An HOA Thanksgiving party is a great way to bring neighborhood residents together. It’s fun and exciting and can help build lasting relationships. However, planning a big party is no walk in the park. The community’s HOA board and volunteers have a lot to prepare to make it successful.
How to Throw an HOA Thanksgiving Party
Are you interested in throwing an HOA Thanksgiving party? Here are the steps to plan a fun and unforgettable community gathering.
1. Create a Plan
Block parties take a lot of planning and coordination. There are lots of moving parts and vendors to think about. Party planners should ask the following questions to help them get an idea of what they want to happen:
- When and what time will the party be held? Will most people be available on the scheduled date?
- Where will the party be held: on the streets, the HOA park, or the community clubhouse?
- Who is invited to the party? Is it open to the public or only to HOA residents?
- What activities should the party include? Will there be games and prizes?
- Will there be live music and entertainment?
- Should there be food and beverage stalls or will the residents host a potluck? What kind of food should you serve?
- Who should be involved in the planning process?
Once you answer these questions, the rest of the details will naturally follow. Whether you invite bands, performers, food vendors, or host game stalls will depend on the overall plan.
2. Plan in Advance
If the party isn’t too big, you might be able to get away with last-minute planning. For example, a simple neighborhood BBQ might be easy to plan for. However, something big like a Thanksgiving festival will need months of planning and coordination. You’ll need to obtain permits from the board and local authorities.
Plus, vendors might not be available on specific dates. They need to block their schedules in advance to make time to accommodate your community. Plan at least a couple of months ahead so everything goes smoothly. Doing so will prevent you from facing last-minute changes and emergencies.
3. Talk to the HOA Board
Homeowners should talk to the board before deciding to throw the party. After all, community rules may dictate what homeowners can do in the neighborhood. It’s also important to review the governing documents to verify who is responsible for community events — and whether residents can plan their own parties.
The board and governing documents will be able to provide all the rules you must follow when planning the party. Residents may need to fill out request forms and guarantee that there will be no incidents at the party. The board may also ask for more event details and even guest information.
4. Create a Budget
The budget is one of the most important parts of party planning. It can make or break what you can or cannot do at the event. Make sure to ask the board about their budgetary constraints for community activities.
Residents may face budgetary constraints at this stage of the planning process. They can cut back on a few costs by asking residents to bring their own snacks, asking for donations, or organizing a fundraiser for the activity. The event can even be a fundraising activity if the HOA is willing to charge guests an entry fee.
5. Verify HOA Rules on Guests
Homeowners associations are quite strict when it comes to guest rules. A lot of them may limit the number of guests allowed at once. Some may even require permits, ask for identification, or prohibit overnight guests. Make sure to follow all the HOA’s rules to maintain order and avoid conflict with the HOA. Remember to review these rules before planning the party or sending invitations. Otherwise, you may have to face a few awkward conversations down the road.
6. Think of Guest Parking and Parking Rules
An HOA Thanksgiving party requires lots of people — and lots of space. If people from outside the community are invited, ensure enough parking to accommodate them. In addition, make sure to review the community’s parking rules beforehand.
Some communities are strict about designating a place for guests to park. Meanwhile, others are more lenient and allow guests to park on the street. Regardless, familiarize yourself with these rules and think of parking wisely. If the parking rules clash with the plans, it may be wise to adjust them by asking people to carpool. You can also decrease the number of guests invited.
7. Check Noise Rules
Noise is a common cause of conflict within HOAs. Make sure to check the community’s noise rules and follow them. Residents have a right to quiet enjoyment — and not everyone will be willing to participate in the HOA Thanksgiving party. Typically, homeowners associations will have rules on quiet hours and decibel limits for daytime music and loud noises. Consider these factors before you hire a local rock band to play.
8. Remind Guests of HOA Rules
Guests are the homeowners’ responsibility. Remind your guests of the basic HOA rules if you want to throw a small HOA Thanksgiving party in your front yard. This includes everything from guest parking to noise and entry or exit points.
9. Limit Alcohol Supply
People can be uncontrollable when they’ve had too much to drink. To avoid any incidents and violations, try to control the alcohol you serve at the party. Flavored non-alcoholic drinks and mocktails are good options as well. They’re still delicious and won’t cause any accidents.
10. Prioritize Safety
Safety is vital in HOA Thanksgiving parties. When planning the party, remember all the safety protocols. There may be local ordinances about at-home fire pits and grills. Never leave the stove unattended, and keep an eye out for kids and pets.
It’s also best to host activities that are not prone to accidents. Sure, fireworks may be a fun way to end the night, but they’re fire hazards you might not want to have around. They might cause accidents and create liability risks for you and the HOA.
Fun for Everyone
An HOA Thanksgiving party is an opportunity to get to know other neighbors and have fun together. The residents can build lasting relationships and unwind for one night. However, planning a party on your own can be tough. Ask the other neighbors and the HOA for help and guidance.
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