Not Our Block, But Our Kind of Party
We were invited to a block party… just not our block.
Our friends were hosting, and when I say they set the scene—I mean it.
Their home sits right on the river, the garden was glowing, and everything was blue and white in the most effortless, “How did they do that?” way. It was the kind of setting where even the bugs mind their manners.
Everyone brought food and drinks, and the hostess (brilliantly) had live music on the lawn and name tags. Let’s pause on that for a second: name tags. Not for a work event. Not for speed dating. For a backyard party with real people who had waved at each other for years but never quite made it to first-name basis. And I have to say—it was so smart. If you’re ever wondering whether it’s too formal or too much, err on the side of yes.
If you’re ever wondering whether it’s too formal or too much, err on the side of yes. Name tags are a gift, especially in this season of “Have we met before?” and “Wait—you’re the one with the peach tree?” They lower the stakes, make room for real conversation, and give you something to say while balancing a paper plate and a plastic cup.
The best part? The host stood up to say a few words and shared that while they’d been waving to neighbors for years, they’d never all sat down to a meal together. It was time. They made the effort—and it was lovely.
We were so happy to be included. It reminded me that something as simple as a sticker with your name on it can be the start of something really good.
#BlockParty
#SouthernLivingStyle
#OutdoorEntertaining
#HospitalityAtHome
#PartyIdeas
#TruittHouseLiving
#HostAndHostOften
#GatheringWell