Celebrate the season with a Fall block party

First, try and share the planning (and expense) with others. If not a neighborhood association, then hopefully a few neighbors will agree to work with you on this.

Second, a fun Fall themedefinitely helps put people in a party mood and also makes a party more memorable. Here are some suggestions for an Autumnal celebration: put up a welcome banner decorated with real or faux (paper) Fall leaves. Arrange pumpkins and hay bales at each end of the section of street that's been designated the party area. Balloons are always fun to have around: look for some in Fall hues, like orange and brown. Decorate the table/s with Fall-themed table runners or be creative, arranging small pumpkins, pine cones, apples or leaves amongst the plates and dishes.


Third, think through the logistics well in advance. Consider delegating one task to each person so that no one gets overloaded with work. Remember you will need to arrange to have the street blocked off for the event, which requires permission from the city. You will also need tables on which to spread out the food, so you'll need to supply them yourself, or rent or borrow them. Other questions to be resolved: who will provide ice for the sodas? Who will buy and cook the hamburgers and hot dogs? Who will buy cups, utensils and paper plates?

Fourth, publicize your party! Don't just rely on signs tacked to power poles. Print your invitations and hand-deliver them door-to-door. Give an invitation to each resident personally, if possible. If they're not home, tuck the invitation near the door handle, between the door and the door jamb. Why? If you just pop it in the mail box they may just assume it's junk mail and trash it.

Make sure your invitations answer any questions people may have. In other words, include the following: date, time, location, theme (if there is one), food to be supplied, food/drink that guests are expected to bring. Let them know if alcohol is allowed or a no-no. Also state whether or not pets are allowed and whether or not people should bring lawn chairs with them.

Fifth, consider holding raffles to increase the fun factor. Kids love these! Some businesses give out coupons for free products for community-related purposes, so ask around. These coupons make great prizes.

Sixth, speaking of kids: think up some kid-friendly activities. Our neighborhood association rents one of those big inflatable bouncers for each block party. Kids of all ages love them and parents can keep an eye out while still enjoying dinner.

Finally, have someone take snapshots of everyone having a great time. Invite guests to add their email addresses to a sign-up sheet. Later you can upload the pics to an online photo service like Shutterfly and send everyone the link. What a great way to encourage a sense of community!

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