Written by If you just moved into a new place, you are probably dying to show it off. However, it can be hard to bring all the elements together into a great housewarming event. Take time to plan the party thoroughly and hit all the important marks so you can show people your new home and have a lot of fun while you are making it happen.
Create a Guest List
The first step of any housewarming party is to put together a guest list. You need to figure out how many people would be a reasonable list for your party. You want to get enough guests that you can have a good time but not so many guests that your space is too crowded, or you feel overwhelmed. You may want to keep things simple with a nice dinner party, and that might keep your guest list down. If you want to do an open house style event, you can have more guests and could even invite your new neighbors, which gives you a perfect opportunity to get to know them a little better.
Send Out the Invites
You’re not going to get anyone to come to your party if you don’t send out invitations. Your invites don’t need to be super formal, but you should make a decision about whether you want to send out physical invitations or do your inviting digitally. Digital invitations are easy and cheap, but physical invitations can make a big impression and can be fun to put together. All in all, make sure that you include all pertinent information no matter what kind of invitation you decide to send out. Letting them know your new address is a must, especially since your guests have probably never been to your new place before.
Plan the Menu
Every party needs a great spread to get things going, and a housewarming is no exception. There aren’t rules for appropriate food in a housewarming, you can make it as formal or casual as you would like. When you’re planning out the menu, your first thought should be about whether you want a sit-down dinner or finger foods for people to snack on as they hang out. If you decide on a sit-down dinner, then you will want to make sure that you plan your guest list accordingly. It is a good idea to have a variety of foods from savory options to dessert choices so your guests can satisfy their cravings. If you are going for snack foods, concession machines can be a great option that will impress your guests.
Choose a Spot
Though you want your guests to get a look at your whole house, you should choose a location to be the center of the party. The place you choose will set the tone for the event and help you make your other decisions for the party. You can create a great outdoor party experience by taking advantage of your deck space. If you do decide to do an outdoor party, make sure to check the weather and to make your outside space as comfortable as you can. Choosing a particular spot in your house for the bulk of the party can also help make clean up easier, which you will really appreciate when the party’s over, and your guests come home.
Clean the Space
Moving into a new house and unpacking can be a messy chore to take care of. It is important that you plan your party far enough out that you won’t be too stressed about getting things clean. If you do find yourself in a pinch, you can always move your unpacked belongings into a storage area so that the mess is out of the way and won’t distract your guests. Most housewarming guests understand how hard it is to move to a new place, so they won’t be judging you, so don’t stress too much and take a little time to tidy up and decompress.
Put Together a Playlist
The music you choose for your housewarming will help set the tone and give some background noise if there are awkward silences. Taking the time to put together a playlist of music that will run for a few hours will help you to avoid pauses in the music and to be able to just sit back and enjoy the music once your party begins. Go for music that isn’t too loud to prevent conversation and that is generally liked. If you know your guests prefer a certain genre of music, make sure to include some on the playlist so they feel like you appreciate their attendance.
Consider Party Favors
It is always fun to leave a party with a little party favor. Favors can be as simple as a little treat for the road or something small to help your guests remember the party. You don’t have to have party favors, but they can be a fun addition to your party that will make it memorable for your guests. Don’t worry about spending a lot of money on your party favors, just choose something that you can buy in bulk for a good deal and that your guests will enjoy.
Finish Prep before the Party Starts
There is nothing worse than being stuck in the kitchen or away from your guests during a party. Instead of dealing with that struggle, make it a point to finish all the prep work before the party begins. It is a good idea to actually finish your prep an hour or so before the party so you can decompress and look fresh when the party starts. If you need help prepping, don’t hesitate to ask a guest to come early or get help from your housemates. This will help to take the pressure off and give you the chance to really enjoy the party.
A housewarming party is a great excuse to share your new home with the people you love. Invite lots of guests and create a fun evening that you will enjoy and that will give you great early memories in your brand new home.
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