I would like suggestions on how to host a house warming party. We have been in our new house for 6 months and I would like to have a house warming but I am absolutely terrified of entertaining adults. I have a few friends and co-workers but all of my family is in other cities and will probably not attend as they have come to visit already. I would like ideas on what to serve or what to do. Do adults play games? If so, which ones are appropriate for a house warming. Also, how long should the party last? Is it better to have it on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon. Oh yeah, what do we do with the kids? Please help.
Keep it simple and and casual like an open house on a Saturday afternoon - I've found after 4 is better because that lets people get soccer, Saturday errands etc. out of the way. Our experience is generally if you do food, they will come LOL! If you set a time limit people will generally get the idea and be gone by the time you set. Pick a day later in the spring so that (hopefully!) the kids can spend the majority of the time outside.
You could have like a drop in deal where they come from 2-4. So not all of them are there at the same time. People like to visit and eat. A nice punch, some Sam's Cream Puffs, Veggie Tray, Fruit and drinks. You have a new home and they want to come see. Give them a tour and visit. They do not have to play games. Children could have some kid movie on that is ongoing for them. Or they can play in the yard. It can be more or less but it does not have to be huge. Good Luck G. W
Congratulations on your new home! All the other posts have given you all the advice you need, but I have a small suggestion. You might want to consider calling it an "Open House" rather than a "house warming". A house warming implies a gift is in order, whereas an open house suggests you want others to see your new place and be excited with you! Good luck and have fun!
I would recomend a family bbq. The families can come and you just feed them. The entertaining kindof does it self when people talk and hang around eating.
We entertain often. Saturday is definitely better for most people. Parties on Sundays sometimes conflict with church service.
I agree with the last poster...something simple like a BBQ will be great. Those are easy to put together and relatively inexpensive and you don't have to worry about a kid menu. I would just out a start time on the invite...most parties wind themselves down after two or three hours. (The last house warming we went to hey had a fajita bar. They grilled the meat and then you put together your own fajitas with the toppings they had prepared. It was fun. They served margaritas and beer with it. )
For a house warming I wouldn't worry about any games, just plan on walking small groups through so they can check out your house.
And you need to decide if kids are welcome, if not, be specific on your invitation. Most of our parties are kid friendly. It makes for a better turn out when parents don't have to find a sitter. I have discovered that bubbles and bubble wands from the dollar store are about all the entertainment necessary for little ones. They can make that fun last hours, just make sure you have plenty. The less they have to share, the less arguing there will be.
Many people bring house warming gifts, so you may need to make time to open those.
Hope this helps!
Have fun!
Congrats on the new home.
