Having closed a chapter, made your move and set up your belongings, it’s time to show off your new pad. While throwing a housewarming party may seem like a heavy lift after the ordeal of moving, it doesn’t have to be hard. After all, it’s a great way to welcome friends, family and neighbors to your abode.
The question is, how do you throw a stress-free bash that helps you feel at home and start forming bonds in your neighborhood? With a few handy tips, it’s easier than you might think.
Take Your Time
Nothing says you have to throw a party as soon as your foot is in the door. Given people will likely want to tour your home, give yourself grace to get things arranged — and to relax — before bringing visitors inside. Throwing a housewarming party a month or two after your move-in date is perfectly fine.
Planning a renovation? Be sure to take before and after photos that show the transformation, displaying them at your gathering. It’s a great conversation starter.
Before the big day, think about whether you want guests to take a self-guided or guided tour of your home. Have rooms that are off-limits? Place a “please do not enter” sign on the closed door.
Send Invitations
The art of written communication too often falls by the wayside. In addition to lending a personal touch, sending an invite — whether on paper or via email — sets the tone, while letting you inject some personality into the upcoming event.
In order to be accommodated and interact with guests in waves, treat your housewarming party as an open house, allowing guests to come and go at a time that works for them.
Don’t want guests to bring gifts? Be sure to note it on the invitation.
Want to invite select people to your gathering, while alerting a wider group to your new address? Send out separate “change of address” cards, by mail, email or text. Remember you don’t have to invite everyone to the party, provided it’s handled in a sensitive way.
Plan Food
If you’re hosting the party during mealtimes, most people assume there will be food. So, be sure to budget for food and beverages.
Housewarming parties are usually casual affairs so it stands to reason the food you serve can follow suit. To keep things simple, curate a selection of nibbles rather than attempt to serve a full meal.
Don’t have the energy? Catering is an option, albeit a less heartwarming one.
Whether you serve homemade or ordered eats, consider guests’ dietary preferences and restrictions. Be sure you have a range of offerings, including items for those who are gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan.
Want your dishes to do double duty? Plan a spread with a DIY approach. Ideas include a baked potato bar, a design-your-own Mexican feast or chili, complete with a meat-free version and toppings galore. On top of taking the pressure off, letting guests customize their food is interactive, sparking engagement.
Skip the Decorations
You don’t need to go wild with decorations — or, frankly, have any at all. A bouquet of fresh flowers, a bunch of balloons and “welcome” sign can suffice.
More important than adornments? Ensuring your home is clean and organized, whether you do it yourself or enlist the help of a cleaning service. Having a tidy, sparkling home puts its best face forward.
Curate Your Tunes
A good playlist is an important part of most any gathering. Your housewarming party is no exception. Choose a mix of crowd-pleasers, switching up genres to appeal to diverse tastes. Keep your selection upbeat and friendly to all ages and persuasions, too.
Need some ideas? Check out our Mayflower playlists on Spotify for inspiration.
With a little advance planning and a few thoughtful — but unfussy — touches, your housewarming can feel personal, welcoming and memorable.
Want some more tips and tricks for settling into your new home? Check out our blog for everything from decorative trends and advice to articles on self-care and making new friends. Looking to explore your new neighborhood? Explore our immersive city guides.
