Celebrating Our New Home!

Buying a new house or renting a new place is a great reason for gathering friends and family and celebrating!

As much as I enjoy splashy, over-the-top parties, sometimes it’s the casual and cozy ones that are the most cherished. These are the types of parties where you — as the host — get to interact more freely with guests, relax and enjoy your efforts.

After hosting my own housewarming party this past month, I’d like to share some tips and tricks for making party planning effortless and enjoyable for your next soiree at home, too!

1. Create a guest list.

Here are some things to consider when making your guest list.

• How many people will comfortably fit in your home? Find the right balance so your guests can sit and eat as well as mingle in your new space.

• Offer a guest room to friends or family who will be traveling from afar. My mother-in-law flew in to visit for our party, and we were thrilled to host her as our first overnight guest!

• Invite your neighbors. It’s a good opportunity to get to know them and create a sense of community. Plus, it may make borrowing that proverbial cup of sugar less awkward in the future.

• But if you don’t invite your neighbors, try not to add insult to injury by blocking their driveways with the parked cars of guests who are attending your party.

2. Send out a snazzy invitation.

For me, there is just something special about an invitation printed on heavy-weight paper and delivered in the mail or in person. I understand that everyone doesn’t share that sentiment, so this invitation can also be delivered electronically. Aim to send invitations at least two weeks in advance so folks can plan accordingly.

Find this invitation in the Shop.

3. Arrange the house.

Now that the date is set and the invitations are out, let’s get the house in order!

Sure, you’ll want to show it off, but it doesn’t have to be perfect. Every room in our house was not painted and there were only a few pieces of artwork on the walls when we hosted our party. I think some of the fun is for your friends and family to return and see the additions and upgrades you’ll make along the way. So unpack the boxes and arrange your home so it’s livable — and so you can easily access silverware, dishes, glasses, etc. to successfully host a party.

Aside from cleaning and hiding the clutter, we tackled a half-bath remodel using the housewarming party as our deadline. We also prepped the patio so folks could mingle outside.

4.  Prepare the menu.

Food is my favorite part of a party. There’s no need to pull out all the stops or hire a caterer.  An easy menu and simple decor is the perfect way to share your happiness with friends and family while still giving yourself the freedom to enjoy their company. You can even consider a pot luck.

This is what we served at our housewarming party:

• Deb’s deviled eggs
• Ham & cream cheese rolls
• PB&J sandwiches
• Assorted cheeses, lunch meats and fresh fruit
• Fluffy apple dip with apple slices and graham crackers
• Pasta salad and crunchy ramen salad
• Shrimp cocktail, store-bought
• BBQ meatballs and smokies in the crockpot

For the main dish, the Chief grilled chicken teriyaki skewers (yakitori) with red and yellow peppers, which were served with steaming hot white rice. My sister brought two delicious cakes for dessert and another friend shared homemade saltine toffee with us.

Would you just look at that lovely spread?

Since my mother-in-law was here to help, we were able to prep much of the menu early in the day. Here’s sweet Kona yearning for a piece of the meat and cheese platter!

So instead of rushing to the last minute — or even worse, rushing through your own party — try some of these tips. I think you’ll be happiest when you are fully present in the company of your friends and family and enjoying your new home. Thanks for reading!  — v.