How to Plan a Garden-Themed Housewarming Party

Rakes and wheelbarrows are the last thing on your mind when you move into a new house. So, consider throwing a garden-themed housewarming party. Planning your garden-themed housewarming party is the first step toward having the prettiest yard on the block.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Invitations
• Guests' email addresses
• Guests' phone numbers
• Guests' addresses
• Citronella candles
• Thank you notes

1. Determine how many guests you would like to invite. Be sure that you have enough space and seating to accommodate the number of people you want to invite.

2. Make a detailed guest list. Gather names, phone numbers, addresses and email addresses.

3. Select the invitations. Go to the local party store or search online at websites such as Evite.com to find the perfect garden-themed invitations.

4. Mail traditional invitations at least 3 to 4 weeks in advance to give guests time to respond, shop and make necessary arrangements to attend your garden-themed housewarming party. Send email invitations 2 to 3 weeks before the party.

5. Plan the menu. Think light spring and summertime flavors. Think lemonades, fresh fruit and vegetables, and fun drinks such as Sea Breezes, Mojitos, Margaritas and Daquiris.

6. Keep a list of guests who have confirmed or declined. You need to know how many people are going to attend to prepare for seating, food and drinks.

7. Make a backup plan. Weather doesn't always cooperate. If you were planning to have the party outside, prepare your home inside in case of inclement weather.

Tips & Warnings

• Make extra food and buy extra beverages. It is always better to have too much than not enough.
• Complete a gift registry at your favorite stores. This will make it easier for your guests to shop and reduces the likelihood that you will receive the same gift twice.
• Make a list of who gave you what. You can thank your guests for their specific gift when you send thank you notes..
• Plan for bugs. Unfortunately, spring and summer brings out mosquitoes and bees. Buy torches that burn citronella oil and candles that are designed to keep bugs away so your guests aren't covered in bug bites and leave the party early.
• Tell your neighbors about your garden-themed party. This is especially important when having your party outside. Letting your neighbors know will ensure that the police will not end your party early due to a noise complaint.

Resources

• Get supplies, decorating tips and recipes at Reasontoparty.
• Find party advice and ideas at Party411.