Getting to know the neighbours…

… a simply wonderful street party

A quick note in the letterbox…

It was the easiest party we have ever thrown. After living in our street for five years, it was well and truly time to get to know more of the people in the houses that surround us. It all came together in just a few days – a quick note in the letterboxes of everyone on the street, inviting them to come to our front yard.  I gave a date, a time, and instructions on what to bring – drinks, a chair, and a plate of food to share.  No RSVPs, no worries.

All that remained to do was put a couple of tables and an esky out in the driveway, set up the CD player with cheesy Christmas music, and put together a couple of yummy snacks.

I had no idea who would come, what they would bring, how it would go. This close to Christmas, everyone might have had other commitments, it could have been a complete flop, we could have wound up sitting in the front yard all on our lonesomes.

So I was relieved when, at 5pm, people started to arrive.  Soon the tables were loaded with beautiful food.  One of the kids wrote everyone’s name and house number on sticky labels so we all knew who belonged where and to whom. People who have lived on the street for seventeen years chatted to the folks who only just moved in over the road.  The kids played footy in next door’s front yard.

Everyone brought a plate – so no catering hassles!

In all, about 60 people turned up.  We chatted and had a ball into the night.  Not even a sudden blackout put a dampener on things – we ate and drank and talked by the light of the teenagers’ mobile phones until the christmas lights flickered back on.

Neighbours!

I have to say, that we have a really terrific bunch of people living on our street.  From the very young to the young-at-heart, it was just wonderful to connect.  Recipes were swapped, babysitting services offered, jokes told and I dare say, some new friendships formed.

Getting to know you, getting to know all about you…

It was a great night.  And considering how easy it was to throw together, I strongly recommend the idea to anyone who thinks it’s high time they met a few more of the neighbours.  A special thanks to the residents of our street for the great energy and truly terrific food, and a special nod to my friend Vickie who inspired the whole idea with the street party she throws every year.

Long-time neighbours and newbies having a chat.

Happy Christmas, friends and neighbours!

Definitely on again next year.