How to Decorate for a Housewarming Party

It's easy to decorate for a housewarming party. You've got the centerpiece--your new home! Weave a party theme, color scheme or banners galore through your house and yard. Let your home decor take center stage or dress it up with rainbow colors, spangles, lights and flowers. Going simple is also a great option, and sometimes the most dramatic. Your home's style and party theme will help you decide.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Colorful banners
• Utensils that match colors or theme
• Flowers or balloons
• Candles and strings of patio lights
• Theme-related ornaments

How to Decorate for a Housewarming Party

1. Don't decorate. If you've bought new furnishings or restored floors or woodwork, let these be your backdrop. Planning to paint anyway? Go bold and bright just in time for the housewarming.
2. Use banners or flags in front of your house to let guests know where the party is (see Resources below). Place a few more indoors or out in the yard.
3. Let flowers decorate in unusual ways. Place single blooms in shot glasses on the bar. Place bunches of cheery daisies, mums or tulips in plastic sand pails from the toy store. Herb or eucalyptus bouquets are especially fragrant and pretty in hallways and bathrooms.
4. Use colored or theme-related plates and utensils to decorate your buffet or table instead of buying tablecloths or centerpieces.
5. Light the party with indirect, not fluorescent, lighting. You might use colored standard bulbs from any hardware department randomly throughout the house. Candles can decorate bathrooms and tables. Fun theme-related patio lights can be used indoors or out. For a conversation piece, turn on a lava lamp or cascading fountain.

Tips & Warnings

• If you've got a theme, stick with it.
• Be practical. No tiki torches during the daytime, and shine a spotlight on signs and ornaments after dark.
• Be part of the decor yourself by wearing something complementary that draws the eye.
• Keep balloons visible but out of the way by using helium or sticking them to the ceiling.
• Decor costs can add up fast. Don't overspend your budget on decorations; play up one feature of your house, as an alternative.

Who Can Help:

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