Congratulations on your new home! 🎉 Throwing a Housewarming Bash? Whether you’re a seasoned party planner or a complete newbie, we’ve got some easy tips to help you throw a memorable and fun-filled celebration. From theme ideas, tasty snacks to lively entertainment, here are some tips to make sure your family, friends and new neighbors feel right at home and create a lovely core memory in your new space.
Send Invites Early
Give your guests plenty of notice, like around 3-4 weeks, so they can save the date. You can send out cute invitations or just create an event on social media. Don’t hesitate to invite your new next door neighbors. Make sure to keep the guest list manageable based on the space you have available.
Don’t forget to have your contact information and full address on the invites. Include in the invitations clear instruction on how to get to your place. You may include a QR code that links to a pinned location on Google Map.
Tips on Doing a Themed Party
- Choose a theme that reflects your hobbies or interests. If you love travel, a “world traveler” theme with decor and foods from different countries could be a hit. If you’re a movie buff, a Hollywood or movie night theme could be fun. This also makes for a good conversation starter and an easier get-to-know with your guests.
- Lean into the current season. For a summer housewarming, think about hosting a backyard BBQ or a beach-themed party. In the winter, a cozy gathering with hot cocoa and blankets would be perfect.
- Keep it simple. If you’re not sure what to choose, keep it simple and elegant with a “white party” where everyone wears white, or go for a classic garden party with lovely floral arrangements and light refreshments.
- Stay practical. Think about the space you have and how many people you’re inviting. A theme that requires a lot of space or complex decorations might not be practical for a small apartment but could work well for a spacious home.
Create a Welcoming Atmosphere
Set up your space to be cozy and inviting. Make sure your place is clean and tidy—if you’ve still got boxes lying around, just tuck them away in the spare room. Greet guests warmly as they arrive, and show them where they can put their things. Keep snacks and drinks easily accessible, and arrange cozy seating areas where people can relax and chat. Lighting plays a big role too, so use soft lighting like lamps or candles for a cozy feel. Hide expensive and fragile items. Don’t forget to stock up the restroom.
Plan the Food and Drinks
Keep it simple but tasty. You could do a mix of self-serve finger foods, a charcuterie board, or even a themed food bar. Make sure to have options for guests with dietary needs like vegetarian, gluten-free, or nut-free. Have a variety of drinks available, including some non-alcoholic options. If you have family or friends coming over, a potluck party might be a good option. You can find recipe ideas here.
Don’t Forget Music and Entertainment
For a housewarming, aim to create a relaxed, welcoming vibe with your music and entertainment. Choose a playlist that matches the mood of your home—soft, upbeat tunes for mingling, or maybe some jazz or acoustic music if you want a cozy, laid-back feel. Keep the volume low enough so people can chat easily. If you want to up the fun, you could plan 1-2 easy games or have some conversation starters.
Tour of the House
To give a quick and fun house tour during your housewarming, start by welcoming guests at the entrance and showing off the main areas—living room, kitchen, and any cool features like a cozy reading nook or new appliances. Keep it light and conversational, mentioning any updates you’ve made or unique details (like quirky tiles or that statement piece you love). Highlight spaces where you plan to entertain, like a deck or dining area, and point out key rooms like the bathroom so guests feel comfortable moving around on their own. Wrap it up by inviting them to explore and make themselves at home!
Relax and Enjoy
Don’t stress too much! The best parties are the ones where the host is having fun too. Enjoy the moment and make some great memories.
Housewarming Party Ideas
Home Sweet Home
Think frosted cupcakes, cookies and other sweet treats. Decorate with colorful pastels that make your home look bright and breezy.
Taco ‘Bout a New House
Who doesn’t like tacos? Guests can customize their own tacos with a variety of toppings, from meats and veggies to salsa and guac, making it easy to please different tastes and dietary needs.
Game Night
Games create instant conversation starters, break the ice, and keep everyone entertained—whether you choose board games, card games, or even some classic charades. Plus, guests can relax and get comfortable in your new space as they laugh and bond over friendly competition.
Remember to personalize the party to reflect your style and preferences, and most importantly, enjoy celebrating this new chapter in your home. Pop the bubbly!