party planning help please!

Pamela&John

i would like to have a party for our neighbors so we can all have a chance to meet and get to know one another.  our neighborhood is a few months old and only has a handful of homes occupied so our house will be able to accomodate everyone.  i was wanting to have the party after the 2010 new year and wanted do a play on words with: new year, new neighborhood, etc... i am all about invitations and wording, but am having major problems. help!  also is it too much to ask our guests to bring one of their favorite dishes?  i would love to hear your thoughts on this! 

daisy21le

what about simply "new year, new neighborhood, new recipes"  and have everyone bring a few copies of the recipe for the dish they brought?

TarHeels&Rebels

I think your idea sounds really cute.  New neighborhoods are the perfect time to do this sort of thing

A similar question was asked on here in the past.  The poster got flamed for suggesting a potluck.  IMO a potluck makes total sense - neighborhood gatherings are always potluck in my experience.  It's a great way to get to know people - "hey, who brought the tasty potato casserole?".  I think the people against the potluck thought it was insulting to be invited inside your home (as opposed to the cul de sac) and you not have a full dinner waiting on them. 

I think pp's new recipe slogan is clever and easy to work with.

Butter Cookie

Not only do I agree with asking people to bring their favorite dish, but you never know what other people's dietary requirements are. What if you serve pork and someone doesn't eat pork because of reasons X,Y,Z? I think this is a semi-casual and friendly way for people to get to know their new neighbors.

Wingit

If you're going to have them bring copies of their recipes, perhaps give out a favor to each family of something they can put their newly attained recipes in. 

And try to get a group picture!  Have a great time!