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Each year a block party is organized and now it was our turn to be in charge of the event. This responsibility rotates from one home to the next in our small community. Our houses are stretched along a lake and the block party involves 12 homes. The host family is supposed to take care of the food and beverages. This year it was decided that finger foods were to be served at the block party. I found this idea appealing as by serving finger foods the host family could prepare all the food beforehand and would be able to enjoy this annual block party visiting with our neighbors.

I found quite many recipes for salty and sweet finger foods in my recipe books. As our annual block party starts at 3pm and end at about 7pm we had to provide food that was substantial enough to be considered a meal. Many children come to our parties as well, so we also had to provide foods that they would like.

My husband and I went to the supermarket a few days before the party and bought all the products we needed according to our recipes. There were breads for sandwiches and many cold cuts and cheeses. Other products we purchased were for dips, spreads and salsas which would enrich the selection of our finger foods.

We made the sandwiches and cut them in triangles and set them on trays. Apart from that, we put large plates of fresh vegetables with many dips around the gathering area. As far as sweet finger foods are concerned, I personally baked many cookies and bars several days before the event which I kept frozen until the day of the party. The special children finger foods were hot dogs and ice cream on a stick.

We used streamers and balloons for decorations for the block party. We also put some lawn chairs near the lake. Some of them were set up in the sun; others were put in the deep shade, so that any of our guests would feel comfortable. Everyone fancied the idea of moving from one place to another while having a bite in the afternoon.

This proved to be a brilliant idea because there was more time to visit as there was no set meal and people shouldn't be gathered at the same time. The finger foods turned out to be a big hit and many guests said they would also serve finger foods when they host the annual block party.

After the party was over the cleaning up was very easy and fast. The food which was left was very little and easy to be stored. I believe my husband and I started a new tradition which will be continued on our annual block parties.