The Domestic Nest BlogLove Thy Neighbors
Let's Party!
Even though we’ve lived in our house for almost two years, it’s taken that long to slowly meet all of our neighbors. As we began meeting the families on our block, we realized that not everyone knew each other. So, we decided to open up the house last night for a neighborhood ice cream party. We were thrilled that most of the block showed up and the experience made us even more grateful to live in such a wonderful place.
I got the chance to try out a few new recipes and learn some more things about entertaining. This is the first time we’ve had a party and invited kids. I was worried that they’d be bored since we don’t have any tyke-sized things. But they had a great time just running around, exploring the yard, and chasing our dogs. Plus, we had lots of ice cream and enough sweets to fuel them for hours.
You Pick!
I cut a giant picture of the ice cream off the side of the box. This made choosing super easy for shy or really young kids. It also let adults know that the fridge was stocked with frozen yummies and fair game for everyone.
Hosting an ice cream party was less expensive and less work that serving a meal. The only downfall was that Matt & I got so busy setting up that we didn’t eat supper and ended up with grumbling tummies by the end of the night. But it was nothing a late-nite pizza run couldn’t cure. Note to self: have more protein, even if it is a dessert party.
Here are some of the treats that kept our sugar high going for a long, long time…
Cheesecake Cupcakes
Evil Chocolate Balls
Shortbread Cookies
Someone brought the most delicious brownies too. I don’t have a picture for you because by the end of the night, it wasn’t pretty. They were to die for! In fact, we may do this again next month just to encourage my new addiction to those brownies.
I learned that one of our neighbors is an avid crafter (like me) and makes the most beautiful jewelry. There’s also a potter living a few doors down. We live next door to someone in a band. A really good band. Our other next door neighbor is a dog expert. Um, help please. Wow, there’s such a wealth of talent and experience surrounding us. Best of all, the people who live here are just down right nice. It was so fun to watch people connect or reconnect. I think getting together more often will make our community safer, stronger, and happier. Getting together around the dessert table may also make us rounder ’round the middles. I’ll have to investigate and see if there’s a personal trainer living on our block. Oh, how I love those brownies.
your table is beautiful. wish i could take a bite. so glad you are surrounded by such great neighbors and friends. so proud of you both. love, mom