Hosting a Neighborhood Party: Part 3-Creating a welcome atmosphere

In the previous posts I showed you how to invite your neighbors creatively and gave you  tips on getting ready. Finally the night of the event is here! What are you going to do to create an atmosphere that promotes conversation and puts your neighbors at ease? The picture above is of my porch on a regular day. it's wonderful, but there's a few things that will create a welcome atmosphere. 

Lighting is essential! 

There’s just something about candles and special lights that create a feeling of warmth and comfort. I like using candles with names like, pumpkin spice and cranberry-orange peel. One guest commented how she could “smell the welcome” as she came up the drive! 

I also found inexpensive porch lights and hung them across the end of the porch. They add low light and a create a festive atmosphere.

Games are the key to easy conversation! 

Put out a stack of your store bought games. Be sure they are easy to play. We have a lovely old game called Crokinole. I have wonderful memories of playing Crokinole on frosty winter evenings with my Grandfather.  You can actually buy the boards on Ebay.  

I put my youngest son, he’s nine, in charge of showing the first guests our games. He was eager to teach them Crokinole. 

I’ve also found collecting old wooden things like spools and blocks, to be an endless source of entertainment for little guests. They always create something unique.

If you have space, a game of whiffle ball, or ladder golf will help engage the older kids and a few of the adults as well. This creates and opportunity for camaraderie with your new neighbors.

Good questions inspire good conversation. 

My husband is terrific at this. He’s quick to ask questions such as, “Tell me about your family” or “How long have you lived in this neighborhood?” He followed this one up with, “What’s changed over the years?”

This last question launched one neighbor into a story about a famous person who used to live right next door to us.  We also learned that there used to be neighborhood parties but they’d fallen off at some point as people’s kids grew older. 

Our evening was filled with lively conversation and the warmth of new friendships. The highlight of the evening came in the form of a sweet neighbor boy who quickly made fast friends with our youngest son. We’ve lived here three years and never knew a good friend lived right across the street. 

Here's our family the year we moved into the "Blue House" as it is lovingly labeled by the neighbors. We had no idea what a blessing that porch would be. 

So, the verdict on the neighborhood porch party is in. A success! We are already thinking about what to do next. perhaps a neighborhood Christmas party? Hmm.. perhaps.