How to Create the Perfect Neighborhood Friendsgiving Block Party

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and The Coca-Cola Company. All opinions are mine alone. #GiftACoke #CollectiveBias

While I often say that it doesn’t feel like the holidays here in New Orleans, the warm weather does allow a few perks: wearing shorts in November, driving with the sunroof open and hosting lots of outdoor parties! We recently moved into a new neighborhood and I thought it would be the perfect excuse to host a Friendsgiving block party and meet our neighbors.

Tips for Hosting a Progressive Friendsgiving Block Party

1. Organize! Invite neighbors to participate, pick a date and decide on the order of the party. For example:
   1. the first house will provide cocktails and mocktails
   2. the second house will serve appetizers
   3. the third will prepare a salad bar
   4. the fourth house serves the entree
   5. the fifth house treats guests with dessert
2. Each house will set up outdoor canopies, tables and chairs and decorate with local flavor. A Friendsgiving theme is always fun but try to inject some local decor or items that represent your family as conversation starters. Guests arrive at the first house to enjoy drinks before everyone moves to the second home for appetizers, etc. Our conversation starter is the wood cutting board in the pictures below. We had my husband’s late Grandmother’s praline recipe engraved in her actual handwriting on this board. I love that this piece is not only beautiful but allows us to talk about our family tradition of making her famous pralines at the holidays!
   
   
3. Consider using disposable plates and flatware so less time is spent cleaning leaving more time for fun! I found these fun and festive paper plates and napkins at Walmart that are perfect for the block party.
   
4. Create an interactive “Gratitude Tree” to be placed in the center of the neighborhood. Our tree is quite full of things we are thankful for!
5. At the house serving dessert, say goodbye to Thanksgiving and welcome the holiday season by having the kids write letters to Santa.

Fun Mocktail Idea for a Friendsgiving Block Party

Being that I am admittedly not the best cook, my home will be serving the drinks. I headed to my local Walmart to pick up some Friendsgiving supplies and the ingredients needed for my mocktail.

Cranberry Vanilla Coke-tail

What You Need

• Coca-Cola® or Coca-Cola® Zero Sugar
• Simply® Cranberry Cocktail
• 2 to 3 drops of Imitation Vanilla Flavoring

How to Make It

• Add ice to glass.
• Fill a glass 3/4 of the way with Coca-Cola® or Coca-Cola® Zero Sugar.
• Add 2 to 3 drops of imitation vanilla flavoring
• Top it off with cranberry juice.
• Give it a good stir, then serve.

Of course, we decided to host this event last minute (preparation is not exactly my strong suit). Fortunately, Walmart is the perfect place to shop for and stock up on everything you need to host the perfect Friendsgiving block party! I was able to run in, gather all my ingredients and pick up some fun plates, napkins and decor before using the super convenient self check out lane.

I hope you will enjoy this Coca-Cola® mocktail recipe at your own Friendsgiving celebration. If you are looking for more holiday inspiration, check out these recipes and ideas!