How to Pick Housewarming Invitations

Invitations are your guests' first connection with your housewarming party, and they'll set the tone for the whole show. If you're planning an open house for whoever drops by, use Internet invitations or fliers. If you want to plan for attendance or incorporate your party theme, pick customized or handmade invitations and request an R.S.V.P. Build suspense by turning your invitations into a preview of your party.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Budget parameters
• Party plan

Pick Your Housewarming Invitations

1. Set the tone. Bill yours as a don't-miss party by creating faux movie posters--with you as the "star," of course. Suggest a more intimate gathering with calligraphy and simple, warm colors on handmade paper.

2. Be practical. If budget is key, pick free or economical web-based invitations from Evite (see Resources below). These work great if you don't have everybody's mailing addresses.

3. Review your guest list. Balance the crowd with friends, family and coworkers. Invite some new neighbors. Be spontaneous! the friendly checker at your new market might turn out to be the life of the housewarming party.

4. Decide which information to include. Inform your guests of a start and end time, the exact date and day of the week and your new address. Note if kids or pets are welcome or if special dress is requested.

5. Add a dash of your theme or a splash of suspense. Mention a hat contest or promise a special talent display. Ask that guests bring a beverage or a favorite poem to read.

6. Make it easy for guests to find you. Include crystal-clear directions to your new home. It's easy to photocopy a map or send an internet link to exact driving instructions.

Tips & Warnings

• Know all the details of your party before beginning work on the invitations
• One hundred percent attendance is rare. Plan to ask 5 to 10 more people than you wish to accommodate
• Think ahead. Give your guests time to save the date and respond. If you use a printing or copying service, check on their turnaround time.
• You only get one chance to get invitations right. Have someone else read them for accuracy.

Resources

• Unique customized cards and favors at My Own Labels
• Email invitations at Evite
• Read