Bringing the Neighbors Together for a Sweet Treat and Summer Fun - Pretty Real

Bringing the Neighbors Together for a Sweet Treat and Summer Fun

10:37 PM



Here's the thing. I lived in my prior neighborhood for 11 years. I had zero friends there and my neighbors across the street wouldn't even make eye contact for me to say hello. When we moved, I vowed that would not happen again. Building community in my neighborhood is important to me. We don't all have to be best friends, but I'd love to occasionally discuss something other than the weather. Hashtag goals. When I got the opportunity to try the new Nestlé® Drumstick® S'Mores, I knew a little "It's Almost Summer" get together was in order. Here are 3 simple things you need to do to host your own get together and start to build community in your neighborhood.
1. Choose who to invite. Here are some considerations:

Get past the awkwardness and just ask! it really can't hurt to reach out. If you want community, you've got to take the first step.If you have little ones, it's natural to invite the parents of the kids they already play with. You could also use location as a guide. I invited our next door neighbors and the family beside them. This kept the gathering small and allowed me to take it easy for this first gathering. 
2. Choose a simple theme/menu.


My goal was for this to be a laid back time of hanging out and getting to know one another. In that vein, it didn't make sense to go crazy with food and decorations. I invited the neighbors over for ice-cream and told them I'd have some summer fun ready for the kids. The new Nestlé® Drumstick® S’mores bring out all the delicious flavor of S’mores with marshmallow flavored ice cream, and a yummy graham cracker, chocolatey coating. They were the perfect treat- they're easy (grab and go) and a fun way to bring people together. Side Note: I remember loving these treats as a kid but it had been awhile. I can't believe I forgot how good they were! I'd grabbed an extra box just in case which ended up being a smart move. I also grabbed hot dogs and chips to serve if the party lasted for more than an hour. 
3. Choose a few activities.
I supplied bubbles, sidewalk chalk, water squirters, and water balloons to support the 'summer' theme. Hula Hoops and sprinklers were also on the list. Since it was a bit on the chilly side we didn't get to the water play but the kids still played with the squirters and water balloons- sans water. Lawn games or an outdoor movie could also be fun!

I always love that when spring/summer rolls around, people are out and about, giving us more of an opportunity to get to know one another. Kids that were in strollers are now running around and neighborhood teens suddenly look like young adults. It's a visible reminder of the time that's passed and for me, it's a reminder not to waste time and to be intentional about building relationships. I have to admit- our next door neighbors make it easy.
We lucked out when this fun family moved in next door. We've experienced impromptu pop up parties and love to hang out while the kids play. But it all starts with being open to connecting. This might be with your neighbors, your kids' classmates' families, your colleagues, or people at your church. I've discussed how important community is-- if you've been hoping to create a bit more community in your life, ice-cream is a perfect way to do it! Visit local grocery retailers to purchase new Nestlé® Drumstick® S’mores, or visit Drumstick.com to learn more!
Yay! It's almost summer!
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

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6 comments

  1. I love the idea of having easy ice cream (aka-something you just unwrap vs having to scoop) ready in the freezer for impromptu gatherings. Our backyard is a hot spot for our block and I always have fruit pops of some sort, but the kids would go CRAZY for these! Fun, fun, fun!

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    1. I'd love to serve these at a birthday party too! So easy and delish. A fruit pop stash also sounds pretty sweet. ;)

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  2. Mmm those Drumsticks look SO good! What a fun family activity. I love that the goal was to meet and get to know your neighbors - we have been so bad about that where we live, and this is a great way to get the kids together, and be intentional about making friends, like you said.

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    1. they were so good! It was a fun and easy shindig!

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  3. Ice cream and bubbles, you really cannot go wrong with that combo.

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