8 Tips for Throwing Your First Housewarming Party

There’s no greater feeling in the world than buying the home of your dreams, making it your own then showing it off to your friends and family.

Once you’ve taken the time to settle in, you can begin to think about throwing your first housewarming party. Nothing will make your house feel more like a home than gathering your friends, family, and neighbors for a day of games, music, snacks, and drinks.

1. Send Invitations: A few weeks before the date of your party, send your invitations either by email, mail or Facebook. Let your guests know the “when, where, what and why” and request an RSVP so you can plan food and drinks accordingly. If your party is BYOB, be sure to note this in the invitation and any other details your guests should be aware of.
2. Set-Up a Registry: Guests attending your housewarming party will want to bring you a gift for your new home. To avoid receiving a dozen new candles or decor that doesn’t fit with your home’s aesthetic – create a registry. Guests will appreciate the ease of shopping online, and you’ll receive gifts you actually want and need. 
3. Decorate: Decorating your home with a few trendy banners and balloons is not only fun for you, but fun for your guests as well. You can get elaborate with decor or keep it simple, but either way, a few festive decorations will set the tone and impress your guests.
4. Provide Appetizers: A party isn’t a party without apps! Provide your guests with a few yummy snacks to munch on throughout the day. Simple party platters with bite-sized snacks like hummus and carrots, cheese and crackers and chips and dip require little preparation and can be left at room temperature.  
5. Set-up a Bar: If you’re throwing a BYOB party, which is more than acceptable for a housewarming, it’s always a nice touch to provide a community drink. Sangria, mimosas, beer and/or wine are excellent party beverages that won’t cost an arm and a leg. When guests bring the beverage of their choice, add it to the bar for all to share. Be sure to set up glasses, mixers, ice and a cooler at the bar so guests can help themselves.
6. Create a Playlist: Music has a way of setting the vibe of a party. For a housewarming party, it’s best to go with upbeat classics. Spotify has plenty of pre-made housewarming themed playlists if you don’t have time to make your own.  
7. Set-Up Activities & Games: Corn hole, ladder ball and Heads-Up are all great party games that get guests involved and liven-up the mood. If you’re hosting a family-friendly event, be sure to have toys and activities planned for the kiddos too. Set-up a few games outdoors and indoors that everyone can play throughout the day.  
8. Give the Tour: Since it’s the first time many of your friends, family, and neighbors are seeing the new home you’ll want to be sure to give a grand tour! Bring your guests around in small groups, so they have a chance to look around and truly admire your new digs.