It’s one of the best things about buying a new home: you get to have a housewarming party! That’s not to say you should go out and buy a house simply to have a housewarming party. There are lots of other, more economically feasible reasons to stage a celebration.
But if the time is right for you to take the plunge and purchase a new residence – whether it’s your first or your fifth – you would not be out of bounds to invite friends, family, and your new neighbors to your fresh digs and start your time there in style.
Why is it called a housewarming party?
According to Wikipedia, the term “housewarming” comes from literally warming a new home. In the days before central heating, guests would bring firewood as a gift and build fires in all the available fireplaces.
Nowadays, people have proper furnaces and heating systems in their homes, and of course, not everyone lives in a climate where they’re even necessary most of the year. So, firewood isn’t really a gift anymore. Thankfully, though, the practice of hosting a housewarming party continues!
When it’s time to have yours, here’s a basic checklist of what you need to do:
Send Invitations
The first step in planning a successful housewarming party is to invite your guests. You can send invitations via email, text, or snail mail. The third option is the priciest, and you might be more budget-conscious because of your new home. Using an online service like Evite is perfectly acceptable these days and should do the trick unless you want to get super fancy with printed invitations.
Plan the Menu
When grocery shopping for your housewarming party, consider any dietary restrictions and preferences your guests may have. Finger foods and appetizers are great options for a casual gathering. You can also opt for a potluck-style soiree, where each guest brings a dish to share. If the kitchen or backyard grilling area of your new abode is especially awesome, feel free to utilize them to the fullest!
Have Plenty of Drinks
In addition to food, it’s essential to offer your guests liquid refreshments. You can set up a self-serve drink station or hire a bartender to serve cocktails and other alcoholic beverages. If your new place happens to have a wet bar, this is the perfect occasion to put it to use.
Decorate Your Home
One of the best things about a housewarming party is impressing your guests, not only with your new home’s amenities, but with your personal décor. Use fresh flowers and other festive decorations to make everyone feel welcome. You can also incorporate a theme, such as a retro dance party or a game night, and decorate accordingly to make the party more memorable.
Plan the Entertainment
Set up a homemade photo booth with fun props, hire a DJ to spin tunes (or just let your favorite playlist roll on shuffle), rent a bounce house if you’re expecting a lot of kids…the options are endless depending on how elaborate you want to get, how much room you have, and how much money you want to spend.
Send Thank You Notes
After the party, be sure to acknowledge everyone who attended. A handwritten note or email expressing your appreciation for their presence and any gifts they may have brought will leave a lasting impression – and hopefully ensure your inclusion on the guest list when they have their own housewarming parties!
The first step to having a fantastic housewarming party is buying a new home. We’re here to help you finance it (the home, not the party)! Contact your local Homeowners Licensed Mortgage Professional today to get the ball (and your party plans) rolling!
