How to Organize a Block Party – Block Party Menu Ideas

 

Block Party Menu - Single Serve Chips in cupcake wrappers

 

Burgers and hot dogs are standard block party fare that will always be an option, but if you want to stray from the usual, here are a few ideas to get you started. You will need to secure several grills from neighbors ahead of time and set up a few food prep tables and a cooking area.

 

Grilled pizzas— Put some balls of dough and interesting, as well as the ordinary, pizza toppings out on the buffet table and allow guests to customize their own pizza to share with their family. Chances are you can find neighbors with gardens, or some that will bring items from the farmers market for a buffet of fresh summer flavors. Recipes are easy to find on gooogle...here is a fun one from Bobby Flay.

 

Fresh summer salads and wraps— Grilled meats can be cut into strips, which is a budget friendly way to go. Serve alongside fresh summer greens, fruits and vegetables. Nuts, seeds, and croutons make nice accoutrements for your salad bar. For those looking for a heartier meal, flat breads or tortilla wraps can be offered as well.

 

Hobo packets— Allow each guest to create their own packet by offering potatoes, sweet corn on the cob cut into rounds, various cut veggies and herbs, along with shrimp, sliced sausages and thinly sliced chicken. Offer spices, salt, pepper, soy sauce and broth. Have squares of foil in a couple of stacks for your guests to fill and fold before grilling. This may be a new experience for many, so placing instructions or easy recipes to follow would be helpful. Shrimp Boil Hobo Packs from Food & Wine are a summer staple around here.

 

Having guests assemble their own food is great because they are sure to like it, and the work load for those preparing the food is less. Just be sure to have plenty of grill space, icy cold coolers and table space for preparing the food.

 

Block Party Beverage Station - Sangria

 

Create a beverage station. Offer sodas, lemonade, and adult beverages if you choose. Wagons of ice are a great way to display drinks. Summer sangria is a fun and affordable adult beverage that is a snap to make for a crowd.

 

Block Party Dessert Table - Cupcakes in cherry cupcake wrappers

 

A dessert table can be pulled together with a collection of potluck desserts. Use all white platters and Desset Skirtz to make even the most eclectic selection of desserts into a stunningly appetizing display.

 

Making the effort to create a beautiful event will turn an ordinary gathering into a special block party that all the neighbors will look forward to attending.