How to Throw a Blockbuster Block Party

Block parties are a great American tradition that date back about 100 years. Today’s block parties have a few more bells and whistles – think bouncy houses, karaoke and amusement park rides – but fun and food with friends, neighbors and family is still what makes a block party great.

Summer is the perfect time to gather the neighborhood for an unforgettable block party! Serve up summer-inspired dishes and get creative with affordable, fun activities that are sure to please everyone.

Food for the masses

Block parties mean a lot of people and a lot of food! These simple, healthy and hand-held dishes will leave you free to roam. Plus they’ll satisfy everyone without a lot of fuss in the kitchen. Here’s the perfect menu—no silverware required!

• Taco cups: Place wonton wrappers in a mini muffin pan and fill with your favorite fixings such as pulled chicken, black beans, cheddar cheese and black olives before baking.
• Turkey sliders: Serve 2-3 ounce burgers made from ground turkey breast on mini sandwich buns with an assortment of toppings.
• Chicken tenderloin skewers: Skewer and grill chicken tenderloins then serve with barbecue and wing sauces for dipping. Soak wooden skewers in water before grilling so they don’t burn.
• Veggie skewers: Skewer cherry tomatoes, mini sweet peppers and baby squash on toothpicks. Marinate in lemon juice, olive oil and dill for added flavor.
• Mini corn on a stick: Grill or roast half-sized corn on the cob and serve on wooden sticks.
• Roasted potatoes with blue cheese-yogurt dip: Roast bite-sized or fingerling potatoes in olive oil and herbs and then skewer on toothpicks. Serve with dip made from plain, non-fat Greek yogurt, reduced-fat blue cheese crumbles and chives.

Coolest refreshers

Keep partygoers’ thirsts quenched all day long with fun and refreshing beverages. Water and a variety of no- and low-calorie beverages help guests stay hydrated while saving calories.

• Freeze flavored waters such as fruitwater or vitaminwater zero into ice cubes to add light flavor, color and pizzazz to water dispensers.
• Lemonade: Opt for a light version to save calories.
• Fizzy pomegranate punch: Mix Sprite Zero with light pomegranate juice.
• Sangria mocktail (alcohol optional): Mix peach-flavored seltzer water and light white grape juice in a drink dispenser. Add sliced peaches, lemon and strawberries and serve over ice. For an alcoholic version, replace grape juice with white wine.

Top it off

Sweets are a must-have finish for any party, and you can wow your guests with some calorie-saving surprises! Keep dessert calories in check by choosing foods and drinks made with low- and no-calorie sweeteners. They’re a great way to reduce your calorie intake and help manage your weight.

• Diet Coke ice cream floats: Use light ice cream to reduce fat.
• Fruit popsicles: Mix flavored water, such as fruitwater, with mashed strawberries or watermelon. Pour into popsicle molds or mini paper cups with a popsicle stick and freeze.
• Fruit skewers with honey-yogurt and peanut butter dips: String melon balls, grapes and strawberries on wooden skewers. Serve with pre-made, honey-flavored Greek yogurt for dipping or whip up an easy peanut butter dip made by mixing vanilla Greek yogurt and creamy peanut butter.

Keep ‘em busy

In between the food and drinks, choose from tons of crowd-pleasing activities that won’t cost a fortune. Even adults will enjoy a reminiscent afternoon filled with favorite childhood games!

• Oldies but goodies: Hop scotch, four square, kickball, tag, Marco Polo, jump rope (think double dutch) and hula hoops
• Croquet or bocce ball
• Bean bags, also known as “corn hole” or “bags”
• Washers, horseshoes and “Hoosier Golf.”

Block parties are a fun way to get to know your neighbors, increase your activity level and enjoy summer. Make it a blockbuster bash that everyone will remember with a creative menu that tastes great and promotes a healthy lifestyle too!