Autumn is the perfect time of the year to host an outdoor
gathering for your neighbors. The days are warm and the nights are cool which
makes it the ideal weather for leaf pile jumps, carving pumpkins and bobbing
for apples.
My husband and I plan a autumn block party as an outdoor event. The party marks the end of the season and is the last time that we
will see everyone until the spring season. Each year the event seems to grow and new activities are added. This year we intend on having a chili cook-off
with a panel of judges a a scavenger’s hunt and we are thinking about adding a talent show for the children. We always decorate our outdoor space with an autumn theme as neighbors will gather in this area. Here are some ideas that you may like,
The block party is for our friends, family and neighbors and all enjoy the activities. If you are interested in hosting a autumn block party then here are some ideas:
The block party is for our friends, family and neighbors and all enjoy the activities. If you are interested in hosting a autumn block party then here are some ideas:
Decide
on the location for your autumn party.
For a small event you could host it in your yard or for a larger event set the block party up in the community common area. Once
you have decided on the location for the autumn party you will need to
choose a date and a time.
Gather
names and contact information for your guest list. When you have a tentative guest list you will
then know how many flyers are needed for invitations.
Order invitation from zazzle.com, choose a template design that you like and fill in your special event information.
Order invitation from zazzle.com, choose a template design that you like and fill in your special event information.
Contact
your friends and ask them to help you with planning the harvest
gathering. Delegate tasks to them and
ask them to complete by a certain date.
You may want to assign the following duties: Decorating, event set-up, sending out
invitations, food preparation, organizing activities.
Choose
a menu for the harvest gathering. Decide
it will be a pot luck meal where everyone brings something, or will you provide
the food.
Basic Menu ideas for
Harvest Gathering
Chili
Pumpkin Soup
Corn Chowder
Chicken Wings
Hot Dogs
Hamburgers
Baked Beans
Macaroni and Cheese
Grilled Corn on the Cob
Squash Casserole
Pumpkin Pie
Pumpkin Cupcakes
Carrot Cake
Caramel Apples
Marshmallows for
roasting
When
we hosted our harvest block party we supplied the tables for the crafts, and
food buffet as well as the beverages; apple cider, ice tea, hot chocolate and water.
We also hang the lights and decorate our yard for the autumn season.
Our guests bring a wide assortment of delicious comfort foods. I usually list the type of food that I would like them to bring on their invitation; appetizer, casserole, soup, chili entree, dessert.
You may need to rent banquet tables, and chafing dishes at your local party store. Ask your neighbors to bring their own chair.
Our guests bring a wide assortment of delicious comfort foods. I usually list the type of food that I would like them to bring on their invitation; appetizer, casserole, soup, chili entree, dessert.
You may need to rent banquet tables, and chafing dishes at your local party store. Ask your neighbors to bring their own chair.
Deliver
the invitation two weeks before the event. For a neighborhood gathering you may
want to hand them out or put in mailbox.
Ask all to RSVP with the type of food they are bringing and how many quests will be attending. This will help you in setting up an area that will accommodate all.
Ask all to RSVP with the type of food they are bringing and how many quests will be attending. This will help you in setting up an area that will accommodate all.
Meet
with our party helpers to organize the event and to go over the details. Plan
to set up for the harvest gathering the night before.
