Nothing brings a community together like a well-planned block party. These communal events give neighbors the opportunity to build stronger ties, making the community more secure and hospitable. Whether it’s meeting new neighbors, hanging out with old friends, or just appreciating the outdoors, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. However, a poorly executed block party can lead to disappointment, aggravation – and embarrassment on the part of the host. So how can you ensure that your event is a success? The answer is simple: preparation, preparation and more preparation.

Throwing a successful block party involves more than sending out a few e-vites, asking everyone to bring a dish and setting up a beer cooler and a speaker in the street. You don’t just want to host a mildly diverting gathering – you want to stage an epic event that your neighbors will talk about for years to come. Creating a truly memorable event requires careful planning and execution. In addition, using the proper equipment is critical. For example, planning ahead and booking a sturdy tent can mean the difference between socializing with dry, happy guests and suffering complaints from hangry neighbors staring at a rain-soaked buffet table.

So how do you begin your quest for the perfect block party? Here are some considerations to take into account:

1. Weather

20x20 Tent with Round Tables & Folding Chairs

Anyone who has ever planned an outdoor event know the anxiety of checking weather reports in the days before a party and scanning the sky for the first sign of rain on the morning of. Having your party rained out is bitterly disappointing, especially when you’ve put so much time and effort into planning. Fortunately, there’s a foolproof way to prevent such a disaster: provide your guests with the protection of a tent!

A good quality tent will shield your neighbors from rain showers – or offer them a respite from the intense summer sun. If you really want to ensure your guests are comfortable, you can even opt for temperature control equipment: tent fans to counter stifling heat and help push out bugs or indoor heaters during the cooler months. This is especially useful for guests who are older or have certain health conditions. And if your party runs into the evening, consider adding tent lighting to the mix. This increases visibility while also adding a sophisticated touch to your decor.

In short, renting a tent really takes your block party to the next level. The cost of a tent is worth the enjoyment and peace of mind that it provides. Just make sure to get a good quality structure – nobody wants to see a lightweight, improperly secured tent flying across the cul-de-sac with the first strong gust of wind!

2. Seating & Tables

Your block party doesn’t need to be standing room only. If you want your event to last longer than half an hour, your guests are going to want to sit back and relax. And not everyone wants to sprawl on the grass or crouch on the hard concrete. It is very important to provide adequate seating for your guests. A couple rows of folding chairs are an inexpensive luxury that will make everybody feel more comfortable.

And make sure you don’t forget the tables. You’ll definitely need a place to set up food and drinks, audio equipment, and any activities you choose to offer. Our industrial tables are an absolute necessity for any event. (Also consider covering them with elegant tablecloths to take your event to the next level.) Because the only ones eating from plates sitting on the ground should be your neighborhood pets!

3. Activities

A block party is great time to catch up with your neighbors. But not everyone wants to stand around chatting. That is especially true of kids, who tend not to appreciate the fine art of conversation. The best way to keep restless children out of trouble – and, if you prefer, out of your hair – is to offer fun activities. Try setting up an activities tent, furnished with a few tables filled with arts and crafts material, and keep the kids occupied.

And don’t just limit the fun to the kids! Adults also appreciate the opportunity to let loose. Why not rent a dance floor and let your neighbors show off their skills? Just make sure to bring some speakers and your favorite party play list!

4. Food

If you throw an event and fail to provide food for your guests, you’d better be prepared for universal disappointment. Rule number one of a party is that you have to serve refreshments! Whether you fire up the grill or serve sophisticated hors d’oeuvres, you will need to ensure that your guests are properly fed.

Food tends to be one of the largest expenses at a block party. A good way to save money – and spread out the work – is to organize a neighborhood potluck. Most people are happy to show off their special dish to the rest of the community. Just plan ahead and make sure you get a good mix – you don’t want ten people showing up with homemade guacamole and a bag of chips!

Serving should be easy too – just set up a buffet table and let guests grab what they want. If you really want to shield your feast from the elements – from rain to bugs – it is best to set up your buffet inside of a tent with fans and maybe some of our sidewalls depending on the weather.

5. Permits

If you are planning on having your party in the street and closing off the roads around your neighborhood, you will likely have to get a permit from your city. The last thing you want is for the police to show up and shut down your party. We will be happy to provide any vendor documentation required by the municipality. So make sure you plan ahead and get all the necessary permissions you will need to rock the block.

Clearly, throwing a first-rate block party is a tall order. But don’t shoulder the burden alone – no one needs that kind of stress. Enlist neighbors with simple tasks, from doing an ice run before the party to picking up trash afterwards. And when it comes to setting up and breaking down tents, tables, chairs and more, our EZ Tent experts will take care of everything! We do tent installs on a variety of surfaces, from grass to patios to concrete. We also offer tent accessories, including concrete blocks for securing our tents on hard surfaces such as your street. structures and walls for added protection. We are proudly serving the Chicagoland area with all your block party needs to include, La Grange Park, La Grange, Western Springs, Hinsdale, Oak Brook, Brookfield, and Riverside.

Let’s get the ball rolling on your block party today! With careful planning and the right equipment, you can create a truly memorable event for the community you love. And if you want to do it the easy way, contact EZ Tent Rentals and let us do the heavy lifting for you!