News

 This Christmas, we’re inviting residents across Vasse to host or join a Neighbourhood Christmas Catch-Up on their own street!

It’s a fun, simple way to celebrate the festive season, meet your neighbours, and build a stronger community.

These casual, friendly gatherings can take place right on your front lawn, street verge, driveway or in a nearby park. All you need to do is bring a plate, a chair, and your festive spirit!  Lets keep them easy for everyone to host and join.

Vasse Neighbourhood Street Party Planning Kit

We’ve prepared a simple kit to help you plan and organise a fun, relaxed street party with your neighbours. It includes a guide to help you get started, a checklist to keep you on track, and a download for invitations to drop into letterboxes.  We hope you and your neighbours make it an annual tradition so you’ll always have a chance to join in the fun!

Step-by-Step Guide to Organising Your Street Party

Step 1: Choose a Date & Time
Pick a date in December that works for you and your neighbours. Weekend afternoons or early evenings are ideal for a casual, family-friendly event.

Step 2: Select a Location

• On Your Verge/Driveway: Host right outside your home, making it easy for neighbours to pop in.
• Local Park/Grassy Area: If you prefer more space, choose a nearby park or green area that’s accessible to your street.

Step 3: Spread the Word
Invite your neighbours! You can:

• Knock on doors and have a chat.
• Post in your local online groups.
• Drop invitation notes in letterboxes,.

Step 4: Organise the Basics

• Food: Ask everyone to bring a plate of food to share. Keep it simple – anything from snacks to festive treats works!
• Drinks: Encourage neighbours to bring their own drinks, or set up a shared station with soft drinks and water.
• Seating: Remind guests to bring chairs or picnic blankets to relax comfortably.

Step 5: Add Some Festive Cheer
To make the event extra fun:

• Decorate the space with simple festive decorations (tinsel, etc.).
• Play Christmas music to set the mood.

Step 6: Make It Inclusive
Encourage everyone to join, even if they can’t bring food or drink. The goal is to foster connection and make everyone feel welcome.

Street Party Checklist

• Pick a date and time
• Choose a location (verge, park, or green space)
• Create and distribute invitations
• Coordinate food and drink (ask neighbours to bring a plate)
• Remind everyone to bring chairs or picnic blankets
• Plan decorations or music
• Organise any extra activities (games, gift exchange, etc.)
• Set up on the day and enjoy! 

Sample Invitation for Neighbours’ Letterboxes

Make your own invite or download a pre-prepared invite here

You’re Invited!

Hi Neighbour,
We’ve organised a Street Christmas Catch-Up, and we’d love for you to join us!

We’re getting together for a relaxed, festive street catch-up to celebrate Christmas.

It’s a great chance to meet people on the street, share some laughs, and enjoy the holiday spirit!

Details:
Date:
Time:
Location:

Please bring:

• A plate of food to share
• A chair or blanket to sit on
• Your festive cheer.

Feel free to invite any neighbours you know.

Hope to see you there!

Your Name
Your Contact Info/mobile or email – Optional

At the Party: Ice Breaker Questions to Ask Your Neighbours

Not sure how to start a conversation with your neighbours? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Here are a few friendly, casual questions to help break the ice and get to know each other better at your street party:

• “How long have you lived in Vasse?”
  This is an easy one to start with and helps you find common ground.
• “What do you love most about living here?”
  Great for sharing stories and tips about the neighbourhood!
• “What are your plans for Christmas?”
  A festive question that’s perfect for this time of year.
• “Do you have any favourite local spots?”
  You might discover a new favourite cafe, park, or walking trail.
• “How do you usually spend your weekends?”
  Learn about hobbies or interests you might share.
• “Have you been to any local events lately?”
  A great way to chat about what’s happening in the community.

Remember, everyone’s there to enjoy themselves, so keep it light and fun. These conversations are a great way to start building lasting connections!