This weekend I participated in my first Oktoberfest. It was a neighborhood get-together with friends coming together to enjoy the nip in the air, try a few beers, and stuff themselves with some great German food!

For someone who does not drink beer or eat sauerkraut, I still had a great time! Just getting to know your neighbors a little bit better and to create a deeper relationship makes you feel like family. And since our families are often in another town or state, it’s important to have friends that you feel like you can call upon during an emergency or just to chat with!

This is the first neighborhood I have ever lived in where we have participated in neighborhood get-together on a regular basis. And I love it! If your neighborhood or street has never had a block party, consider hosting one!

• Plan the date 2 months in advice and send out flyers right away
• Ask everyone to bring a drink and dish to share
• Provide the paper products, tables, and electrical outlets
• Have business cards with your Facebook/Twitter  info on the back so you can continue to stay in touch between gatherings
• Be ready to laugh!