Tips to Host a Street Party

To help you have a great day and bring your neighbourhood together we have made a guide for you to follow.

Simple Savings are helping and encouraging you to have this party but you are legally responsible for what happens at that party, before, during and after. Anything related to the party you are legally responsible.

Things You Need to Know and Do

Legals and Insurance

1. You are Responsible. You are legally responsible for what happens at your party. If you hold it at your home, your public liability insurance which is often part of your normal house insurance will cover your party if you hold it in your front or back yard.
2. Public Parks. If you hold it in a park the Council public liability insurance will cover that.
3. Alcohol. Do not consume alcohol in public areas without a license. Individuals may face penalties. Do not sell any alcohol to guests as liquor licensing laws may apply. If you have underage attendees please remember supply of alcohol to minors is illegal. Refer to this link for further information. http://www.eduweb.vic.gov.au/edulibrary/public/stratman/Policy/schoolgov/druged/parent_fact_sheets/factsheet_2_alcohol_teenagers_the_law.pdf
4. Do Not Sell. This is not a commercial event and you are not allowed to sell food, beverages or products.
5. Street Closure. If you want your street closed so you can hold it on the street it gets a bit more complicated. You need to contact your local council and arrange public liability insurance. You should be able to find the information you need on their website. Here is an example of one of the best Council guides we have found from City of Canada Bay Council - http://www.canadabay.nsw.gov.au/dwroot/datawrks/views/publish/3/12/-1/links?applyfilter=1. This is a really comprehensive guide from a Council's perspective. This is the sort of thing you need to look for.
6. Noise Restrictions. Check Local Council requirements for when music needs to be turned off or down by. For example 10pm. Tell neighbours who choose not to attend that the music will be turned down by a certain time. This should hopefully avoid any noise complaints or miscommunications between people affected by the party but who are not attending.

Things you need to do now

1. Check Insurance and Legals. You want to be able to enjoy your party knowing that if something happens to your house / party area you are covered.
2. Print Out Your Invitations. Here is the URL (link). Print out 20 invitations so you are ready.
3. Choose The Location. Choose a location that is going to be comfortable and safe for everyone. Make sure you have a backup plan in case it rains.
4. Write Down The Location. Be sure to have completed step 1. before confirming and writing your location on your invitation.
5. Have a Chat. Talk to some of the neighbours you already know and show them your invitation. Tell them what you have planned. Ask them what time on the Sunday would be best for them. Write this time down on your invitations.
6. Complete the Invitations. We have put an 'Other' spot on the invitations in case you would like to organise a Secret Santa or specify what type of food you would like them to bring.
7. Start Knocking. After you have filled in the rest of your invitations start knocking on the rest of your neighbours doors and introduce yourself. Hand them the invitation in person or they won't come. Just putting the invitation in the letterbox won't work. Tell them in person 'I'd like you to come to the party'.

Closer to the event

1. Follow Up RSVP's. It's all part of the process getting to know your neighbours and making them feel comfortable about attending. If they have any concerns address them personally.
2. Check Requirements. When your guests RSVP ask if they have any special dietary requirements, e.g. food allergies, vegetarian and so on. Will they need to hide some of their special dietary food, or section it off on a special part of the table? Let your guests know that animals are not invited to the party.
3. Notify Police. Inform your local Police about the party. Although we would hope this is not necessary, gate-crashing and other security issues can potentially ruin a party.
4. Start Preparing Your Home. Clean your house or party area well before the event starts. Give yourself plenty of time.

Party Day Tips

1. Make Everything Safe. Put away anything you do not want your neighbours to see; such as very expensive jewellery and so on. Close the doors to rooms you don't want people to go in. Put away items that children are going to hurt themselves on. Don't leave small breakable or choke-able items within the reach of small children. If you have a pool make sure it is properly fenced. Clear the yard of any tools, pitchforks or machetes that children or adults could possibly swing at each other.
2. Catering. Keep it simple. If everyone brings their own food and drinks then all you need to provide is the facilities and maybe a barbecue with some simple sausages and bread if you desire.
3. Food Setup. Make sure there is a large table for everyone to put their food on and show guests where that is. If anyone has special food allergies it is a good idea to mark out on the table a separate food allergy area to keep it separate.
4. Greet Guests. Make sure you say hello to every person as they arrive and introduce themselves. Show them around. Show them where the food is. Show them where the toilets are and where they can put their bags.
5. Name Tags. All your guests will have much more fun if you can find a way to make sure everyone gets a name tag. It is a great icebreaker.
6. Activities. If you would like to arrange some activities plan activities like Secret Santa, door prizes and the like.
7. Music. A great party is always accompanied by a good selection of music. Encourage participation of one of your neighbours who has a wide range of musical tastes and one with a good stereo which can be carried outside the house and plugged up.
8. Rubbish and Cleanliness. Make sure you have plenty of bins and/or bin bags, as well as serviettes and places for guests to wash their hands.
9. Party Closure. At the end of the night say goodbye to every guest and thank them for coming.