Need advice on trying to meet our neighbors?

Question

Hello!

My husband & I moved into our new home in April. Since then we have never really met the neighbors. The thing is that most of the people here live on at least ( including our selves) 3 acres and most of them ( we don't) have a gate goes to their home. So, we cannot just walk up to their door and say hi. So, what would be a good way of meeting the Neighbors??? Having a little party and inviting everybody??? If that is a good idea what kind of party would you have??? Any other ideas??? No one has made an effort to meet us. So we need to make the effert. Ideas or suggetions would be great. And if I invite them, should I put the invite in the mail or just in their mail boxes? What is the best time to have a party the weekend ( fri, sat., sun.) or after work in the middle of the week? Thanks!
Jennifer

How can we send invites to peoples houses when we do not know anybodys names. Do we just put, " Your invited" or " Quail Valley Road Neighbors"
Any ideas on how I can do that! Getting the address is not hard all I have to do is write them down! Other than that I have no idea! Help!

Answer 1

Dont just put the invitations in the mail box- its against federal law to do that!!! One of the reasons that people move to areas like you are describing- with acreage- is to maintain a higher level of privacy than you get in areas where houses are closer together. By the fact that they havent come and introduced themselves, one can deduce that this is an area of that sort. I think perhaps you are struggling with that idea. You can try a small party- I'd go with a simple barbecue, personally. Mail the invites- complete with stamps! Dont be suprised if you only get a few takers though. Good luck!

Answer 2

Host a barbecue in your garden/backyard! Maybe do it weekend before the 4th, as people might have plans to go out of town then. Make it a Sunday so neighbors are home - after Church. If it is a huge neighborhood, enjoin them to bring hotdogs, burgers, corn, some bread, chips or whatever they feel like sharing.

Reaching out to them is a really nice gesture. It would be better for you to hand the invites personally so you can get to know your guests before the party. Also, this way the neighbors will see how friendly you are and will not have second thoughts about coming. Have a blast! =)

Answer 3

Jennifer,
Maybe you could go to the township building and see about having a block party. Then send out the invites by mail. Have every one make a dish. It's a good way to get all the neighbors out. If you do it somewhat anonymously then you're not totally responsible if it's a flop. If it goes well then you take all the praise.

Answer 4

Sometimes its easier to get to know neighbors just 2 to 4 at a time. Perhaps you could host a dinner party for just your two nearest neighbors. That would likely be dinner for 6...a nice managable number and it will be easier for you to remember their names. Maybe you could get their names from your mailman. Hopefully you will all get along and they will help you meet other neighbors. A mailed invitation would be fine. A phone call would be more personal if possible.

Also, if you have children, then you will likely start meeting more of your neighbors once school begins and you attend school functions.

Here's a thought. When you happen to see your neighbors out and about, make a point to smile, wave, or simply say "Hi". See who responds. It usually isn't too difficult to tell who's naturally friendly and who isn't.

Answer 5

Good question! This is a toughie, but kudos to you for making the first step to meet your neighbors. I might suggest hosting a block party/ tailgate of some sort. It sounds like you all live in a large area so maybe agree to do it in someones (like yours) front lawn. Just advertise it as a meet and greet for everyone; and unless you are uber-talented in the kitchen or want to pay for a caterer, you can make it a pot luck and ask everyone to bring something. Good luck, I'm interested in seeing the other answers.

Answer 6

Party is a lovely idea.

Definitely weekend.

I'd say Saturday afternoon -- supply lots of nibblies and sippies, rather than a meal; maybe have it outside, if it's pleasant outside this time of year where you live.

I'd say hand-deliver short letters to their mailboxes.

Just say you're new to the area, where you live (if there's a local name or designation, give that -- if everyone calls it "the Johnson's place" or whatever, say that), and would love to meet your neighbors.

Answer 7

First you have to write an invitation letter to them explaining why you have chosen to do that .

Answer 8

You could have a barbecue on a Sunday..

but please, for your own sake, spell "you're" properly on the invitations!

good luck!

Answer 9

Attach a greeting card to a large rock and throw it through their window.