Housewarming Party Entertainment Ideas

When you or someone you know buys a house, it's natural to want to throw a housewarming party. This is a time when family and friends can congratulate the new homeowners on their purchase, and also a time for the homeowner to show off the new house. It's not necessary to wait until the house is in perfect condition. Once most of the furniture is moved in, it's appropriate to invite people to a party to celebrate.

Theme

When throwing a housewarming party, having a theme can help guests choose a gift. Guests are never obligated or expected to bring a gift to a housewarming party, but most do, and a theme that is evident on the invitation can help them to choose something inexpensive, useful and appropriate. The best theme would be something that the new homeowner collects or needs. Vintage plates, candles, wine glasses, cooking utensils or towels make good themes. The hostess of the party (but never the homeowner herself) can give guests the suggestions when they call to RSVP, or can include a little note in the invitation.

Food

Since people will be walking around the new house, non-messy finger foods are a good choice. Simple foods such as cookies, bowls of popcorn or pretzels, fruit, vegetable, or cheese trays, and small sandwiches are easy to eat while standing, and do not make a mess if they spill in a bedroom. A fun way to serve foods is to place bowls or trays in each room, to encourage guests to move around and see all that the house has to offer.

Tours

Housewarming party attendees are usually eager to see the house. Be sure to decide whether you would rather have guests showing themselves around, or if you would like to appoint one or more people to give tours as guests arrive. If the house is exceptionally large, a guided tour will prevent guests from becoming disoriented or missing some of the rooms. In a smaller home, the flow of traffic may be better handled if individuals are allowed and encouraged to simply wander at will.

Fun

Music can be used during the housewarming party to set the mood. While softly playing jazz, pop, or classical music is always appropriate, consider playing a few fun themed songs during the course of the party. "Our House," by Crosby, Stills, and Nash or "Home Sweet Home," by Motley Crue are fun songs to play.

Another way to have fun with your guests is to host a short trivia game based on the town that the house is located in. This can be especially fun if either everyone or no one has ever lived in that town.

References

• Housewarming Party Ideas
• Housewarming Ideas