Block parties help neighbours get to know each other and make an apartment building a more pleasant place to live. When planned with all residents in mind, they create enjoyment and strengthen the sense of community for years to come.
There is no single right way to organise a block party. You can make it look and feel just like your own home building and its residents. When the planning starts with the residents and their wishes, the block party is more likely to be relaxed, enjoyable and suitable for everyone.
1. Get helping hands for planning and arrangements
The bigger the party, the more time and helping hands you will need to organise it. So don't be afraid to ask your neighbours to join in with ideas and practical arrangements.
When planning the party, think about:
What kinds of residents live in the building?
How big a party can be organised in the yard, and what kind of activities are possible?
Can everyone who wants to take part do so easily?
Will tables, chairs or canopies be needed?
Will food and/or drinks be served?
Where can the party be moved if it rains?
How will responsibility for arrangements and cleaning be shared?
Already at the planning stage, also contact your home building’s Service Manager through OmaSATO.
2. Make taking part easy and enjoyable
A good block party is one that everyone who wants to attend can join as themselves. It is good to remember that not everyone enjoys large groups or noisy events, and not everyone needs to take part in the same way.
How to make the party enjoyable for everyone:
Make sure the area is accessible, including for example with a wheelchair, pram or rollator.
Consider different cultures and residents of all ages, from babies to older people.
Organise activities that do not leave anyone out or feel pressurising.
Allow room for relaxed participation too: not everyone wants to join in with the programme, and some prefer to watch from the sidelines.
Also consider whether alcohol suits the nature of the party. An alcohol-free event can make the party easier to approach for many adults too, and it is always worth offering non-alcoholic drinks as well.
3. Tell your neighbours about the party well in advance
Let your neighbours know about the party well in advance, so they can reserve the time in their calendars. At the same time, residents who do not want to take part can prepare for the yard area being busier than usual.
It is worth announcing the party at least on the building’s noticeboard and, for example, in a shared messaging group if the building has one. The building’s Service Manager can also inform residents about the party.
In the invitation, include at least:
the start and end time of the party and the location
what kind of party it is
whether partygoers are asked to bring food or drinks with them
whether people need to sign up in advance, when and how
the name and contact details of the contact person
4. Plan food and drinks responsibly
If food or drinks are served at the party, choose options that suit as many people as possible. Take allergies, different diets and cultures into account. When you organise the party as a potluck, everyone can bring something they like and that suits them.
It is worth reserving a suitable amount of food to keep waste to a minimum. If there is food left over, agree in advance how it will be shared.
Avoid disposable tableware where possible. If disposable items are needed, favour options made from renewable, biodegradable materials.
5. Prepare for the weather
The Finnish summer can be full of surprises, so it is worth having a backup plan for rain, wind or hot weather. If the building has a clubroom or another common area, find out in good time whether it can be used as a backup venue. Even in good weather, the clubroom can make party arrangements easier in many ways: you can make coffee there, for example, and use the toilet facilities.
In case of rain, you can reserve a canopy, umbrellas and protection for the food and drinks at the party venue. In hot weather, it is best to stay in the shade and make sure there is enough drinking water.
6. Remember the building rules and regulations
At block parties too, it is important to remember the building rules and regulations and to consider residents who are not taking part in the party. Keep the volume reasonable, especially in the evening, and sure the party does not block neighbours’ movement in the building or yard. Emergency access routes and passageways must always be kept clear.
If the party goes on too late or causes disturbance, the good atmosphere can quickly turn into a nuisance.
That is why it is worth deciding the end time in advance and informing all residents in the building.
7. Grill safely
If the building’s yard has a shared barbecue area, it can be a pleasant part of the block party. Before the party, however, carefully read your home building’s grilling instructions. If the yard does not have a separate barbecue area, SATO Customer Service will be happy to help find out where grilling is allowed and safe.
Take care of safety: do not leave a hot grill unattended, and keep children at a safe distance from the grill.
8. Leave the yard clean and tidy
When the shared yard is left clean and tidy, the good atmosphere continues even after the party. Agree in advance who will help with the final clean-up. When cleaning is not left to one person, the job gets done easily.
After the party:
Clean up litter and sort waste according to the sorting instructions.
Do not pour drinks, grease or food scraps into the yard.
Take bottles, cans and other recyclable packaging to the correct collection points.
Return shared furniture and items to their places.
Thank your neighbours for taking part and helping.
Other fun activities for your courtyard
Can I organise a yard clean-up happening at my building?
Residents in SATO buildings can organise a yard clean-up together to welcome either spring or fall.
How to organise a yard sale at my building?
A yard sale is a great way to give your unwanted clothes and items a new life. And spend time with your neighbours at the same time!