Summer Block Party Ideas

What better way to kick off summer than a block party for your entire neighborhood?! Certainly none that I can think of. Consider me there, so don't forget to invite the Party Girl.

Block Party Invitations
Get the block rockin' with your invitation.  Choose your invitation from our selection of summer theme party invitations and set the tone for your party. Or choose a patriotic theme invitation with the American flag and barbecue artwork. Whichever invite you choose make sure to add some barbecue confetti for a bit of fun!

You'll want to list all of the activities that you see below, and each family's responsibilities (like BYOG—bring your own grill!).

You may also want to enlist some neighbors to help you in this endeavor so make a little committee. You'll need help. Put someone in charge of the menu and RSVPs, ask someone to plan the activities, ask someone else to arrange permits and someone else to schedule entertainment and logistics like renting tables and chairs. You'll also need a "chairperson" - the person in charge who makes the final decisions, raises extra need dollars (to pay for that entertainment), etc. Make sure everyone participating is listed on the invitation.

I see BBQ! Summer is cook out time, and the living is easy. Use picnic gingham paper goods or bbq paper goods to decorate your tables. Choose from table covers, plates, cups, napkins and more to pull through your theme. Don't forget forks, knives and spoons in matching colors. A few clear tablecover clips will be a big help in keeping your table covers from flying away.

For centerpieces, use those mini $5 grills you see at Target or your favorite discount drugstore. Fill them with magic tricks or small toys so the kids (and adults) aren't bored at the table. Finally, tie balloons off the "grill" top. Add a few citronella candles to the table.

You don't need much more than that. Save your budget for the entertainment and activities!

Block Party Menu
How easy is this? Hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken, baked beans, coleslaw, potato salad, cold pasta dishes, corn on the cob, apple pie, chocolate cake; a good old-fashioned BBQ menu. Oops, don't forget vegetarians…you may want some veggie burgers and maybe a veggie tray. Set up an old-fashioned lemonade stand, and you may want to think about root beer floats and chocolate phosphates.

For the foods that need to be refrigerated, don't forget to bring plenty of ice and coolers.

A site you may want to check out is www.barbequerecipe.com—you'll find a list of menus, recipes and more that you can circulate around to those who want to bring something different!

Block Party games and Activities
Add a truly important activity to your block party. Round the kids up to get their pictures taken. Project KidCare is a national child photo identification and safety education program that was developed jointly by Polaroid Corporation and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that provides ID cards for children. Each ID lists a child's vital statistics and valuable emergency information. Check out their website for more information.

How about karaoke? Some people say it's not "in" anymore, but take it from me, it's always fun. Let the kids get up with some fake microphones and sing their guts out. Let the adults get up and do their own rendition of Bruce Springsteen with an inflatable guitar and make fools of themselves. It's all in good fun. And all you need is a boom box!

Have a photo opportunity where kids (and adults, of course) can stick their head in the slot and become part of the Old West, or be Uncle Sam or others. Have personalized cameras on hand, we really like this patriotic bbq camera.

What else to do? There are things that are free: set up a face painting area, a tie dye area (have everyone bring an old white shirt), a cookie decorating area and other crafts. Or bring in some entertainment: a bubbleologist (a person who makes art out of giant bubbles), a balloon sculptor (he'll make balloons hats for everyone if you're nice to him and even balloon pets to take home), a clown that does magic or special types of face painting, a magician and/or a guitarist who can host a sing-along. None of this is costly, but you have to make sure everyone will contribute. Or you might ask some of the neighborhood stores to sponsor each entertainer (just a thought!)…

Block Party Favors
Start the party with great favors like, sunflower glasses, beach balls, pinwheels, rainbow coils, or smile bubbles on a string to wear around your neck. This will keep them busy.

As evening progresses, think about glow necklaces, glow sticks, glow earrings for the adults, and give each kid a fiber optic wand. There are even flashing necklaces so everyone is safe. A personalized summer mint or candy tin with your street name added would be a great party favor.

Okay. I'm tired from thinking about it, I've had so much fun. Start planning today…and make sure your kids are safe!