These days, the driveway is where friends and neighbors meet for lively conversation and fun.
Experts share their best tips for throwing a party on the pavement.
David Tsay
Search What is a driveway social?
Credit:David Tsay
and not much comes up.
But the truth is, driveway socials have been around for a few years.
Today, these get-togethers have become regular events in many neighborhoods.
Credit:Laurey Glenn
Driveway socials are also a chance for people to get together without a lot of notice.
Theyre sort of the anti-party, says Beth Helmstetter, creative director & founder of Beth Helmstetter Events.
Ahead, entertaining experts share how topull off the perfect partyon the pavement.
Credit: David Land
These gatherings are meant to be casual, so theres less worry about being the perfect hostess.
During the party, get everyone excited about taking turns hosting.
Other times its someone with something special to celebrate.
Credit:Jason Donnelly
Or assign different seasonal themes, “like an Aprilgarden cocktail partyorOctober football Sunday, says Pollock.
Rhinehart prefers a flier made on a platform like Canva or a simple social media post.
see to it to include an end time as people tend to linger longer outdoors.
Credit:Jason Donnelly
Some prefer no official invite, instead letting the impromptu feeling of a driveway social speak for itself.
I dont think there needs to be a formal invite.
In fact, formality can take away the charm, shares Helmstetter.
A driveway social is meant to be simple, says Pollock.
Grab some sidewalk chalk and write a few personalized welcome messages to guests on the pavement.
Oradd some cute string lightsand lanterns to cozy up the event.
The point is not to stress, says Nass.
It could be as simple as tying balloons to your mailbox and planting American flags in the grass.
Agrees Helmstetter, Dont overthink the details.
If youre hosting on a brisk autumn night, I recommend achili barwith toppings and cornbread, says Pollock.
Acharcuterie-themed partywhere everyone brings their favorite board arrangements can be fun too.
These types of gatherings are built forpotluck snacks and dishes.
Think small containers with a utensil in place, suggests Helmstetter.
Hand pies are also a good idea as theyre cute and dont require complicated serving or eating utensils.
Just verify you keep the kids juice boxes, soda, and water bottles in a separate container.
If you have a garage fridge, even better, as you wont have to worry about ice.
These are a step up from the traditional boring paper plate.
I also love to embrace sustainability by using disposable compostable cutlery, says Helmstetter.
Patio furniture and lawn or camping chairs can be set up for some casual seating.
Music Is a Must
These gatherings are a great opportunity for local talent to shine.
A Sonos or Bose speaker dock allows you to switch between playlists without requiring power.
you’re free to even set up a temporary pickleball net in your driveway.
To help savor the memories, set up a DIY photo booth with a tripod for your phone.
Classicgames like cornholeor Spikeball are always fun and allow for easy conversation, suggests Pollock.
Quick Cleanup
They say teamwork makes the dream work.
Nobody wants to run over a half-eaten hamburger with their car the next morning, says Pausmith.
Keeping a basket that contains supplies like paper towels and garbage bags makes cleanup fast and easy.
