Do families host neighborhood parties anymore?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There's another thread on here where people look down on serving food from Costco at a party. In the social media age, I think people are more into hosting a "curated" party, which can seem like more effort than it's worth.
Also...we have more ways of connecting than we did before social media/text. Back then you saw each other in person or called on the phone. Now we're connected in so many other ways.

You can't post photos of your Costco spread on Insta. You need a jaw dropping charcuterie board, and signature cocktail with Rosemary sprigs to get those likes. And if you can't post your party on social, is there even a point to having a party?
Sigh..
Besides that the first question is always who will be there. Men especially seem to dislike parties that have anyone other than their closest bros there who they might get stuck talking to.

Why is this? I've noticed it too. When I was a kid, the dads would hang out with anyone. Now they sulk in a corner on their phone if their BFF isn't there, and that's if they even show up. We've tried to host so many family or couples events that turned into mostly ladies' nights because the men had all sorts of excuses.

Please don’t make generalizations based on gender. Not all of us are the same.

[Anonymous]

[twitter]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There's another thread on here where people look down on serving food from Costco at a party. In the social media age, I think people are more into hosting a "curated" party, which can seem like more effort than it's worth.
Also...we have more ways of connecting than we did before social media/text. Back then you saw each other in person or called on the phone. Now we're connected in so many other ways.

You can't post photos of your Costco spread on Insta. You need a jaw dropping charcuterie board, and signature cocktail with Rosemary sprigs to get those likes. And if you can't post your party on social, is there even a point to having a party?
Sigh..
Besides that the first question is always who will be there. Men especially seem to dislike parties that have anyone other than their closest bros there who they might get stuck talking to.

Why is this? I've noticed it too. When I was a kid, the dads would hang out with anyone. Now they sulk in a corner on their phone if their BFF isn't there, and that's if they even show up. We've tried to host so many family or couples events that turned into mostly ladies' nights because the men had all sorts of excuses.

Please don’t make generalizations based on gender. Not all of us are the same.

Generalizations exist when people behave in the same general way. It’s not personal to you.

[Anonymous]

Many families travel for the holidays. I’d say that 80% of the people we know are either (1) out of town or (2) hosting out of town guests they don’t see often. And the “lead up” to Christmas is a crazy time for most (especially those still raising kids)- not ideal for hosting & socializing etc. There tend to be more gatherings during the summer or “non holiday” months IME. At least in my area.

Beyond that, the expectations for hosting are just so high now, it seems. Families (especially those still raising kids + dual full time careers) are just so busy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I do a high tea for the women in the neighborhood every so often. I am close friends with most of them and there is incredible amount of reciprocity with 70% of them. Then there are women who have never invited me back or have been friendly in any meaningful way. They just exist. Like starfish. 🙀

You mean "afternoon tea." If you are doing it this often, you might as well get the term right.

NP. I clocked this, too, when I first read it, and I know the difference, but you need to shut all the way up.

[Anonymous]

We host at least one a year. Outside. My house is not big enough for inside. Neighbors do another one and then we do smaller group dinners etc.

[Anonymous]

Yes. I have neighbors who specifically host parties for neighbors. One does a pre-Christmas open house, another does a post-New Year’s bash in early Jan. One does Lunar New Year and another does Diwali.

[Anonymous]

My parents had ton of parties when I was young. Like PP, they were not fancy, but somehow they were stylish anyway. Their guests and friends were interesting- not suburban bores like myself and most people I know.

If I had a party, no one would come. People are busy, consumed with their kid’s sports, husband are boring. So I might as well just do girls nights.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I do a high tea for the women in the neighborhood every so often. I am close friends with most of them and there is incredible amount of reciprocity with 70% of them. Then there are women who have never invited me back or have been friendly in any meaningful way. They just exist. Like starfish. 🙀

You mean "afternoon tea." If you are doing it this often, you might as well get the term right.

No, no. I mean "high tea". It's a substantial full meal catering to the ladies. Since there is no alcohol, the men are not interested/invited.

I do not count "afternoon tea" as something worth mentioning. Some sandwiches and baked goods does not take that much effort.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yes. I have neighbors who specifically host parties for neighbors. One does a pre-Christmas open house, another does a post-New Year’s bash in early Jan. One does Lunar New Year and another does Diwali.

Sounds like our neighborhood.

[Anonymous]

I host parties but I don’t invite everyone in the neighborhood. I do host our friends, including some neighbors.

Our HOA organizes a few events per year. My kids used to go when they were younger but not anymore.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There's another thread on here where people look down on serving food from Costco at a party. In the social media age, I think people are more into hosting a "curated" party, which can seem like more effort than it's worth.
Also...we have more ways of connecting than we did before social media/text. Back then you saw each other in person or called on the phone. Now we're connected in so many other ways.

Because Costo is crap. People used to host parties and cook or arrange a simple array of snacks. But people are “too busy” (lazy) now to even pick up their own takeout, let alone actually cook anything

[Anonymous]

I know our neighbors have parties, I can see it on their social media. We only get invited to one neighbor who has big parties.

[Anonymous]

We host a block party at Halloween outdoors, and then a smaller neighborhood cocktail party at Christmas each year. I love them. Trying to get more neighbors involved, but lots of people seem really introverted. When I was growing up my parents threw huge neighborhood parties, but they were really big boozers.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There's another thread on here where people look down on serving food from Costco at a party. In the social media age, I think people are more into hosting a "curated" party, which can seem like more effort than it's worth.
Also...we have more ways of connecting than we did before social media/text. Back then you saw each other in person or called on the phone. Now we're connected in so many other ways.

Because Costo is crap. People used to host parties and cook or arrange a simple array of snacks. But people are “too busy” (lazy) now to even pick up their own takeout, let alone actually cook anything

Here ya go guys, it’s CRAAAAAP! I picture this being said with a thick Midwestern/Chicago accent. IT’S CRAYYYP.

[Anonymous]

Our neighborhood does but I've learned from DCUM that we are the exception, not the rule...

We always have parties for:

NYE
Super Bowl
Easter
Memorial Day
July 4th
Labor Day
Halloween
Christmas (not on Christmas day, but in December)

Plus we have a lot of other parties throughout the year. Usually potluck, so we did an Oktoberfest in October and everyone brought German dishes, etc.

It's really nice because we don't have to leave the neighborhood, don't have to drive anywhere, and people can easily come and go as they please, plus it's easier with kids.