July Is National Block Party Month

DESOTO, Kan., June 28, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- July has been named "Block Party Month" and to help neighbors on streets, avenues, lanes and cul-de-sacs across the country, the CHINET® Brand is offering quick and easy tips and recipes for block parties.

"Block parties are all about connecting or reconnecting with people who have a lot in common with each other, starting with where they live," said Kate Altenhofen, Marketing Manager, Huhtamaki, makers of CHINET. "With these tips and recipes, we're hoping to make block party planning easier, while also inspiring new block party traditions this year."

Tips for Planning a Block Party – One or Two Months Out

• Form a small committee - four or five people - and create task assignments
• Check with community officials such as the local police department regarding any necessary permits and to secure a date for the block party (or choose to host off-street)
• Formulate a budget based on itemized expenses (including everything from big things like a moon bounce to little things like water balloons)
• Distribute invitations door-to-door in advance of the party; invite members of your block and also extend the invitation to neighboring businesses
• Coordinate with neighbors to see who can bring grills, tables, and other supplies such as CHINET Classic White™ plates and CHINET Cut Crystal® cups for the block party
• Suggest that people from even-numbered addresses bring side dishes and odd-numbered bring desserts; encourage one-time use containers like CHINET Bakeware® (www.mychinet.com/products/family/8), to avoid the confusion of returning dishes after the party
• Plan for a variety of activities to encourage participation and mingling; this includes games for kids (face painting, sidewalk chalk, moon bounce). See http://www.mychinet.com/tips/category/95 for more inspiration.

Tips for Planning a Block Party - Day Of

• Set up long tables for family-style dining
• Set up cans for disposal and recycling as well as a composting can for items such as leftover food and select CHINET products
• Consider including a 50/50 raffle to help fund next year's block party (winner receives half of the pot, block party fund keeps the other half)

Block Party Recipes from CHINET (That Are Sure to Impress Your Neighbors)!

• Side dishes
  • Crab Dip: http://www.mychinet.com/recipes/recipe/113/category:66 
  • Southwestern-Style Macaroni and Cheese: http://www.mychinet.com/recipes/recipe/191/category:6 
  • Cole Slaw: http://www.mychinet.com/recipes/recipe/260/category:113 
  • Grilled Corn on the Cob with Garlic Butter: http://www.mychinet.com/recipes/recipe/79/category:113 
  • French Country Potato Salad: http://www.mychinet.com/recipes/recipe/34/category:113 
  • Sweet Potato Chips: http://www.mychinet.com/recipes/recipe/238/category:113 
• Desserts
  • Toffee Brownies: http://www.mychinet.com/recipes/recipe/116/category:66 
  • S'mores: http://www.mychinet.com/recipes/recipe/120/category:70 
  • Strawberry Shortcake: http://www.mychinet.com/recipes/recipe/261/category:27 
• Drinks
  • Arnold Palmer: http://www.mychinet.com/recipes/recipe/372/category:24 
  • Celebration Punch: http://www.mychinet.com/recipes/recipe/206/category:24 
  • Melon Aqua Fresca: http://www.mychinet.com/recipes/recipe/390/category:24 

About CHINET®

Made in America since the 1930s, The CHINET® Brand has a long history of making strong premium disposable tableware and even stronger memories as friends and family gather. CHINET brands include Classic White™, Cut Crystal®, Comfort Cup® by CHINET®, Napkins, Tablecovers, Premium Plastic, CHINET Bakeware® and COLORS by CHINET®. For more information about The CHINET Brand and its family of products, visit www.mychinet.com.

SOURCE CHINET