How to Throw the Perfect Housewarming Party

October 4, 2017

[lead]Who doesn’t love a good housewarming? In the age of Pinterest and Instagram, there’s no end to cute and unique ideas to throw the perfect housewarming party.[/lead]

Moving house is always exciting, but sometimes stressful. What better way to celebrate and unwind than get all your closest pals and family round for cocktails, party food and games? We’re sure you’re happy with your new home, so let’s help you prepare the best possible party to really show it off.

Balloons at a Housewarming

First up, you’ve got to invite people!

Make a list of everyone you want to be there, whether it be a small gathering or a big affair. There are plenty of nice invitation ideas out there and the internet is crammed full of design templates. Perhaps consider handwriting your invitations for that personal touch.

Do you want your party to have a theme?

If so, try incorporating it subtly into details such as cupcake toppings and prepared playlists. For example, if your housewarming is in late October you might want a Halloween theme or a Winter Wonderland theme in December. Cake decorations at a Halloween party could be delicate spider webs or dripping green icing – get creative! For a Winter Wonderland party, you could play music from everyone’s favourite Christmas films and hang twinkling blue fairy lights around the rooms. If you’re not keen on the direct theme idea, maybe work with colours for your decor. In summer, go for bright pinks and yellows. Orange and red would be good for autumn but try out blues and silvers in winter.

It’s all fun and games

Make sure your guests have plenty to do when they’re not catching up on your latest office gossip! You’ll want to get around and speak to everybody, so have activities and games to help your guests break the ice with each other. Pin the tail on the donkey is an often underrated game, we tend to associate it with kid’s parties. However, it’s easy to organise and a quick bit of fun for guests of any age! Karaoke is also bound to be a hit, and you could spruce it up with a disco ball or colourful lights. Most bargain stores have these going cheap if you’re not looking to splash the cash.

If you’re after sophistication, maybe set up a poker table or organise a Murder Mystery. This is always a great way for people to get to know each other, as it gives you all something to talk about! Cocktail making is always a great activity as it suits everyone – kids and designated drivers can stick to non-alcoholic versions.

Fun idea: Gather props like wigs and crazy glasses and cut out giant photo frames so that you and your guests can take funny selfies together!

Housewarming etiquette 101

Your guests may be nice enough to bring you gifts, so thank them graciously and then leave in a separate room. It’s not your birthday, so no-one wants to sit around and watch you unwrap all of your housewarming presents! Skip the ‘grand tour’, and opt to take each guest around individually as they arrive. It’s easier to show off each room with fewer people in tow and will make everyone feel much more welcome.

Leave out a guest book in plain sight for people to sign if they wish. You could ask them to give you some household tips or leave their contact details.

Be sure to greet guests at the door and take their coat. Maybe have a table of drinks ready-poured for guests to pick up as they walk in. If you don’t have time to do it yourself because you’re flustered about burning your vol-au-vent, designate the role to a trusted member of the family.

Speaking of vol-au-vent, ensure that you’ve catered for your guests’ dietary needs. A good way to please everyone is to avoid serving big meals and stick with party food. Think hummus with pitta bread, fruit and veg batons, crisps and nuts, chicken drumsticks – even cheese & pineapple sticks for that nostalgia! Consider labelling food so guests with dietary requirements know what they can eat.

Now you’re all ready!