If you’ve recently gone through a relocation, then you’re well aware of the hectic it is. But now that you’ve finished unpacking and settling into your new home, you’re likely ready to have some fun and celebrate this new milestone in your life.
And what better way to do that than by throwing a housewarming party with your loved ones?
Planning a party can be daunting, but with a little bit of planning and the help of our guide, you’ll be throwing the best bash on the block in no time. Read on for tips on how to make your housewarming party one to remember in 2022!
1. Plan out your guest list
The first step to any good party is to make a list of who you want to invite. If your new home is small, then you might want to limit it to close friends and family only.
But if you have a little more space, then feel free to invite as many people as you’d like! It’s you who’s celebrating, after all, so set an amount that makes you happy.
You are also welcome to invite your neighbors. They might not be on your top list of friends yet, but getting to know them better is always a good idea. Not to mention, they’ll be more likely to help you out if you ever need anything.
2. Send out your invitations
While the artistic souls among us may want to hand-craft gorgeous invitations, in today’s day and age, it’s perfectly acceptable to send out digital invitations via email or social media. That said, if you want to go the old-fashioned route and mail out hand-written paper invitations, make sure to do so at least a few weeks in advance so your guests have time to RSVP and clear their schedules.
Be sure to include the date, time, location, and any other pertinent information like whether there will be food and drink provided. And if you have any party themes in mind, make sure to mention that as well! Your guests would also appreciate it if you could provide them with an idea of what to wear so they can dress appropriately.
3. Get your home party-ready
Now that you know who’s coming to your housewarming party, it’s time to get your place ready for the festivities.
Give your home a thorough cleaning before guests arrive. While your new home might not be as cluttered as your old one, there’s bound to be some dust and dirt that’s accumulated since you’ve unpacked. Focus on common areas like the living room, backyard, and dining room when you clean.
Vacuum the carpets, dust surfaces, empty the trash, and make sure there are no dishes in the sink.
If you have time, consider adding some personal touches to your décor and music playlist. Some flowers or scented candles can really elevate your space and make it feel more inviting. A great party may be aided by some good music, helping remove the dead air and make the event more lively.
4. Decide on the menu
Imagine being invited to a party that doesn’t offer any food or drink. Not only would you be disappointed, but you’d probably leave early too.
As such, when it comes to your housewarming party, it’s important to have good food and drinks available for your guests. If you’re not serving a meal, then finger foods like chips and dip, cheese and crackers, and veggie trays are always a good idea.
As for drinks, it’s best to offer a variety of non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages to please everyone. Be sure to have plenty of water, soda, and juice on hand, as your friends may bring their children or be pregnant. If you do plan on serving alcohol, have some wine and beer available, as well as mixer options like seltzer water, cranberry juice, and tonic water.
That said, planning meals for guests can be daunting if you rarely cook. Fortunately, getting someone else to organize the food is always a possibility, whether it be through catering or a friend’s generous offer to cook. People from all around Victoria are always hiring some help in these situations to ensure the plates are never empty. They research and find reliable caterers in Melbourne who are known for their delicious food and quality service. It’s always good to keep your options open when looking for a reliable catering service.
5. Prep for some fun activities
Your housewarming party doesn’t have to be all about eating and drinking, though that is an important part of any party. To keep things interesting, come up with a few fun activities for your guests to enjoy.
One popular activity is a house tour, where you show off your new home and point out any interesting features. If you live in a particularly old home, your guests might be interested in hearing about its history.
Other activities could include party games like charades or Pictionary, movie nights, or even just sitting around and chatting. The important thing is that your guests are having fun and getting to know each other.
6. Improvise and relax
No matter how much you plan, there’s always the possibility that something will go wrong on the day of your party. Maybe the food will take longer to cook than expected, or there could be a spill in one of the rooms.
If something does go wrong, try not to stress out. Part of being a good host is being able to improvise and keep up with images. Relax, breathe deep, and have a good time!