Hi all,
So let's just say, I had a bit of a rough morning, became bitter, called my hubby who didn't validate my feelings which led me to practically hang up on him and now that I've had a breather, I realize he's right and I need to take action for myself. SO....
I need to make more friends in my neighborhood. Our kids actually don't attend the school we are zoned for in our district because of our special needs son so we don't know any of the kids and in my situation, I don't know any of the moms in the neighborhood. They all seem nice, it's clear they are all getting really close but I'd like to be included too even though we attend another school.
So, what are some good Girl's Night Out parties you've held that were successful? I plan on inviting all the woman on my street regardless if they have young kids or not. So something that would be a good fit for any lady. I've thought about a cute spa party but I don't have enough bathroom space, I think, to pull that off. I should mention too, I don't drink so no wine parties, that would make me feel excluded even more and I'm trying to avoid that. TIA!!!
PS: Yes, I did apologize to my hubby, we are all good now in case you were wondering.
Have a receipe exchange party. Each Mom brings her favorite receipe, maybe they could make the dish and all of you have several printed copies to hand out.
You could have anything from a Mary Kay to a Tupperware party. But some women don't like those.
Oops, I just saw that you don't drink, I was going to suggest a wine and cheese party where everyone brings their favorite pairings. BUT! If you have a martini, or margarita party, you can make virgins for those that do not indulge! You will not be the only one that doesn't drink! You could have a cookie party where everyone brings their favorite cookies with the recipe to share. I think it is great that you are doing this! There is a lady out here that does Henna Tattoo parties, so fun since henna isn't permanent. Everyone would have to pay for theirs however. Hope you have a great time!
why not J. a nieghborhood bbq so your kids can get to know their kids and be off playing while you have fun and get to know everyone? I have no suggestions for a regular home party, maybe J. pizza and board games?
I had a party and invited all my friends to bring their favorite drinks to share. Some were alcohol; some were not. (Unless you are just totally against it for your own reasons, I would make alcohol available to others, especially in a situation where you are bringing together a bunch of (safe and friendly?) strangers who are expected to let their guards down and open up with you.) I provided a potato bar (to absorb the alcohol). We spent the evening with the Girls/Ladies (?) Night Out version of Table Topics.
Hi Sunny,
A BBQ might be just the ticket to get to know the neighborhood ladies better. I know I would be more likely to attend a BBQ if my husband and or kids could come, if I did not know the hostess well. It just seems more comfortable. Otherwise, you might consider a scrapbooking or craft night, a potluck social (just ask everyone to bring a favorite dish and come socialize), a cookie or recipe exchange, a movie night, or you could see if anyone else in the neighborhood is interested in going out for a walk at a set time every day or once a week for exercise and socializing. Meetup.com is also a great way to meet more people in your area.
Host a bunco night! All you need are a bunch of dice (and snacks of course!) Just google how to play - it's pretty mindless - and you'll know what to do. You need tables of 4. My neighborhood usually has 3 or 4 tables. When we have odd numbers of people we will just play with a "ghost", or someone will just bow out and sit around and talk with everyone while they're playing. It's a good way to get people together. We do ours once a month, either on Friday or Saturday. Everyone takes turns hosting. Host provides snacks and we do BYOB (although most hosts provide water and soft drinks) Good luck. I think you have a great, proactive idea of getting to know the women in your neighborhood!
EDIT - Diane C. too funny! You and I posted our responses at the EXACT same time. Great minds think alike?!
Host a bunco night! Everyone sits in groups of 4 that rotate, so you talk to your table for a few minutes. Then you move to another table and talk to new people. It is GREAT for getting to know people. And, because everyone is playing the game it's not to awkward when you are at a table with someone that you don't know as well. And the game is SUPER easy to play, so no one needs to know how in advance.
(And yes Katie great minds do think alike :)
Wow, I just make cookies and take them over to individual neighbors, or share my extra tomatoes. Not very exciting I suppose. I tried to put myself in your shoes and think about what kind of party I would attend if a neighbor I don't know invited me. Of all the ideas so far, I would do the clothing exchange or the family barbeque. How about a chocolate tasting party? I attended one a couple months ago where I only knew a handful of the people but it was surprisingly fun.
