How to

Host a Housewarming Party

Keep it casual with a backyard barbecue or show off your new space with a formal cocktail party. It’s up to you to decide what type of party you want to host and when you want to host it. Timing isn’t necessarily as important as comfort, so if it takes a year to feel settled enough to be comfortable with having guests over, that’s OK. The best parties are thrown by relaxed, happy hosts who are glad to see their guests.

After you determine when to hold a housewarming party, it’s time to consider what style you want to go for. Depending on where you live, seasons may have a big influence on what you can accomplish with your first event in the new house. If you throw a party when the weather is nice and you have a patio or yard, set up some comfortable outdoor furniture that you and your guests can lounge around on. You can set a festive tone for any outdoor space with string lights or lanterns that allow you to keep the party going long after the sun goes down.

Don’t worry about going overboard with decorations either. You can make any party feel festive by lighting a few candles and having plenty of refreshments to toast with. That alone is enough to give your new home a happy glow and make guests feel welcome.

It’s a good idea to serve food at your housewarming party, though you don’t have to plan it alone. You can have the meal professionally catered if you’re not the most confident in the kitchen, or you can get your guests in on the fun and host a potluck party where you’ll provide the snacks. You can set out some charcuterie on cheese boards and a crudité platter with hummus and call it a day.

Craft cocktails are having a moment for sure, but if you’d rather not be tied to the bar for the whole party, you can still serve a wow-worthy drink with a little help. Make a big batch of your favorite cocktail or a kid-friendly punch with optional alcohol on the side. Add a festive touch to utilitarian drink dispensers and punch bowls with sliced citrus and herbs.

No matter what beverages you choose to serve, swap the plastic party cups for real glassware. Your guests will appreciate the extra thought and it’s an eco-friendly choice to boot.