Did you know that the term “housewarming” originates from a tradition where guests brought wood to warm a new home with a fire? In addition to warming the home, starting a fire was also believed to ward off evil spirits.
Although central heating has replaced the need to bring firewood, the tradition of hosting a housewarming party has thankfully survived!
Whether it’s your first solo apartment, a new place with roommates, or you’re in a different neighborhood, a housewarming party offers the opportunity to welcome your friends and family into your new home.
This guide is your blueprint for throwing a memorable and budget-friendly housewarming party.
Wait until your home is fully set up
When it comes to the timing of your housewarming party, there’s no rush. A new home will still feel new in a few weeks, or even a few months. Plan your party at a time when you feel settled in enough to share your space.
Smaller apartment? Consider renting your amenity spaces
Many buildings have club rooms with kitchens, TVs, or pool tables. Contact your building management to rent the space. Just be mindful that most of these areas typically close around 10 or 11 PM.
Paper invitations will get lost. Try digital invite options
Use platforms such as Partiful or Paperless Post to manage RSVPs, update event details, and respond to friends’ questions. To set expectations, we recommend providing a party end time (e.g., 10 pm or 11 pm) to avoid noise late into the night. You can also suggest going to a bar after the party for those who want to stay out.
Include a note in your digital invitation about where guests can park (or where they absolutely cannot park, such as a neighbor’s assigned spot). Encourage rideshares or Uber/Lyft, and don’t let anyone drink and drive.
Stick a paper invite to your neighbors’ doors introducing yourself and letting them know they’re invited to your housewarming party. Provide your phone number and let them know to contact you if the party gets too loud.
Choose a theme (if you want one)
Themes can make your party feel more intentional, but you don’t have to have one. A classic, low-key housewarming is just as special. That said, here are some ideas:
- Potluck Party: Ask each guest to bring their favorite dish.
- Cookie Party: Great for the holidays! Bake (or buy) a few types of cookies and set up a decorating station.
- Cocktail Party: Serve a few signature drinks with light appetizers.
- Casino or Game Night: Perfect for smaller apartments.
- “Sock Party”: Ideal for “shoes-off” households. Ask guests to wear fun or mismatched socks, or gift each guest with a cozy or funny pair at the door to keep your floors clean.
Be realistic about your space
Consider the number of people your main living area can comfortably hold without feeling like a sardine in a can. If you have a big social circle, consider an “Open House” style invitation with a wide time frame to stagger the crowd (e.g., “Drop by anytime between 4 PM and 8 PM”).
Lighting: Dim overhead lights or use lamps. Eliminate all candles or string lights since those are a fire hazard.
Plants and Flowers: A simple bouquet of grocery store flowers works great.
Seating: Maximize seating by utilizing ottomans, floor pillows, or folding chairs.
Play a fun home-themed playlist
Create an upbeat playlist. Set the volume so people can still easily talk over the music. Spotify or Apple Music has plenty of pre-made “housewarming” or “cocktail party” mixes.
You can also create a playlist of “home”-themed songs, such as:
- “Take Me Home, Country Roads” – John Denver
- “Who Says You Can’t Go Home” – Bon Jovi
- “Homeward Bound” – Simon & Garfunkel
- “Our House” – Crosby, Stills & Nash
Prepare to give an apartment tour
Be prepared to give several quick tours as guests arrive. Keep it concise, pointing out your favorite new features. Don’t worry if not every room is perfect, it’s a work in progress!
Budget-friendly food & drink options
You don’t need a gourmet chef. Keep the food simple so you can enjoy your guests.
- Trader Joe’s Run: If there’s a Trader Joe’s near you, load up on frozen appetizers, dips, cheeses, and cheap (yet very tasty) bottles of wine to keep the food in your budget.
- Pizza Party: You can always keep it simple by making it a pizza party or just serving chips and snacks.
- Catering: If you want a small splurge, get a platter catered by your local grocery store.
Some food favorites:
- Mini quiches or spanakopita
- Cheese and charcuterie boards
- Frozen dumplings or samosas
- Flatbreads or mini pizzas
- Everything-but-the-bagel dip with chips or veggies
A well-laid-out charcuterie or cheese board looks fancy but can be constructed affordably using grocery store deals on cheese, crackers, and cured meats. It’s mostly assembly, not cooking!
Focus on snacks that require minimal dishes and no cutlery, like mini quiches, vegetable trays with dip, fruit skewers, or pigs in a blanket.
If you want to provide a signature drink, make a large batch of sangria, punch, or a spritz. Try to include non-alcoholic options such as flavored sparkling water or lemonade.
Buy disposable plates, cutlery, and napkins from a dollar store or in bulk.
Be a great neighbor
Keep music and loud conversations down, especially after 9 PM, and don’t allow your guests to gather in the hallways/elevator areas.
A good time window for the party is 7 PM to 11 PM, or during the day on a Saturday or Sunday, so guests can celebrate without keeping the whole building up.
Final thoughts
Draper and Kramer offers a wide range of luxurious apartments with club rooms, rooftops, and amenity spaces with kitchens, TVs, pool tables, and game areas to host a great housewarming party.
If you are preparing to move and would like to schedule a tour of one of Draper and Kramer’s properties, explore our beautiful properties, or contact us today.
