11 Housewarming Party Ideas to Make Moving Feel Slightly More Fun
When you're in the process of moving, fun can seem like a foreign concept. Between finding a new place that fits in your budget, packing up all of your worldly possessions, and breaking your back while hauling boxes into your new abode, moving can quickly start to feel like the bane of your existence. (Add summer temps into the mix and, welp, you may as well be in a literal hellscape.)
But finding a new place to call home is actually a beautiful thing, dear reader, because it's another step forward in the terrifying and wonderful journey that is (*jazz hands*) personal growth. And that deserves to be celebrated! Thus exists the housewarming party.
Housewarming parties are a great way to bring all the people you love together in one place to celebrate the new you and your new digs. It ain't easy turning a house into a home, and you owe it to yourself (and your sore back) to show off all your hard work. But what's that, you say? The last thing you want after a stressful move is to throw a stressful party? I feel ya. That's why I planned the entire thing for you, below, so you can be the hostess with the mostest, sans the stress.
Read on for all the housewarming party ideas you didn't know you needed—from decor to drinks and activities—and prepare to set a date on the cal and invite your besties. Promise it'll be a blast, you new homeowner (or renter...it's 2022) you!
Send out cute invitations.
Is there anything better than receiving snail mail these days? Kick it old school and send out some actual-factual invitations to alert your guests to the party of the year. You can design them yourself with paper and pens, or try out one of the (many) adorable digital templates you can find on sites like Zazzle, Etsy, Shutterfly, or Ink Cards. Several of these sites will actually send the invites for you—no trip to the post office necessary.
Sort out the ~gift sitch~.
People typically bring a housewarming gift to a housewarming party (me to me: "thanks Captain Obvious"), and that's all fine and wonderful. But if you'd rather not receive a dozen bottles of wine and more personalized cutting boards than you can count, consider asking your guests to chip in on a home essential that you really want/need. Think: that fancy new vacuum, pizza oven, air fryer, espresso machine, or washable rug you've been eyeing.
Queue up the perfect playlist.
Every party needs a playlist, and a housewarming party is no exception. Sure, you could just pick one on Spotify. But you could also meticulously curate one of your own, with songs that adhere to the ~new home, new you~ vibe. And by could, I mean you definitely should. Some sample songs you simply must add to the lineup:
Begin Again by Taylor Swift
Move Along by The All American Rejects
Changes by David Bowie
Home by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros
...and have a karaoke setup (duh).
Naturally, if you have bangers bumpin', your guests are going to want to sing along. Having a karaoke station is the least you can do as a host to fulfill their desires and truly get the party started.
Hang up a photo backdrop.
Naturally, you're going to want photos of the big event. And your friends are going to want to share some snaps in celebration! Designate a wall to be the backdrop and get to decorating. Add balloons, banners, bunting, props, good lighting, and more to set the scene accordingly. Do you need a party hashtag? No. Should you make one anyways? Probably.
Get snackin'.
A party isn't a party without food, so you're going to need plenty of snacks on deck. You're also going to want simple, make-ahead party foods, because let's face it—there's a solid chance you haven't unpacked your whole kitchen yet. Ready to set your menu? We've got all the inspo you need in this roundup of 40 yummy party snacks that won't take you an entire day to prep.
Serve a signature cocktail.
Moving isn't easy (have I mentioned that yet?), so you'll need a stiff drink when it's all over...and you might as well serve up the same cocktail to your party guests, too. Pick a signature sip and batch it up ahead of the party, and keep a selection of garnishes on hand for your guests to add as they please. Of course, you'll also want to give the cocktail a clever, housewarming-inspired name. My suggestions? A Moving-On-Up Mule, New Keys Negroni, or Boxes-on-Boxes Bellini. (Wanna be extra extra? Order some customized cocktail napkins printed with your new address or zip code.)
Set out a signable keepsake.
Guest books are all fine and dandy, but wouldn't you prefer a keepsake you'll actually use? Pick a simple-but-sizeable item like a serving tray, picture frame, or vase, and have your guests sign it (with a Sharpie!) throughout the party with their names and well wishes. Use a clear coat spray the next day to preserve their messages, and you've got a cute and practical way to remember the occasion forevermore.
Put your guests to work.
This isn't encouraged if you're inviting like, your partner's boss to the shindig, but if it's just a group of your BFFs, then you might as well have them help out a little. Have a room that still needs painting? Brushes for everyone. Piece of furniture that you've been dreading putting together? Many hands make light work. People love to feel helpful, and this is your chance to let them know how they can lend a hand. And, of course, you'll more than pay them back with copious amounts of food and wine after the fact.
Three words: gingerbread house competition.
This is the ultimate housewarming activity, don't @ me. I don't care if it's August, it's time to put those gingerbread construction skills to work! Buy a few kits and have your guests battle it out to see who can design the nicest of all the gingerbread houses (according to popular vote, of course). Or, if you really want to make it about you, see who can design the gingerbread house that looks most like your new home.
Give out party favors.
Remember the thrill of leaving a birthday party with a jam-packed loot bag when you were a kid? Let's channel that feeling again, shall we? Send your guests home with a party favor they'll actually use and love. (Yes, food is always a great option.) Ideas include: bags of specialty popcorn with tags that say "Thanks for poppin' by!," or personalized mini candles or wine bottles printed with your new zip code. And for packaging? Mini moving boxes, of course!
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