Housewarming Party – Planning Tips For A Welcoming Housewarming

Moving into a new home is an extraordinary experience.   A housewarming party is a great way to fill the house with family and friends.  As you start creating your housewarming invites think about the type of party you’d like to have.  It can be as practical as having a work party to help finish the home or simply just a fun party to show off your new digs. We’ve put together some housewarming party planning tips for a welcoming housewarming.

Find a friend to host

If you’ve just moved into your home, you are exhausted physically and financially!  Ask a friend or family member to host the event at your new home. It will alleviate the planning stress for you so you can enjoy all the fruits of your labor.

Invitations

PurpleTrail has beautiful housewarming party invitations.  You can also design your own invitation by uploading photos of your new home.  They can be sent online, printed at home or use PurpleTrail Print.

Time and date

You can have an open house party where people come and go all day as available, or a party with a definite arrival and ending time. Unlike other parties, housewarming parties are effective on holidays and birthdays and can even be combined with the usual festivities.  If you are planning a work party (meaning your guests will be put to work) then plan for an all day event to maximize the day.  If planning a more traditional open house style housewarming, suggest a start time for people to drop in.

Party theme

Having a theme can be helpful in planning the food and for the guests who want to bring gifts. If planning a work party housewarming, consider projects that really require extra help.  Painting rooms or a garden that badly needs planting, plan the party around getting that task done. For a painting party you could suggest each guest brings a related item, like rollers or drop clothes. For a garden party, each guest brings a plant, and actually plants it( you can let them know which plants you prefer.)  You can also throw a room themed housewarming like “all things kitchen” and guests can bring kitchen related items.  If throwing a cocktail type party, have a “stock the bar” theme and guests can bring a bottle their favorite spirit.

Decor

Now that you have this new home, take a minute to add some stylish elements for your big showcasing.  Fill your home with fresh cut flowers to create a warm and inviting feel.  Burning soft candle scents like jasmine, cinnamon, vanilla or cocoa are also a good idea.  Consider showcasing before and after photos if you had to do some renovations to your new home.  Your guests will love seeing the progress of your home. Keep the decorations simple and elegant.  Your guests are their to see your new home so you just need a few accents to help make it shine.

Gift registry

Chances are that although you probably have plenty of items for your new home, there will also be plenty of items you still need. It is appropriate to register in advance for housewarming gifts. Just have the host subtly include this information on the invitation. If you are more interested in presence, than presents, you can ask for donations toward your favorite charity in lieu of gifts.  Be sure to not the charity donation information on the invitation as well.

Food

When planning the food, keep it simple. The last thing a new home owner needs to do is feel pressured to showcase their cooking skills. Since catering the event may be a bit over budget after closing on a home, ask everyone to bring a dish or beverage to share. You can provide a hot dish or two and basic beverages. Consider placing little food stations throughout the house.  Set up napkins and appetizer plates with a dish or two.  That way people will tour your new home and continue moving instead of hovering in the kitchen!  Check out some of these easy and delicious recipes.
Capture the moment. Provide a guest book for the guests to sign and write their good wishes. Add photos of each person next to their signatures so you will remember them and the occasion.
Congratulations on your new home! Enjoy your party, you deserve it!