How to throw a neighborhood block party

Summer will soon be here, and one of life's better moments is to meet the people you wave to as you drive through your neighborhood. Back in the 50's you didn't need to have these parties because everyone in a 10 square mile radius knew each other from school and church. Not so today, soooo here's our tips for throwing the ultimate block party.

1.
Step 1

Put a flyer in neighbors' mailboxes inviting them to meet to discuss a block party. At the meeting, discuss possible dates and who will do what. See 373 Plan an Organizational Meeting.
2.
Step 2

Distribute sign-up sheets for tables, chairs, glasses, plates, napkins, utensils, barbecue grills, side dishes and other party essentials. Have plenty of trash cans and bins for recycling bottles and cans. Rent a portable toilet if necessary.
3.
Step 3

Plan the food and drinks. Call it international night and have each family make a dish that is unique to its heritage. Or have everyone bring their own food to grill. This is a surprisingly effective way to get strangers to mingle easily--they feel less awkward with something to do. Have everyone prepare his or her favorite cocktails and munchies for a happy hour. Don't forget nonalcoholic punches for those who don't drink alcohol and for kids.
4.
Step 4

Dress up the block with colorful decorations. Buy lots of balloons and have everyone tie them to trees and fences on their property. You might consider a block theme color and decorate accordingly. Ask each family to make a family banner to display on its front lawn. Hang pin~atas for the kids. Tiki torches and lots of twinkling lights are festive when the sun sets.
5.
Step 5

Organize entertainment. Bring in pony rides or a mobile petting zoo or rent an inflatable jumping structure for the kids. Ask the neighborhood fire station to send an engine by if it's available. Plan party games for kids and adults alike, such as a water balloon toss and an egg race.
6.
Step 6

Rock the street with music everyone will enjoy. Hook up a CD player outside or splurge on live music (see 335 Hire a Band).
7.
Step 7

Contact town officials to see about getting the road barricaded if it's a large enough group. You'll need to supply a map of the area where you'll be holding the event, including cross streets for barricades.
8.
Step 8

Send invitations to everyone on the block. Get the kids involved and have them stuff the invites in everyone's mailbox (check first to see if this is legal in your area).

How to throw a "Oscars" party!

How to throw a "Oscars" Party

1.
Step 1

Make sure that you have plenty of comfortable seating and that everyone will have a clear view of the television.
2.
Step 2

Make a 90-minute mix tape of recognizable movie themes to play in the background before and after the ceremony. Put the tape deck on repeat.
3.
Step 3

Dress for the Oscars. Wear tuxes and evening gowns with rhinestone necklaces.
4.
Step 4

Announce guests over a microphone as they arrive. For example, "And now please welcome last year's winner of the best supporting soccer coach, Stan Murphy."
5.
Step 5

Provide appetizers and both alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages.
6.
Step 6

Pass out pens and ballots listing all the nominees and have everyone vote on who they think is going to win before the ceremony starts.
7.
Step 7

Tally results after the ceremony ends.
8.
Step 8

Present a fake plastic Oscar to the person who got the most right. Encourage the winner to make an acceptance speech.