Summer is the perfect time to gather the neighbors together. Use these tips to plan a block party that’s fun for all ages!
[the decor]
> Block parties don’t need much dressing up, so invest your energy in things that will make a big impact with little effort. Cover buffet tables with tablecloths and set out lanterns and large votives.
> Check out Paper Source (papersource.com or its retail shop in Ladue’s Colonial Marketplace) for adorable, summer-themed garland, including watermelon, fish and ice cream.
[the prep]
> Enlist a few neighbor friends to help with the logistics for invitations, food and drink, decorations and games.
> To ensure good turnout, let neighbors know about the event weeks ahead of time. The Service Bureau in Ladue has tons of eye-catching invitations.
> Ask a few neighbors to bring party essentials like buffet tables, lawn chairs, bug spray and coolers.
> Feeding a crowd is simpler if everyone pitches in! On the invites, instruct guests to sign up to bring a main course, side, salad or dessert. Don’t forget about plates, napkins, cutlery and cups!
> Alternately, have the event catered. Barbecue is a crowd-pleaser that tends to be easy on the wallet. Some of our favorites include Vernon’s in U. City, Adam’s Smokehouse off Watson Road, Sugarfire Smoke House in Olivette and PM BBQ in Chesterfield.
> Fill coolers with ice and provide bottled water, soda, beer and wine. Bota boxes are a great choice for wine—they’re only $20 for the equivalent of four bottles. Most varietals are ranked in the high 80s by Wine Enthusiast.
> For an extra-memorable event, hire a Kona Ice Truck (kona-ice.com) or The Fire & Ice Cream Truck (314.601.2038) to show up at the party.
> For adults and teens, offer a variety of lawn games: bag toss, washers, bocce ball and kickball.
> For children, provide outdoor amusements like sidewalk chalk, bubbles and hula hoops. Organize a rousing game of capture the flag or a four square tournament.
> If the night is sweltering, add water balloons to the mix with a game of dodgeball.
> After dark, hang a white sheet on a garage and screen a movie with a projector. Spread out picnic blankets and pillows so guests can lounge comfortably.