How to Host a Memorable Housewarming Party
September 18, 2017If you’ve moved into a new house and can’t wait to show it off to your friends, family, and peers, there’s no better way to celebrate than with a housewarming party!
Below we’ve listed the seven most important party-planning steps that will make your first new-home kick-off an absolute hit with all who attend!
1. PICK THE DATE
Before nailing down a date, be sure to think logically about when your home will be ready for others to come and see it in order. You’ll want boxes to be unpacked, pictures to be hung, and to have enough seating and space cleared for people to walk through each room.
Be sure also to ask some of the key people you’d like in attendance if they’re available on the day you’re considering – that may help you to make your decision.
2. MAKE A GUEST LIST
Before making a guest list; you need to decide if you’re having an ‘Open House’ or an ‘Intimate Gathering’.
When planning an open house, the host must assume that people will stop by for a drink and some food, see the home, and then depart. Open houses depend on a steady stream of people coming in and out so your home never gets too overcrowded. Open house invites can also be extended to new neighbours, co-workers, and other people that may not exist in your closest circle, but whom you’d like to get to know better. The best way to invite a large number of guests to an open house is by creating a Facebook event or by sending an e-invite.
An intimate gathering is for close friends and family whom you’d like to spend more one-on-one time with. This type of housewarming party is more relaxed, smaller, and less formal. The best way to send an invite to a small group of people is by calling them personally.
3. PICK A THEME
While you can choose to throw a theme-less party, theme’s always make a celebration that much more memorable, fun, and exciting! A theme will help you to pick what type of food you’re going to offer, what the decorations will look like, and it may even help you to pick something festive to wear!
Some of our favourite housewarming theme ideas include:
Stock The Bar
Garden Party
Canadian Eh?
Luau Hawaiian Party
Girls Night In
Mexican Fiesta Theme
Bonfire Theme
Which will you choose?
4. ORGANIZE FOOD & DRINK
If hosting an open house, it is proper etiquette to provide light food and drinks to your guests. However, if you’re throwing a smaller family-based housewarming party, you could ask that guests participate in a potluck-style full dinner or lunch.
Popular drink items include wine, beer, punch, and maybe even some champagne! Be sure to also offer non-alcoholic drinks to those who are driving and for those under the legal drinking age.
Popular open house food offerings include veggie trays, fruit, appetizers, cheese plates, crackers, dips, and sweets like cookies, éclairs, or cupcakes.
5. MAKE A PLAYLIST
Make a playlist that will set the tone and feel of both your party and your new life in your new home. Include some oldies, some one hit wonders, and enough variety to offer something for everyone!
Here are some of our favourite playlist picks:
Home – Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros
Our House – Madness
Homeward Bound – Simon and Garfunkel
Who Says You Can’t Go Home – Bon Jovi
Home – Michael Buble
Sweet Home Alabama – Lynyrd Skynyrd
Run’s House – RUN DMC
Lego House – Ed Sheeran
Home – Daughtry
Mama I’m Coming Home – Ozzy Osborne
My House – Flo Rida
A Sort Of Homecoming – U2
Welcome Home – Metallica
Are you sensing a theme here?
6. MAKE A TOAST
Pop the champagne and make a toast to thank your friends, family, and peers for coming to celebrate such an important milestone with you. A thank you goes a long way for those who have travelled out of town to the event, who helped you to set up, who contributed food, who gave you a gift, or who helped you move.
7. HAVE FUN!
Last but not least, remember to enjoy yourself! Homeownership is exciting, and you should be proud! Show off your beautiful new home and make some memories that will last a lifetime.
From all of us at Bradley Homes, congratulations!