Host an Effortless Housewarming Party

Let's Celebrate Your New Home!

What's the best way to celebrate? A housewarming party, of course! Your friends and family will be so excited to share this milestone with you. Plus, it's the perfect incentive to start unpacking and make your new digs a cozy and welcoming space. This guide will help you plan an effortless party that will be fun and memorable for you and your guests.

Give Yourself Extra Time To Prepare

If you're in the middle of moving, don't stress! Make sure you give yourself time to unpack and settle in before you start planning. Send out invites early and use the date as an incentive to unpack, furnish, and make the space your own. Don't worry about being perfect - everyone will understand that you just moved in! Just make sure you have enough furnishings so that people can enjoy the space. If time is tight, a low-key event like a backyard BBQ or pizza party is a perfect way to celebrate without adding extra stress to your plate.

Pick A Theme That Reflects Your Style

Planning a housewarming party should be a blast! Choose a theme or style that reflects your personal taste and allows your guests to relish the new home. If you have a pool or backyard, a pool party or barbecue might be the ideal vibe. Whether it’s a potluck, cocktail party, or something more formal, be sure to include all the details in the invite so that the tone is set. You might even choose a theme based on the season or a holiday, like Halloween or New Year's Eve!

Make Your Guestlist & Send Invites

Sending out e-invites is a simple and cost-effective method of inviting guests but be sure to include exact directions to your home and note all the essentials details (such as whether they can expect food or refreshments, the party's timeframe, and if you expect them to bring something). Guests may assume they should bring a gift unless you specify otherwise, so you may even want to consider including a link to a gift registry if you are looking for specific items for your home.

Prepare To Show Off Your Home

Part of the fun of a housewarming party is that your guests get to see and explore your new home. While nothing needs to be perfect, prepare for the party with a deep clean – let the place sparkle for your guests! When you give your friends the tour, feel free to point out any special features of your home that you're proud of, such as unique architectural details or historical facts about the property. If you’ve done any renovations, it may be fun to show your guests the "before" pictures so they can appreciate the transformation!

Planning Fun Food For A Crowd

If you're not a master chef, don't worry -- there are plenty of easy food ideas that will be a hit with your guests. Let your theme inspire you! A housewarming is usually a casual affair, so you can keep it simple with a spread of veggies, cheese boards, and finger foods. If the weather is cold, consider making a pot of chili in the slow cooker with an assortment of toppings. A barbecue is perfect for a backyard party! If you don't cook, consider a pizza party or a casual potluck. Whatever you choose to serve, make sure there is enough for everyone.

Create A Welcoming Ambiance

There's no need to go overboard with decorations, but there are easy ways to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Take some time to create the perfect party playlist, light some scented candles, and put out bowls of candy, nuts, or chocolate. During the winter season, light up the fireplace! If you're partying outside, consider hanging some twinkle lights. Your guests will feel right at home.

Engage & Entertain Your Guests

If you want your party to be a hit, consider having some activities set up to entertain and engage the crowd. Playing games is a great way to break the ice and get everyone to interact with each other. You can introduce guests to classic games like "Who Am I?" and charades, or even an outdoor activity like frisbee. If you have an outgoing group, a karaoke machine will make the night memorable! If there are children at the party, an arts and crafts table can occupy them while the adults mingle.

Most Of All, Relax And Have Fun!

A housewarming party should be a blast -- for both you and your guests. Make sure to plan an event that allows you to mingle and have fun. The more you can prepare ahead of time, the better! If you are the type that will constantly fuss over everyone's needs, consider creating a self-serve bar or buffet so you can let your guests attend to themselves. The most important thing is that you get to relax and relish this amazing life milestone. Congrats on your new home!