A neighborhood party is a great way to get to know the people who live around you. There are countless ways to bring people together, including the five discussed here. As with any party, be sure to send out invitations more than 3 weeks in advance. Requesting an RVSP from guests is essential so you can know how much food to prepare. And even if you know your neighbors well, it does not hurt to plan some ice-breaking activities. Let's party!

If you're looking to spruce up your table for a dinner party, add some table decorations. From sleek to elaborate, table decorations can help you convey the tone of your dinner party. If you're looking to create the perfect atmosphere, choose decorations that reflect the occasion you're celebrating, the food you'll be serving and the people who will be attending.

When the weather is pleasant, it is great fun to host an outdoor carnival. The event can be small-scale and done on a budget, or the whole community can chip in to make it a grand party. Either way, a carnival theme party is the ideal way to engage in old-fashioned, outdoor fun. Be sure to have plenty of water and other beverages on hand so that participants stay hydrated.

Family reunions are a great way to connect with family living far apart and create new memories. Family reunions can range from an afternoon get-together to a weekend full of activities. An important part of planning a family reunion is providing games and activities that everyone will enjoy.

Table place setting etiquette may vary depending upon the occasion and the meal, but there are some fundamental rules to follow. One of the key concepts in place setting is to consider space. Space out the settings equally and make sure that there is room for diners to eat without bumping elbows. If you have low-backed or armless chairs, the settings can be placed somewhat closer. Once you have a spacial scheme, you can move onto the other elements of table place setting etiquette.

Closely knitted families should make it a point to have a reunion every year. Aside from the usual Thanksgiving or Christmas holidays, there should be a separate day for families to get together to have fun, eat good food and strengthen the bond that holds them together. Organizing a family reunion can be a challenging undertaking, but proper planning and execution can make it a successful one.

Anytime you're planning a party, there is a long to-do list. Taking care of some of the cooking ahead of time with make-ahead party recipes can reduce your stress and allow you to enjoy getting ready for your party. Preparing some party recipes earlier in the day or week can also save you money, as you will not be buying prepared foods. Most of these recipes are easy, and some can even be made well in advance, frozen and prepared just in time for the party.

Planning a dinner party is nearly always stressful, from the guest list to the menu. Choosing a theme for your dinner party menu can make the cooking and decorating easier and more fun for both you and your guests. Try planning an evening in Rome, a dinner visit to the Parthenon, a Mexican fiesta or a harvest celebration. Choose a dinner party theme that works with foods in season, and be sure that you are comfortable and familiar with the flavors, even if a specific recipe is new.

Summertime is the best time to hang out by the pool with family and friends, to enjoy their company and good food while basking under the sun. Having a pool party is a way to kick back a little, allowing for a bit of fun and much needed relaxation at the end of a busy week. It is also a great time to entertain guests with delicacies that are both nourishing and refreshing at the same time. Since you would expect that guests would be swimming during a pool party, the food that you should prepare should be easy to carry around, easy to eat and easy to digest. Here are some great pool party food ideas.