Hello
Welcome HOME!
A housewarming party is an exciting day for new homeowner's to share their new space with friends and family! Help make their first memories in their new home and fill it with love!
Housewarming Party ideas
Where to start
How to Set the Scene
Where to start
Unpack and set up housekeeping
Clean up
Decide when the party will be.
Decide what time the party will begin and end
Hold an Open House
Decide what kind of party it will be
Make a list of who will be invited.
Invite Neighbors
Send or Email invitations at least 3 weeks prior,
Include directions.
Confirm RSVP's 1 week prior
Fill out a gift registry (but do NOT include with invitations!)
Food and Drink
How to Set the Scene
Where to start
Plan for the time frame of the party
Pot Luck - ask family and friends
Crock Pot Foods
Finger Foods - Bite sized portions
Grilled Foods
Salads
Appetizers
Cold Drinks:
Water, Punch, Alcohol, Soda
Coffee/Tea
Platters
Caterer
Food Truck
Pizzas
Dessert
How to Set the Scene
How to Set the Scene
How to Set the Scene
Balloons
Signs
Moving Photos
Set up tables and chairs
Set up an awning or party tent
Mow lawn
Plant Flowers
Sign for parking
Choose Background Music
Contain Pets
Flowers on Tables
Candles
Set up tables for bar and food
Put out games or activities
What you may need
What you may need
How to Set the Scene
Plates/ Cups/ Napkins/Utensils
Tablecloths
Extra Toilet paper
Propane for grill
Wood for Fireplace
Coolers
Ice Buckets
Extra Tables and Chairs
Extra Towels for water play
Door mats
Kid space
Alternate plan for inclement weather
Activities
What you may need
Host Etiquette
Home Tours
Toast
Lawn Games
Campfire/Fireplace
Card Games
Pool/Lake/River/Ocean
Scavenger Hunt
Take Photos
CHOOSE A THEME;
Painting Party
Design A Room
Garden Party
Stock-The-Bar
Host Etiquette
What you may need
Host Etiquette
Greet All Guests As they Arrive
Offer Drinks and Appetizers
Show Guests around the home
Open Gifts in presence of giver,
Serve wine or dishes brought.
Keep music at a level that allows
conversation to be heard.
Mingle with all guests.
Make introductions.
See guests to the door when they leave,
Thank guests for coming.
Send handwritten thank you notes.'
Your Home, Your castle
New To You!
People are curious by nature. Inviting family and friends to your new place will not only satisfy their curiosity, but help your new home to feel "lived in". A housewarming held soon after moving in will give your guests the best impression, while everything is still looking pretty new (Before you and your kids REALLY start breaking it in!)
My advice is to keep it real! You want your guests to feel that you are opening your home to show them your nest, rather than showing off your purchase. There is a difference! Let your guests look around and ask you questions, respond to comments, and feel relaxed! Pointing out your precious breakables should be avoided by putting them away when a large gathering is expected! People may nod and appear impressed as you detail the special qualities of your new home, but when expenses are exposed, you may alienate those who are not in the same tax bracket. Your goal should be to be open and excited about your new life, not to make others jealous!
In my opinion, I think it best to keep it simple! Hold an Open House, where guests can stop by at anytime during specified hours on a given day. Keep cold drinks and appetizers replenished as friends come and go. Platters in the fridge work well for this! You will get to spend more individual time with your guests if they are not there all at once! It also includes those who may not be able to spend hours of the day at your party, but may stop in while out and about for a few minutes, without feeling guilty for not staying. Chances are, some will come and stay for the duration, so be welcoming to that option. An Open House does not imply that you will need to feed everyone a meal! Let people know what will be served so they know what to expect.
A housewarming party is not about gifts! Do not expect that you will receive gifts from everyone. You invite guests to see your new home. Welcome them. It would be tacky to include a gift registry on the invitation, as if you are asking for them! If people want to know what you need for your new home, THEN refer them to your registry. People often bring small gifts as a token. Be gracious and thankful for those bottles of wine, houseplants, and candles. A special acknowledgement of a handcrafted or unique gift would be in order!
Have fun making some of the first memories in your new home! Ask someone to take pictures, a family or group shot in front of your home would be an idea. Mingle. Prepare ahead of time so that you won't be working when your guests are there. Don't be afraid to ask for help. Welcome Home!
Recommended Resources:
Guests
A housewarming is not restricted to those who are fortunate enough to buy or build a new house. When you move into a new space, it is only a HOUSE, until you begin to LIVE in it, and that is what makes it a HOME!
As a guest, be respectful of the homeowner's privacy. (This goes for parents of the adult homeowners too!) Don't open closed doors. Do not take a self-guided tour unless instructed to do so. Do not lead a tour for your friends or relatives unless you are asked to by the homeowners. This is a special day for them, so let THEM enjoy the looks on guests faces, let THEM point out the things they love, let THEM tell their own story!
Guests, thank your hosts for opening up their home to you! Offer to help with clean up, passing appetizers, making drinks, bar-b-que, kid duty, so that your host can enjoy this time as well! If you bring a gift, it's personal. Don't be offended if it is not shared with all! Send them your photos of the event later. They will appreciate it!