You’ve just moved in and now it’s time to introduce your friends and family to…
After moving into a new home and spending some time settling in, many people want to meet their neighbors and start integrating into the community. If you've just moved, you’ve likely already had a few neighbors introduce themselves, and maybe one of two even brought over a housewarming token when they saw the moving trucks in the street.
If you’re feeling ready to get out there and mingle with your new neighbors, but are unsure of how to host a housewarming party, here are 15 steps to help you plan the perfect get together with as little fuss as possible so you can stop unpacking and start mingling.
15 Easy Steps to Throwing a Housewarming Party
First, if you still have a few boxes needing to be unpacked, if they’re not vital to daily functioning in your household storage is the perfect answer. You can have them removed from your house before you have your party, helping ensure you have all the space you need for your guests.
Here are a few easy steps to take to throw your perfect housewarming party:
Step 1: Pick A Day
Pick a good day. Saturday or Sunday evenings are often the best choices to host a casual get-together. Many people are too busy to come over other days of the week, and everyone loves to relax and unwind on the weekends.
Step 2: Send Invitations
Invite your guests formally with a note that includes the day and time. Place invitations in their mailboxes and ask for an RSVP. You’ll need to know how many people are coming in order to provide enough refreshments, but you should always plan for 5-10 more than your estimate.
Step 3: Decide on the Location
Find your perfect space. If the weather is nice, your outdoor patio or backyard can be ideal. You won’t have to worry about your house being in pristine condition, and you have the opportunity to grill, rent a bounce house for children that might attend, or set up fun outdoor games.
Step 4: Food
Think about food. You can’t reasonably ask all of your neighbors if they have a food allergy, so try to avoid the top allergens in your menu. Peanuts and shellfish are usually good choices to avoid until you know they’re safe for your attendees. Check around your neighborhood for bakeries and restaurants that might be able to cater your party.
Step 5: Set the Mood
Remember to set the atmosphere. Music improves almost any party and helps to liven the mood – in a pinch, even a portable stereo can provide levity.
Step 6: Decorate Outside
Decorating outside. If you’re decorating outside, flags and string lights are perfect, inexpensive and can be used in your landscaping at a later date.
Step 7: Decorate Inside
Decorating inside. If you’re decorating inside, choose a single large centerpiece for your table that compliments your plates, instead of trying to decorate everything; you’ll save time but still have an elegant presentation. A local florist can provide a beautiful arrangement of seasonal flowers.
Step 8: Set Limits
Designate a restroom. Now is the time to put some effort into hanging pictures and purchasing the guest towels for your ‘guest’ restroom. People will be in and out of your home, and it’s easier to shut the doors to areas you don’t want them to wander than attempting to clean the entire house after the party.
Step 9: Hang Coats
Consider the practical arrangements. Will coats need to be hung? If you don’t have a coat closet, a bedroom can suffice. Enlist your spouse or responsible child to deposit them into a bedroom.
Step 10: Meal Service
Plan the meal service. If you’re casually dining outside with a barbeque, organize a table with plates, condiments, and sides for guests to self-serve. If you’re hosting inside, service is a little more complicated. If you need a sideboard to hold dishes waiting to be served but don’t have one, a folding table draped with a tablecloth is an option.
Step 11: Food Prep
Meal preparation. Try to have as much of the preparation and meal completed as possible within an hour to a half-hour of your expected guest’s arrival. If you need a time buffer, arrange a drink station with snacks for your guests to enjoy while you complete your tasks.
Step 12: Charm Your Guests
Accept hostess gifts graciously. If possible, pour the bottle of wine or include a gifted treat with the meal. It shows your guest that you appreciate their gift and allows everyone to be included.
Step 13: Cleanup
Make cleanup a breeze by placing several waste bins in your garage or another out of the way area. You’ll be able to sort items as you clean into designated recycling stations.
Step 14: Make Connections
Don’t forget the after-dinner party time. You’ll likely have guests that linger and chat. Remember to plan a dessert, coffee or other beverage, and enjoy your time to mingle and become acquainted with the residents of your new neighborhood.
Step 15: Thank Guests
Be sure to thank every attendee for coming with a simple but personal note.
Have Fun!
With just a little forethought and planning, pulling off your perfect housewarming party can be a breeze.
If you are in need of moving or storage services, contact us. We understand how stressful moving can be and want to help make the process as easy as possible so that you can enjoy your new home.
