Plan an outdoor neighborhood party with KSL Classifieds

It doesn’t take much to throw a basic neighborhood block party. Print out a few fliers, set out some tables and chairs and let the conversations commence. But you’re not ordinary. No, this year, you’re going to throw the most epic outdoor party in the history of forever. All you need is a vision and the perfect setup with KSL Classifieds.

Prep you place

Depending on your neighborhood, you may want to set up in your own backyard, across several yards or perhaps even take over an entire cul-de-sac. If there will be traffic going by, protect your guests — set up some orange safety cones to encourage drivers to slow down and watch for pedestrians.

Set the mood with some tunes. Beach party? Long live the 80s? Choose a theme, if you're inclined. Hire a professional DJ, or rent a sound system and enlist your teenager or friend to keep your carefully curated playlist going. Maybe even open the mic up for karaoke later, if you dare.

Eating it up

No party is complete without food. Lots of food. Set out long tables to hold all the macaroni salad, chips, Jell-o concoctions, baked beans, more chips and dips, cupcakes and cookies. Warming trays and chafer dishes are handy for keeping the burgers and hot dogs warm if you’re serving a large crew.

Use spouted drink dispensers to avoid spilled pitchers of punch. If you’re serving canned or bottled drinks, use a cooler or metal tub filled with ice to keep them chilled. Arrange round tables and folding chairs so guests can comfortably eat and chat with friends. 

What’s cookin’

Grilling is basically mandatory for any outdoor neighborhood party. Pre-cook your menu using a smoker, so you can spend more time hanging out and less time waving smoke out of your face. But if the smell and sound of sizzling meat is an integral part of your event, by all means, fire up the grill. Make sure your barbecue is clean and ready to go before guests arrive.

Talking points

Create conversation areas where guests can naturally congregate. Set up a fire pit surrounded by chairs, or arrange patio furniture — sofas, benches, ottomans — to accommodate anyone who wants to join in. 

Set up some canopies to provide shade during daylight hours. When the sun begins to set but the party is still in full swing, turn on patio heaters, bamboo torches and string lights for a magical transition into evening. If you’re in an area with mosquitoes, light citronella lanterns and turn on the bug zapper, too.

Let’s play

Because it's a neighborhood party, you’ll likely have guests of all ages. Give everyone something fun to do.

For the youngsters

While the adults talk, help the kids keep themselves entertained. Set up a giant water slide or bounce house — or both, because you’re the coolest. Set up a water station, with squirt guns and water balloons. How about a dunk tank? This is their chance to tell a grumpy neighbor how they really feel.

For bigger kids

You don’t need much space for yard games, something guests of any age can play. Group activities such as 9-square, bocce and cornhole are good for a little neighbor-to-neighbor rivalry. “Sure your hedges are clipped perfectly, but I can throw a beanbag like an Olympian.” Or set up a net for a friendly round of badminton or volleyball. 

That’s entertainment

End the evening with a movie and some treats. If you get competitive talking about the size of your screens, you can say you totally win with your really big outdoor version.

The best part of movie night? Snacks, of course. Rent a commercial popcorn machine for that authentic, theater taste. Sugary snacks such as cotton candy, snow cones and ice cream are sure to be a hit, as well — anytime of the day, actually.

Learn more tips for getting your backyard barbecue ready on our Resource page. Whether you’re hosting a family cookout, a graduation party or a custom wedding, you can find all the items you need — to buy or rent — on KSL Classifieds.