How to Plan a Housewarming Party

If you're throwing a housewarming party, it means you've recently bought or rented a new property. It's an exciting time, so it's no wonder you want to share it with family and friends. However, there's no need to make moving time any more stressful than it already is, so make holding a housewarming party simple by following these suggestions.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Create a guest list. You should do this before you begin the move so this task doesn't get lost in the confusion of moving. Make sure to include your new neighbors in with the crowd.

2. Send out invitations. If it's a casual event, you may just want to send an email or evite, but if you're planning a formal dinner or large scale event, standard invitations are in line. Make sure you include your new address and phone number on the invitation!

3. Keep track of how many guests are coming using a checklist. You will need this for buying food and drink later.

4. Clean and organize your new home. This isn't the time for a quick cleaning--you'll be showing off your new house. Make sure each room is cleaned well.

5. Decide what type of party you want to have. It may just be a cocktails party or a dinner party, or you may center it around an event such as a football game or a holiday.

6. Set one room up to be the centerpiece of your home. You may not have all of your furniture yet, but focusing your crowd into one place will not only keep your house fairly clean, but will also distract from the fact that it isn't quite finished. This may depend on what type of party you're having. If it's a cocktail party, it could be the living room; a football party, the family room; a dinner party, the kitchen, etc.

7. Purchase the food and drink you need for the party. Again, center this around the type of party you've chosen. Your spread can be anything from a full dinner to dips and chips to elaborate mixed drinks and appetizers.

8. Prepare all food and drinks ahead of time. Schedule it so that the house still has the delicious aromas as guests arrive, but so that you also have time to get ready.

9. Make sure you're home early to day of the event to greet guests and give tours.

Tips & Warnings

• You may want to set your housewarming party up as just a cocktail hour before taking your crowd out. After all, a new house is partly about the actual house and partly about the community.
• You may want to consider hiring help for this type of event, as you'll not only be introducing people but showing off your new home.
• Make sure you're home early to day of the event to greet guests and give tours.

[missval7]

on 2/5/2009 Good article. I'm throwing my housewarming party on 2/21 so this is helping me stay focused!