Here at Attik, we are never happier than when one of our lovely clients moves into their new property. What better way to mark the occasion and meet the new neighbours than throwing a housewarming party.
We know that moving into a new home is hectic, to say the least. You may not even feel like you have the time to throw a party. That’s completely normal and your guests aren’t going to expect you to have everything decorated perfectly or even all unpacked. Use your housewarming party as motivation to get most of your belongings out of boxes or, you can have your guests help you out too. With just a few steps you will be on your way to planning a grand party filled with the best housewarming ideas.
What Is housewarming party etiquette for host and attendees?
A housewarming party shouldn’t be a formal event like a wedding. It’s really all up to you, the host and your family, to determine how formal or non-formal you would like your welcome home celebration. Housewarming parties usually tend to be on the more casual side so again, don’t worry about having the house in perfect order. As the host, try to unpack as much as possible and have boxes in the proper rooms. Since your guests will likely be mingling in the living and dining areas of the home try and get these rooms unpacked first.
It is a tradition that attendees bring housewarming gifts to welcome you into your new home so make sure you have at least one table cleared. Your guests will ultimately follow your lead and you can allude to gifts or no gifts on your housewarming invites so guests will know what to expect and bring.
Who should I invite?
Old friends and new friends should be welcomed to your Housewarming party. Now, with that being said, that doesn’t mean that you have to feel like you need to invite everyone. It’s also not a bad idea to share your good fortune with those close to you and get to know your neighbours. Don’t be so selective that you limit your experience. In addition to your friends, family and new neighbours, feel free to invite over your estate agent, we love a good party!
Housewarming party themes
There are no rules that say you can’t put your guests to work when they come over for a housewarming party. Of course, guests won’t expect your house to look 100% decorated or even 100% unpacked. So, if there are still items you need to check off of your moving to-do list, put your housewarming guests to work.
- Paint-a-room– Your new home or flat may have some rooms that need a fresh coat of paint. Before you unpack everything go ahead and get the painting done and get it done with the help of a few extra hands. This will make the job a lot more fun and full of laughter.
- Unpacking Party– Break in the new home by tearing into some of these boxes. Make sure that all of your moving boxes have proper labels on them so guests know where they are unpacking what. We don’t know how much better your neighbours can get to know you than by unpacking your personal belongings.
- Stock-The-Bar – Have your guests help you turn your house into a home. with a stock-the-bar housewarming party. Each guest gets to bring over his/her favourite liquor and cocktail recipes. Not only do you get to stock-the-bar, but you also get to try some yummy drinks with new friends. What more could you ask for?
Traditional Themes
- Potluck – Nothing says welcome home quite like a neighbourhood potluck. Tell your guests to bring over their favourite dishes and supper is served.
- Garden Theme – If your moving date is sometime during the spring or summer months then a garden party is right up your alley.
- Open House – An open house themed housewarming is definitely a little more on the traditional side. As the host of the party, if you choose to go with this theme, plan to set aside time to keep your house ‘open’. Guests can come and go as they please. The best part of this theme is that you allow your guests options, they can come over to check out your new digs whenever their schedule permits.
Games to play at a housewarming party
Although your big welcoming night will be full of house tours, food and conversation. If you have time, this could be the great chance for a game night. It will help you get to know your new neighbours better and celebrate with your close friends even more.
- Scavenger Hunt-Hide items around your beautiful new home and create a map for your guests to follow. Look, the game allows you to give a house tour without doing any of the talking.
- Design a Room- A new home means a blank canvas for decorating. Give your guests the challenge of designing a room around your new home. You might even get some great design ideas.
Enjoy the first party in your new home! It’s amazing how people who have never met before and may not even have much in common can become lifelong friends when the cocktails start flowing! Get the music going, everyone loves a boogie. Don’t worry about the state of the house, everyone understands you’ve just arrived. Have fun!
