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A brand new home means summer weekends can be even brighter and happier than ever before. All that’s needed for unforgettable weekends in the new-home community is some willingness, a little creativity and openness to meeting the neighbors.
Whether you want to host indoor-outdoor events to meet the neighbors, birthday parties for the kids or quiet couple’s nights by the fire pit, the new home is the place to be.
In advance of the first get-together, don’t worry if you haven’t yet finished decorating the new home. Avoid the temptation to make everything look perfect just because it’s new.
In fact, some people might feel relieved to be hosted by another new owner who’s not afraid to leave things a bit undone. Neighbors might even ask each other for tips on decorating, furniture configurations or indoor-outdoor entertaining arrangements.
Block parties or park outings
Start with the builder and the homeowners association (HOA), if applicable, to learn how easy it can be to get neighbors together with little effort at common areas or community parks. Some new-home communities already host group outings at parks, pools or community houses.
Neighborhood associations might already be planning events such as a Fourth of July bike parade followed by a community picnic. Find out who the organizers are and bring your ideas to them.
Next, let smaller-scale gatherings take on a flavor of their own right on your own street. Group walks, hikes or lawn games like cornhole bring people together either on a schedule or spontaneously.
Some neighbors might enjoy gardening together once a week or getting family dogs together at someone’s yard or a park. Over time, people may even find themselves creating new traditions that extend past the summer, such as a bring-your-own-pizza party held one weekend evening each month at a common area or on the front lawns.
Why not incorporate a photo scavenger hunt to start or finish off the day’s event? In advance, a few neighbors can create a list of items or scenes that each team of three or four people can look for, taking pictures of themselves with the item.
Divide the group into teams randomly, with at least one adult or older teen in each group assigned to collect the photos on a cell phone. Simple prizes can be awarded for the team that finds the most items or finishes first; the team with the most creative interpretations of the list; the slowest; or the most spirited team.
An open-house or yard party
An open house-style get-together in the new home or the backyard can help neighbors get to know one another in a casual, informal setting. Consider extending invitations to neighbors within a few homes on either side of yours or to neighbors you’ve noticed have things in common, such as kids of the same age, dogs or people who work from home.
When inviting people, try wording such as, “Drop in anytime and stay as long as you want between noon to 3 p.m.” or “We’ll be on the patio from 5 to 8 p.m. Come on back and say hello!” or “Stop by for coffee, tea and treats anytime between 9 to 11 a.m.”
The open house-style arrangement allows people to introduce themselves and gather as briefly or for as long as they want to. They can introduce any children to each other, exchange numbers with people on the street or in the complex and learn what interests they share.
The initial open house gathering might feature only light snacks, cookies, Popsicles and beverages. The next might feature potluck appetizers. By the third event, people might offer to bring their own barbecue food or beverages while the host supplies paper plates, utensils, water and other basics.
And don’t forget the fun of a regularly scheduled barbecue. Whether in a community common area, at the neighborhood park or in your own backyard, summer cookouts make for warm, comfortable gatherings. Everyone can bring their own main course and a side item or beverage to share.
Whatever the gathering, start with a casual, flexible mindset and an eye on open-minded fun and togetherness.
Originally published at Cameron Sullivan