How to Plan a Stock the Bar Housewarming Party

Moving is one of those activities that is on nearly everyone's list of top ten least favorite things to do. The lifting, loading, packing and unpacking is tedious and time consuming. In the end, after everything is in its new place and all the boxes have been unpacked, reward yourself by throwing a Stock the Bar housewarming party. Just a few quick plans will help to ensure that at the end of the night you will have a fully stocked bar.

Things You'll Need

• Invitations
• Bar or bar set-up
• Food
• Beverages
• Decorations
• Seating
• Music

Instructions

1. Pick a date. Make sure to give yourself ample time to unpack and prepare your new home for guests.

2. Send invitations. Be sure to do this far enough in advance for your guests to RSVP.

3. Decide what food you will serve. Easy-to-eat finger foods are great for a Stock the Bar party. Finger foods allow guests to mingle and often can be bought already prepared.

4. Decide what beverages you will serve. Be sure to offer both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

5. Pick music. Make it fun and upbeat. Make special party music CDs if you have the time.

6. Buy food and beverages. Buy according to your RSVPs and then buy extra to ensure that you won't run out.

7. Buy decorations. Go to your local party store and find decorations that are bar themed.

8. Prepare your bar or bar set-up. If you don't have an actual bar, re-purpose a kitchen or dining room table.

9. Prepare seating. If you don't have enough seating for your guests, buy or rent inexpensive folding chairs or borrow some from friends or relatives.

Tips & Warnings

• Give yourself enough time to get everything done.

• Enlist the help of friends and family to plan, prepare and decorate for your party.

• Relax and have fun! Parties are supposed to be fun. Don't stress about every little detail.

• Keep a list of numbers for taxi services handy to make sure none of your guests drive home when they shouldn't.

• Don't rush through the planning period. Rushing will cause too much stress, which negates the whole point of having a party in the first place.