Last updated 6/5/2024
You’ve just finished unpacking. You’re slowly hanging up pictures and putting the final touches on your new space. Soon, you’ll be ready to show off your space to your friends. If you’re new to the area, you’re also making a first impression with your neighbors, friends, and coworkers. What better way than to throw a housewarming party?
A housewarming party is the first party someone throws at their new residence to celebrate a successful move. Not only are housewarming parties a chance to have some fun, but they’re also a chance to kickstart some memories in a new space. There are plenty of unique themes to spice up your event, but the best housewarming parties share guests, decorations, refreshments, and entertainment. Here are some tips and tricks to throw the best housewarming party!
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Getting Ready For the Housewarming Party
Give yourself plenty of time to settle into your space. Then you can host your party in a calmer, cleaner environment. Plus, if you’re creating a gift registry, you can evaluate what you really need after you’ve lived in your space a while.
Overall, your housewarming party shouldn’t be stressful, it should feel enjoyable for both you and your guests. As the host, it is your job to set the tone of the party with your space, but also with your personality.
When To Throw Your Housewarming Party
Consider waiting a few months after your move to throw your party. People don’t normally move in one day. Moving is a process that often requires help and can take days, weeks, or even months. Most of all, you want to give yourself plenty of time to feel comfortable in your own space. Then you’ll probably be comfortable opening your space to your friends and family.
Be sure to select a time and date where your guests are most likely to attend. Try not to schedule your event on weekdays or on holiday weekends. Also, consider catering your party to the time of year. People might not be able to attend around the winter holidays or the beginning of summer during graduation season.
Who You Should Invite
If you’re just moving across town, you may already have an idea of who you’d like to invite. But if you are moving to a new area altogether, it could take a while to feel like you have a solid group of people to invite to your housewarming party. Remember, no matter how great a party is, if no one shows up, there’s no point. Your guests are what makes your party one to remember!
Reach out to coworkers, friends, neighbors, or anyone you’d like to get to know better! Extending the invite is a considerate way to let someone know you want to get to know them better or value them as a friend or business partner.
A housewarming party is the perfect time to get to know people better. The party will also help you learn who you want to stay connected with, who you don’t, and who you would invite to the next event you host. If you want to make a great first impression, you could also consider designing your own invitations. At the very least ask for RSVPs so you know how many people to expect.
Simple Decorations Are Best
Decorating does not have to be complicated. It could be as easy as tidying up your place. After all, your housewarming party is where you show off your new home, your furniture, and the decorations that show your personality.
If you want to decorate a little bit, you could always consider purchasing warm lights, throw pillows or blankets, and candles or fragrances. These simple touches can add warmth and personality to your space. Remember, don’t worry about going above and beyond unless there is a set theme you want to plan. Overall, the party is about the new home, so there’s no need to add more stress.
Some housewarming parties have gift registries, but that might be a little forthcoming for new friends. Gifts are sometimes customary at housewarming parties. So maybe instead of a registry, you could put together an optional Amazon wish list for those who want to give you a gift. Then your guests who don’t know you are more likely to show up and don’t feel pressured to buy something.
What To Do During Your Party
So what do you even do at the party once everyone’s done looking around? First of all, if you’re expecting people to show up and bring a gift, it’s polite to provide food and drinks. You could buy snacks and refreshments from the store or you could make them from scratch.
Don’t just rely on small talk to keep your guests engaged. Plan to have some party games ready in case the conversation lulls. Games can bring new people together and keep everyone laughing. You could even structure your party around a theme if you wanted to go all out.
Refreshments
When inviting people over for the first time you want them to feel welcomed and taken care of; providing drinks helps you make a great impression. Rather than buying individual drinks, you can also make your own large-batch drinks like punch or sangria.
Consider a mix of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. But if you do decide to serve alcohol at your party, be mindful to provide non-alcoholic options, too.
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Snacks
Thank your guests for showing up by serving something to eat. You don’t need to go all out or make everyone dinner. Finger foods are great for guests to snack on while they take in your new place. But don’t forget to lay out plates and napkins! Appetizer-style food is a great option for parties and can come in many forms. Here are some of our top choices:
- Bruschetta
- Sliders
- Meatballs
- Deviled eggs
- Mozzarella sticks
If you want to keep it simple, provide food that doesn’t take long to prepare or a lot to maintain. Some options are a charcuterie board, chips and dip, a fruit salad, or a vegetable tray. Alternatively, you could order a pizza or grab some takeout. Regardless of the food you serve, remember you don’t have to break the bank for food and drinks to have a great time at your housewarming party.
Games
Games can help draw the group together and reveal the personalities of your guests if the conversation starts fizzling out. There are tons of games out there that can get a group laughing and talking on their own.
Card games are recommended since they allow more people to play than most board games. Some card games great for groups are Apples to Apples, Cards Against Humanity, Buzzed, or What Do You Meme? If you have a standard deck of playing cards, you could play games like blackjack or poker.
Games help draw a group together and get them talking. All players can enjoy any of these games since they require no skill or set-up. Read the room and pick a game that’s most appropriate for your crowd.
Conclusion
Give yourself plenty of time to plan a great housewarming party. Allow a month or two to settle into your home and organize your belongings. Make sure you send invites a few weeks in advance before your guests make other plans. Clean your space, make it inviting, and let your personality stand out in your decorations.
No matter how you decorate, remember that housewarming parties are about your guests. Provide food, drinks, and a game to play for your guests. And don’t forget to thank your friends and family afterward.
Throwing a housewarming party isn’t difficult if you follow our simple tips and tricks. Now you’re on your way to hosting the best housewarming party!
FAQ
A housewarming party is the first gathering thrown shortly after moving to show off the new space to family and friends.
No, you should not send a gift registry for a housewarming party (especially if you are moving to a new area and do not know your guests well). While it is common practice to give a gift to the housewarming host, mandatory gifts could discourage some guests from showing up. However, you could create a wishlist for guests who ask to give you a gift.
I am from Sacramento, California and earned my BA in Literature from Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego, California. I am currently enrolled in the English MA program at University of Oregon, researching forest management policy and environmental studies. In my free time I enjoy watching basketball, cooking, reading, gardening, and trying new hot sauces.
