Simple and Affordable Refreshment Ideas for Your Next Block Party

Block party refreshments don’t have to be a lot of work or cost a fortune. All you need are a few ideas for block party food and drinks that are a snap to set up.  

Create a Themed Food Bar

Having everyone make their own food creations pulls double duty: It takes a lot of the cooking off the host and allows everyone to make exactly what they want. That’s why “build-your-own” bars are a huge crowd pleaser. You provide the main item and everyone adds the toppings that suit them. The ideas are virtually endless, but here are some favorites:

  • Nacho bar
  • Baked potato bar
  • Hot dog bar
  • Pizza bar
  • Pasta bar
  • Salad bar

Invite Everyone to Get Involved

As the host, you can help control costs (and shopping and prep work) by getting everyone involved. If you’re planning a food bar, use an app like SignUpGenius to let guests know what items they can contribute so you don’t end up with eight bags of cheese…and no tomatoes.

Potlucks are always fun, too. Assign guests a category when they RSVP so you’ll have a selection of block party foods. Consider asking guests to send you the recipe so you can make a neighborhood party cookbook as a memento.

Drink It In

What’s a block party without some fun beverages? The best way to serve them is in big batches to cut down on waste (and expense) from single-serving containers. Opt for large beverage dispensers of lemonade, ice tea, and of course, plenty of water. Should you decide to serve cocktails, make sure that you stash them separately.

Make Your Mark

One way block party costs can get out of control is when guests grab new glasses for every drink because they don’t know which one is theirs. Solve that problem—and create a fun activity and keepsake too—by inviting everyone to design their own wine glass markers and other drink tags. Check out these fun DIY wine glass markers and other ideas for drink tags.

You can always keep it a simple with a permanent marker, pre-printed labels, or a selection of fun stickers so guests can mark their own cups in a snap.

End on a Sweet Note

Two words: Chocolate fountain. Nothing satisfies a sweet tooth faster than a chocolate-y river, and the bonus is that it fits well with the goal of a block party—to get a group together. Invite guests to bring an item to share, or set out your own variety of chocolate dippers. The options can range from sweet to savory, with bite-size treats such as:

  • Pretzels
  • Donut holes
  • Animal cookies
  • Graham crackers
  • Banana slices
  • Strawberries
  • Marshmallows

With these easy, crowd-pleasing block party refreshment ideas, you can enjoy the party as much as your guests.

 

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