In smaller cities and towns all over the United States, summer is a time for picnics and block parties. A block party not only allows neighbors to get together for fun and food, it enables them to have a sense of community. If you are wondering how to plan a black party, this page will walk you through some important aspects of it.

Organizing a block party can be overwhelming at first but with these simple steps, it can be done. Never try to organize one yourself, as it takes a few people and the support of the neighborhood to make it all work as planned.

It’s easier to be part of the group who is organizing a block party rather than trying to organize such a party solo. Gather a group of friendly neighbors and begin planning your very own first annual neighborhood block party.

Use what is there, rather than buying new. Children's wading pools become large-size coolers, a sidewalk becomes an artist’s canvas, and totes become a haven for a cold drink. Organize separate areas for different ages and activities, and you will not go wrong.

A neighborhood block party not only brings everyone outside for fun activities, this type of party allows neighbors to interact and get to know each other. Once neighbors begin to know each other, they watch out for each other and that is a benefit to the entire neighborhood.http://entertaining.about.com/cs/partygames/a/blockparty.htm

When a group gathers to organize a block party, they need to take a close look at the neighborhood. Where will tables or separate areas be located? Of course, there are other questions to be asked, such as the particulars.

When will the party be held? Pick a Saturday for the party and set the next Saturday as a rain day. You will want to set the party on a weekend in either late spring or early summer to avoid vacations.http://www.thatsthespirit.com/en/entertaining/articles/Block_Party.asp

By consensus, is there a neighbor who will not be welcome? A block party fosters community spirit. If there will be children present and a neighbor is a drunk, is his or her presence necessary? Block parties are not for everyone and everyone who is planning the party needs to have a say in it.

Once you have the list of who is coming, you have the number of guests. Now you can organize the meat and drinks. A collection can be taken up for the cost of drinks and meat or be creative here. Set up a recycling container for the five-cent cans, and neighbors can add their cans. The host can then recycle the cans and purchase the meat and drinks for the next one.

Make up fliers announcing the party, ask the neighbors to RSVP to you 2 weeks before the party. Also, include a small charge per family for meat and drinks. Make some of the fliers say to bring a salad, while others specify to bring a vegetable or dessert.

The block party host can pass the hat for donations for ice, or ask neighbors who have ice makers to bring ice to keep the food at safe levels.

Where will the food tables be located? Does the host have enough tables and chairs? Does the host need to ask neighbors to bring their own?

Relaxation areas for the older folks who want to sit and talk quietly should be away from the area where babies are crying or teenagers are playing loud music. Make sure the area for adults is relaxing and peaceful.

Setting up an art table for the children is a good idea. One large table with different activities for this age group will keep them occupied. Put baskets of crayons, markers, and colored pencils on the table along side plain paper and coloring books. If there is a concrete driveway close by, make it off-limits to cars and allow the children to draw on it with sidewalk chalk.

A game area could be a big backyard where people can play football, volleyball, or badminton. If no one is actively playing sports, this area could double as a place to play charades, tag, or even dance.

One of the most important areas is the preschool area, as these little ones need to be supervised closely. In a grassy front yard, set up playpens or better yet add in one of those huge outdoor play areas to keep the littlest guests safe. http://www.onestepahead.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=5766&parentCategoryId=85183&categoryId=85217&cm_ven=Performics_Affs&cm_cat=k97475&cm_ite=siz%20panel%20superyard

Allow older trusted teenagers to help in the areas where the younger kids are, this way the parents can relax while their little ones are safe.http://www.catalogs.com/info/party-planning/how-to-throw-a-block-party.html

Organizing the food and drinks is an important part of the host’s job for a block party. Making sure salads are kept on ice to prevent spoilage is an important safety factor, and warm drinks are not pleasant to drink. These two things and much more are included in organizing the food and drinks.http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes-and-cooking/salad-safety/index.html

Put the ice and food inside new kiddy pools. Many of these smaller pools can fit on a wide picnic table. Hosts can save these small pools for next year’s block party or donate them to the families with small children.

Place plastic silverware, plates, and napkins at the end of one table. Large plastic cups can hold the silverware and keep it separated.

Ask neighbors to bring a dish to pass. Have some neighbors bring salads, while others bring a vegetable dish or a dessert. This way there are not ten dishes of potato salad and no corn on the cob for guests to enjoy.

Before the party place the canned drinks in tote trays filled with ice. Place the totes in a shady area so help preserve the ice. Once the totes are empty, they can be used to store the block party items for next year, such as art supplies or citronella candles.

Set up the food tables in one area, preferably under a tent or screened-in room. This way the host can refill the table as needed, and remove empty dishes.

Grills should be close to the food tables so the meat is on hand to be served with the rest of the food.