Progressive dinner? Scentsy party? (call me about that) Movie Tavern/Studio Movie Grill? Scrapbooking night?
Like Rhonda H., I think you should spend more time outside - maybe take an afternoon walk when the kids get home. Stop and introduce yourself to any neighbors you see outside and encourage your children to do the same with the kids that may be out.
After you've introduced yourself to at least one or two of your neighbors, then a party might be okay.
The weather is supposed to be great this weekend. Maybe you can take that walk today, meet one or two people, and then plan a family bbq for the weekend.
It is hard to get to know neighbors anymore - its amazing how many people never to outside. We have a neighbor to our right whom I've only seen maybe 3 times over the past 5 years. They have two children but I NEVER see them - I hear them playing in their backyard, but that's it!
Good luck!
Speaking from experience....
I would make some sort of really cute invite. Attach a piece of candy or some little trinket that might be related to the activity you choose. And just say on your invitation that you would love to get to know your neighbors and to please attend this 'get to know each other' event (that you choose).
Then host a bunco night like others suggested -- OR -- a Ladies Swap is always fun. Everyone brings 5-10 items and you have several locations for main item types. Such as handbags, clothing, accessories, home decor, books etc. Everyone gets to draw numbers and do a swap! It's a lot of fun and if you serve small appetizer finger foods (crackers, cheese etc) then it really becomes a social event.
I also agree to get outside more if you aren't already out there. Ask someone if they want to walk each day.
Good Luck!
I completely agree with the Bunco ideas. We had one that met once a month for years with some ladies from church (before life took over and we all got too busy). I was invited as a sub not long after I joined the church and made some wonderful lasting relationships there. I am very uncomfortable in groups of people that I don't know well, but like Diane and K. said, you move around in tables of 4 and you are playing while you visit (and eat, that was always the best part!). I also agree with another poster, put on the invite that you are doing this to get to know other ladies in the neighborhood, and especially if you are providing the snacks and such, it should help the women want to come. It is a great non-threatening way to get to know others. Good luck!!
I would say a cinco de Mayo party on....have quesidias, chips, salsa and margaritas. (all of these are easy to make in advance and then just throw in the oven to keep warm) I agree with other posters offer a variety of drinks ....acholic and non.
My second choice would be a receipe exchange with light appetizers and drinks again I would serve both wine and soft drinks.
I am in Allen.. maybe we are neighbors, I have no clue.
We are all outside a lot. My daughter is now a Jr in Sr hHigh school (we are Plano schools) but I sub at the local elementary and i know all the children and parents.
There are 2 bunco groups in my neighborhood that meet monthly. You probably would not want involved in the one I was in because there is usuallt a lot of wine flowing, everyone walks so no one is driving and it is a good social time but I wouldn't want to put you in a spot where you would feel uncomfortable.
How old is your child? Do you frequent the playground? Around here, if you set out on a quick walk after dinner, rest assured, youll be gone a long time because you stop and chat to everyone who's out.
We have a neighborhood website that has social activities and times listed. Maybe check that out.
Also, I like the Cinco de Mayo idea since it is that time of year. Whatever you do, I'd keep it light and casual.
Hi Sunny, We perform Girl's Night Out P. and come to you. We do cake decorating theme P. where everyone decorates their own cake. It might be a fun way to Sweeten your way into the Girls Club. I also have some other suggestions not related to my business if you would like to give me a call. :)
Kim
S. - DFW Cake Decorating P.
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First, try to be OUTSIDE more so that you can meet them one on one, by the mailbox, cutting grass, planting flowers-- THEN an invite from you will not look like its coming from left field.
Ask them if they'd like to do a neighorhood yard sale. Have the initial planning meeting at your house and have good snacks (do not be cheap on this point). The ladies will love to be able to make money, eat and clean their closets.
Ideas:
Book club
Clothes or toy exchange
You could do pedicures in the living room with enough towels and buckets to soak feet
Fondue party
