NeighborHood Events

I have attended many neighborhood events planned by members of the homeowners association.  It is a good way to bring the neighborhood closer.  If you live in a neighborhood with a HOA hopefully you have been invited to events planned by the HOA.  The holidays are a good time to plan events and invite your neighbors.  If you live in a golf community or swim and tennis then you probably have received invitations to join your neighbors in celebrating special occasions.  If you are on the HOA’s event planning committee then this is the time to showcase your ideas.   If you need some help, visit other communities’ websites, take a drive through nearby neighborhoods for inspiration, or contact them.  Some of the things I’ve seen during Christmas include:

• Mailbox decorating contest.  Homeowners decorate their mailbox with Christmas decorations and the HOA judge the participants in several different categories.
•  House decorating contest.  This is probably the most popular.  Neighbors vie for the best house in the neighborhood, and in larger subdivisions best house on the street.Take pictures with Santa.  The HOA gets some brave dad or granddad to dress up as Santa and let the neighborhood kids take pictures.  The kids receive candy canes, candy, cookies or small gifts.  This is a good idea for larger subdivisions and the parents can avoid the lines at the mall.  Some HOA’s will have a special time for the pets to take pictures with the Big Guy.
• Christmas party.  Decorate the club house the neighbors come out to enjoy a night of Christmas cheer.  This can be a great way to get to know your neighbors in a relaxed cheerful setting.  This is not the time to bring up issues with your neighbors barking dog.
•  Cookie exchange.  This can be done at the clubhouse or if you live in a small subdivision where the neighbors are already pretty close, invite the neighbors over for an old fashion cookie exchange. 
• Adopt a family or shelter.  Christmas is a time for giving back.   The neighborhood can adopt a family or shelter to provide presents for less fortunate children.  This can be combined with other events such as the Christmas party.  The neighbors can bring an unwrapped, unopened toy for the family or shelter.

The activities and events are endless.  The key is to plan ahead and to try something to include everyone.  There will be those in your neighborhood that won’t participate, don’t let that stop you.   You have the entire year to plan events to include others.  

The advantages of planning a neighborhood event is it’s close to home, you have lots of help and you get to know your neighbors.  Stay tuned to Events by Ms. T. for more neighborhood event ideas.

Last Minute Events

The holiday season seems to bring out the party planner in us.  Whether it is an end of year party at work, or a winter party for your daughter’s 2^nd grade class, now is the time to let down our hair, distress and enjoy ourselves.  Don’t get overwhelmed when if you’re now the unofficial party planner and hostess for several holiday inspired events.  A few tips to help you pull off a celebration no matter the size or the guest list.

1. Keep It Simple.  The old adage is true less is more.  When faced with coordination a party, keep it simple.  The negative thoughts that race through your head are just that, your thoughts. Coordinators or event planners can bog themselves down with the details.  I’m not saying details are not important but don’t get so wrapped up in the details that you forget the reason for the event. 
2.    Delegate.  I’m an advocate of delegating tasks to willing volunteers.  Especially during the holiday season, party goers or those associate with the event will often offer to lend a hand.  You don’t have to do it all, spread the planning love around.
3.     Create a list.  A list of what is needed will prevent you from making multiple trips to the store.  Use your mobile phone to store grocery or supply list.  There’s nothing more frustrating than realizing you were at the supply store and forgot to pick up the tissue paper.
4.    Prepare, Prepare, Prepare.  Don’t wait until the day of the event to get everything together.  Even if you find out a few days before the event is to take place get started as soon as possible.  Preparation is key to ironing out the details.  Take time while waiting for the kids at the dentist or the carpool lane to get prepared.  Grab a pen and notebook or use an electronic device to outline what will be needed to coordinate the event.
5. Relax.  Planning a last minute event can be stressful.  If you utilize your resources and don’t panic you can pull off an unforgettable holiday event and enjoy it.

Happy Partying.