Throwing a housewarming party is a great way to meet your new neighbors and introduce yourself and your home to friends and family. But how do we go about planning this party, and how do we make it the party that trumps all other parties? First, we need to think, “Why are we throwing the housewarming party?”
When you purchase a new home, your party acts as a welcome to the neighborhood and allows you to mingle with your new neighbors in an intimate setting. Even if you aren’t living in your dream home yet, don’t let that deter you from throwing a party. Even if you’re only renting your home, a housewarming party is an ultimate way to showcase your new pad.
Plan Ahead
Just like you would with any other party, you need to plan accordingly. It’s important to make sure you’re fully stocked with supplies to help keep your stress levels in check. You should also go through your friends lists – Facebook, Twitter, email, and your phone contacts – and determine just who you want to invite that you already know, and then add them to the list with your new neighbors. Make sure you send out your invitations early enough to give people enough time to schedule for your housewarming party. If possible, tackle your guest list and invites at least two weeks before your party.
Set Up
Before your guests arrive, and before you begin laying out the party’s spread, you’ll want to take a walk around your home and make sure everything is in place. You’ll want to do a deep home cleaning – dusting, vacuuming, sweeping and mopping – at least one day before your party. Once you’ve cleaned your home top to bottom, think about where your home’s natural congregating areas are, and where your guests will feel most comfortable schmoozing with each other.
If you have a large sectional or multiple couches in your living and family rooms, you probably won’t need much additional seating. But if you have a kitchen island or breakfast bar that you haven’t taken advantage of consider purchasing some barstools for additional seating. These will also work wonderfully to help your family enjoy breakfast together while you’re still working in the kitchen.
If you’re throwing your party during the rainy season, make sure you have adequate space for coats, bags and hats. Whether you empty out a hall closet or make a bedroom available for storage, provide your guests with a space they know they can access their belongings whenever they so choose.
Creating Good Vibes
As is the goal with any party, you want your housewarming to be provide an inviting and relaxed atmosphere for your party guests. Before your party day comes, think of a complete menu to serve your guests including appetizers and desserts, and even a main course if you’d like. However, you might feel more comfortable providing finger foods and snacks – especially if you’re working on a budget. Once you’ve decided upon the beverages and food you’ll be offering your guests, think about the atmosphere you want to create. Do you have a large backyard and patio that would be nice for hosting? If so, make sure you provide ample shade if your yard isn’t already shaded. Patio umbrellas and awnings are great to help keep everyone a little cooler and comfortable in the summer heat.
Once you realize where most of the party gathering will take place, think about the vibe you want to set and how your music selection will impact that vibe. Whatever you do, make sure to play family-friendly music with an amazing subwoofer. You wouldn’t want your neighbors’ children to hear unedited Lil Wayne lyrics, would you? That’s one way to get on your neighbors’ bad side in a hurry and defeats the purpose of your housewarming party.
Lastly, you’ll want to set up your bar area that is separate from your food layout. Too much in a confined space will leave people cramped, and won’t have a natural flow for people to grab what they’d like and move on. Rather than congest your kitchen or dining room, spread out your spread throughout different rooms. Just make sure you’ve got all your basis covered – alcoholic and non-alcoholic – and you and your guests are sure to have a great time at your housewarming party.
About the author:
Rachael Jones is a blogger for DIYMother, where women aren’t afraid to use power tools in a dress.