It is very important for everyone in the neighborhood to be invited, if you decide to have a block party. Nobody should be left out. If you have an elderly person in the neighborhood, make arrangements for someone to pick them up, so they don’t feel left out. If you have a true shut-in on your block, it is always nice to let them know ahead of time about the party, and let them know that, though they cannot attend in person, they are going to be included. Be sure and take them a plate of food, a party favor, and take the newest members on the block, and introduce them.

Party Activities for Adult Block Parties

Especially if you are having a block party for someone who is new to the area, it is nice to give them gifts, but not always necessary. You can always give them names and addresses of hairdressers, cleaners, good restaurants, dentists, physicians, etc. Free movie rentals, names of teens who mow lawns or baby-sit (perhaps even let the neighborhood kids be there for the first hour of the party, so they can put names and faces together, as well as putting the correct child with the correct parents) names of mechanics, and other places you know they will need to find eventually are often the most needed gift you can give to a neighborhood newcomer.

A great introductory game is to send a questionnaire with the invitation. Ask simple questions such as “Where do you work?” “What kind of car do you drive?” “What are your children’s names?” and “Do you have any pets, and if so, what are their names?” Then, when the line forms for the Barbeque, the “Ticket” to the food is the questionnaire, which is dropped into a box. After dinner, the questionnaires are pulled out, and the new neighbors attempt to match the questionnaire with the correct neighbor. It is a good way to get to know each other. Be sure to include some fun questions like, “What is your favorite sport?” and “What is a unique talent you possess?”

Never forget the power of music in a social gathering. You could have a dance, where each person dances with a new partner when the song changes. What better way to get to know your new neighbors, and let them get to know you, than to have a “get acquainted” adult block party to rock the block!

Mrs. Party… Gail Leino is the internet’s leading authority on selecting the best possible party supplies (http://partysupplieshut.com), using proper etiquette, and living a healthy life while also teaching organizational skills and fun facts. The Party Supplies Hut has lots of party ideas with hundreds of free coloring sheets, printable games, and free birthday party activities. Over 100 adorable Party Themes (PartyThemeShop.com) to fit your birthday celebration, holiday event, or “just because” parties is at the Party Theme Shop. Party themes include cartoon characters, sports, movie, TV shows, luau, western, holidays, and unique crazy fun theme ideas.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gail_Leino

If your daughter would like to create her own doll house, here are some ideas that may be helpful. Some projects may need parental help or supervision, depending on her age and skills.

1. Cardboard Boxes

Start with large cardboard boxes, depending on the size of the dolls who are going to live there. If you can find three or four of similar sizes, they each could be a separate room of the house. For example, there could be two boxes on the first floor, and two boxes for the upstairs floor. Or they could be rearranged to have a one-level house.

2. Furniture

My sister and I gathered all kinds of objects to use for furniture. Again, cardboard boxes can be used here. Small ones, like the ones jewelry comes in, could be tables or beds or couches. We gathered empty dish detergent bottles, rinsed them out well, and cut the bottoms out in shapes that could be chairs for Barbies.

3. Walls

If your daughter wants pretty walls, scraps of wallpaper can be glued or pasted on the inside of the boxes. Pictures and frames can be drawn with markers on the wallpaper. Or, she could just paint the walls with watercolors.

4. Rugs or Carpets

Different materials can be used here, too. You want something that will stay in place, not too light and flimsy. Perhaps an old towel can be cut to the size and put on the floor. Hand-stitch around the edges to prevent fraying.

5. Windows

Depending on how elaborate and detailed your daughter wants to be, the windows could be drawn on the house, or cut out. I would strongly recommend the parent cutting out the windows. Since it is cardboard, you may have to use a drywall knife, and a child could be easily injured trying to use it.

The curtains can be made from little scraps of leftover fabric. Teach your child how to measure and cut these to the right size. You could even incorporate a little hand-sewing lesson here to show her how to stitch around the edges so they don’t fray.

6. Bedspreads and Upholstery

Fabric scraps may be used again to make little bedspreads and upholstery covers for the couches and chairs. Your child can choose matching scraps to go with the colors of the wallpaper and rugs. Again, stitch around the edges.

Most children will not only enjoy playing with these handmade doll houses, but have hours of fun in creating and constructing them.

Kids are not underprivileged if they don’t have the latest expensive or high-tech toys. On the contrary, I feel that they are privileged. They have the opportunity to develop rich, creative imaginations and problem-solving skills that don’t happen with toys that do everything for them.

In the book, Dirt Roads and High Topped Shoes [http://www.amysinclair.net], my mother has written memories of her childhood in the 1920s [http://www.amysinclair.net]. There is also a growing collection of old fashioned activities for children on the site.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jessica_Gerald

Block parties can be a great deal of fun for the whole neighborhood. However, without proper planning, you could end up with a less than entertaining event. Unique entertainment rentals can make all of the difference when you are planning a fun filled block party. The ideas below are just a few of the ways that you can spruce up your next event with exciting party rental equipment.

Dunk Tank Rentals

A traditional feature in block parties and street fairs, dunk tanks are fun for everyone. You will be sure to draw a crowd with a dunk booth rental. Professional booths are available, and are sturdy enough for both children and adults to use. You can’t go wrong with an old time favorite like this. And the cool thing about dunk tanks? You do not have to be a player to enjoy the action. Watching is fun too!

Obstacle Courses and Bouncers

Obstacle courses and bouncers can be a wonderful addition to any party. Both the young and old can enjoy bouncing, frolicking, and finding their way on these exciting entertainment rentals. At affordable rental prices, you can afford to get several different types of entertainment activities, and keep your guests busy for hours. Don’t let your block party be a dud, add an inflatable bouncer, obstacle course, or several of each for a day filled with fun. And don’t be scared off by the thought of setting up these units. A good party rental company will take care of the set up, tear down and everything in between if necessary.

Kiddie Ride Rentals

For younger children who might attend your block party, you will want to be sure to have appropriate forms of entertainment for them as well. What better way to do this than with kiddie ride rentals. From toddler bounces to air light mazes to a wide range of other kiddie activities, you can purchase rentals that work for specific ages of children or all ages in general. The most important thing is that you make the fun at your next event accessible to all ages.

About the Author

Cheryl Pierce