recipe while talking on the phone! My family loved the classic pairing of chocolate and peanut butter presented in a whole new way. —LaDonna Reed, Ponca City, Oklahoma
Guacamole Appetizer Squares
For ages, my brother's family and I have gotten together on Christmas Eve, and always eat snacks while we open our presents. This Tex-Mex spin on classic appetizer pizza is one we have again and again. —Laurie Pester, Colstrip, Montana
Yogurt Dill Dip
Every person who tries this dip wants to know what makes it taste special. The secret is the blend of yogurt, sour cream and mayo. —Krisann Durnford, Muskego, Wisconsin
Cherry Chewbilees
This is a good dish to carry to potlucks and parties. It's a hit at home, too - my husband rates it as one of his favorite desserts. —Debbi Smith, Crossett, Arkansas
Heirloom Tomato & Zucchini Salad
Tomato wedges give this salad a juicy bite. It's a great use of fresh herbs and veggies from your own garden or the farmers market. —Matthew Hass, Franklin, Wisconsin
Blue Cheese & Bacon Stuffed Peppers
Whenever I put out a plate of these cute little appetizers, people come flocking. Good thing there are lots of peppers in each bag. —Tara Cruz, Kersey, Colorado
Balsamic Three-Bean Salad
Here's my little girl's favorite salad. She eats it just about as fast as I can make it. Make it ahead so the flavors have plenty of time to get to know each other. —Stacey Feather, Jay, Oklahoma
Blueberry Lime Slush
My 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
S'mores Crispy Bars
My aunt always brought s’mores-style bars to our family's summer cottage. Plain or frosted, they’re perfect for eating on the run. —Betsy King, Duluth, Minnesota
Grilled Shredded Pork Sandwiches
Pork shoulder roast is rubbed with seasonings and grilled, creating a crispy exterior that's lip-smacking good! The meat is delicious by itself but can also be topped with your favorite barbecue sauce. —Amanda McLemore, Maryville, Tennessee
Peppered Cornbread
Pretty flecks of jalapeno and red peppers peek out from this golden cornbread. It has a mild flavor that appeals to most palates. —Ila Bray, Pelham, North Carolina
Cola Cake with Strawberries & Cream
We Southerners have been eating cola cake for decades. This easy version has strawberries, too. Chill it in the fridge for a dreamy summer dessert. —Peggy Walpert, Fort Worth, Texas
Spicy Watermelon Salsa
I threw this together after an overzealous trip to the farmers market! My family loved it from the first bite. You can serve it right away but the best flavor is achieved after letting the salsa rest in the refrigerator for a few hours. —Andrea Heyart, Aubrey, Texas
Five-Spice Chicken Wings
Bird is the word when it comes to these wings. They’re baked to a perfect golden brown and hum with mild, delicious Asian spices. Thanks to an overnight marinade, the chicken inside stays tender while the skin maintains that signature crunch. —Crystal Jo Bruns, Iliff, Colorado
Hot Dog Sliders with Mango-Pineapple Salsa
For parties, we shrink down lots of foods to slider size, including these quick hot dogs. Pile on the easy but irresistible fruit salsa for a burst of fresh flavor. —Carole Resnick, Cleveland, Ohio
Garden Spinach-Potato Salad
Not 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 Eggs
My 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 Salad
Want 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 Lemonade
The nutrition department at my local hospital inspired me to create this refreshing summer sipper. I slightly tweaked their recipe to create this drink full of sweet-tart flavor. —Dawn Lowenstein, Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania
Strawberry Ice Cream Charlotte
My family loves ice cream cake, so they were delighted when I first presented this dessert. It's light, delicious and has a festive presentation. —Scarlett Elrod, Newman, Georgia
- To make sure there isn’t too much overlap in items, ask people to sign up for the items they’ll be serving. Sharing a Google Sheet is an easy way to get everyone on the same page about who is bringing what and how much.
- A few weeks before the block party, you’ll want to decide with your fellow organizers if main dishes will be handled by each household individually or if a per-person fee will be charged and meat will be purchased in bulk. If the plan is to purchase and make the main dishes as a block, assign a point person to act as grill master and ensure they have plenty of propane or charcoal.
- If mains are up to each family, slow cooker barbecue is the perfect hands-off option. That way, you don’t have to stand in front of a grill or oven waiting for the meat to be done and you can just switch the slow cooker to “warm” when it’s ready. One of these 30 slow cooker barbecue recipes would work perfectly in this traveling picnic-cooler-style slow cooker.
- When deciding what apps and sides to serve, remember they’re likely going to be sitting outside for a few hours. So either avoid easily perishable foods and ingredients like mayonnaise or create an ice bath for the dishes with a disposable serving tray. Remember to replace the ice once it has melted.
- Stick to recipes that are easy to throw together like these simple summer side dishes. And if you’re serving corn on the cobb, you’ve got to check out these crazy corn holders.
- Don’t forget something sweet! These no-bake desserts will come in handy if it’s too hot to turn on your oven.
- If you run out of cooler space, serve some beverages in an ice bucket that’s filled at least 25% with ice. Or, you can whip up one of these delectable non-alcoholic party drinks and serve them in a pitcher or dispenser.
- Separate alcoholic drinks and soft drinks into their own containers and clearly label coolers that contain alcohol so there are no accidental mix-ups. You can even keep the adult beverages close at all times with this backpack cooler!
Gather supplies
For everything to run smoothly, there are a few things each home, and the block overall, needs.
- For the food: Grab a folding table or two to lay your food out on and provide a serving utensil for each dish that requires one. Stick to disposable plates, napkins, utensils and cups so you don’t get stuck with washing a mountain of dishes at the end of the night.
- For the beverages: Have enough coolers to house all of your beverages and plenty of ice. Speaking of ice, get at least 1 bag more than you think you’ll need. Summer days are hot and opening the cooler throughout the day will make the ice melt even faster.
- For the trash: Keep at least one trash can and recycling receptacle on each lawn and switch out the bags when they’re full. This will help keep the street clean and make the clean-up effort a breeze.
- For comfort: Pull out your patio or folding camping chairs for easy seating. If there are very young children or a few elderly neighbors on your block, it might be worth setting up a party tent to provide some shade.
- For yourself: If you’re going to be outside all day don’t forget about sunblock! Also, pick up some bug spray and citronella candles if the party is going to extend into the night.
Choose the entertainment
Pump up the fun with some awesome summer activities.
- Play some tunes with a block-loud speaker or two. Queue up a summer-themed preset playlist from Pandora or Spotify, or have each house be in charge of the music for an hour.
- Organize a few outdoor games like a bag toss tournament, horseshoes and bocce ball.
- Let the kids splash around with some water activities like a sprinkler, Super Soakers or water balloons. If a house on the block has a pool, plan with neighbors for at least one adult to supervise at a time.
- Keep the party going all night long with a bonfire complete with s’mores and ghost stories.
- Inquire if your town allows fireworks to end the party with a bang. If not, go with some fiber optic sparklers or glow sticks.
Take down and clean up
When the party is over, there’s still some work to be done.
- Plan on setting a time to clean up. Whether it’s the night of or the next morning, cleaning at the same time ensures no one has to do more than their fair share.
- Remember you’re cleaning the block, not just your front yard. That means clearing out any loose trash, the barricades at the end of the block and any other miscellaneous items that are left out.
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The post How to Plan a Summer Block Party Your Whole Town Will Be Jealous Of appeared first on Taste of Home.
Caroline Stanko