How to host a housewarming party

A housewarming party is a traditional celebration that allows you to share your new space with friends and family, make memories and mark the official milestone as you settle into your new surroundings. With a bit of planning, it’s easy to host an event that feels relaxed and enjoyable. 

To help, we’ve put together this guide to give you all the information you need to make throwing a housewarming party easy. With our tips, you’ll host a memorable party that lets you enjoy your new home, leaving the hard work of the move far behind you.

Read on for practical tips on how to host a housewarming party.

Good planning is the key to a great housewarming party. Here's how to keep things simple and fun.

Whether it’s a cosy gathering or a big celebration, start with a guest list that fits your space and style. If you’re unsure who to invite to your housewarming party, consider adding your close friends, family members and even new neighbours you’d like to get to know.

Decide whether to send digital or physical invitations. Digital invitations are convenient and cost-effective, while physical invitations can add a more formal touch. For those wondering how to write an invitation for a housewarming party, keep it simple, friendly and informative. Include the date, time, address and a note about what to expect.

Deciding when to have a housewarming party will depend on several factors, including how far you’ve progressed with unpacking, and even the season you’re moving in. If you’re moving during summer, a balmy evening might be preferable to avoid the midday heat. Winter housewarming parties are perfect for a cosy afternoon with warm drinks and comfort food.

It’s not essential to throw a good housewarming party as soon as you move in; you can give yourself time to settle in before hosting. If you’re keen to have people over right away, why not host an unpacking party and ask your friends to help you settle into your new space?

Make your housewarming party stand out with a theme that suits your style and your guests. Some popular options include hosting a family-friendly backyard BBQ, a garden party or even a ‘make-your-own-pizza’ event. If you’ve got kids coming, add some fun with activities like a scavenger hunt, lawn games, or a backyard water bomb battle. Themes help make it easier for your guests to decide what to wear to a housewarming party and can set the tone for the event.

With the basics sorted, it's time to plan the activities that will make your housewarming party one to remember. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Throwing a housewarming party is a great opportunity to show off your new space. Break the ice with a few relaxed tours to help guests settle in and get chatting. Point out unique features, share some stories about the house, or chat about your reno plans – then enjoy their reactions as they explore.

Games are a great way to get everyone mingling. Try lawn games like giant Jenga or backyard cricket for an outdoor housewarming. Hosting indoors? Pull out some board games, charades, trivia, or get creative with leftover packing boxes you have to keep everyone entertained.

Set up a photo wall with an instant camera so guests can snap some fun selfies. Ask them to leave behind their snapshots to display on your fridge or add them to a guestbook where they can write messages and share their best wishes. If your new home has a garden, plant a tree with your guests to celebrate your new beginnings and make your housewarming party more meaningful.

Knowing how to host a great housewarming party means balancing hospitality with a relaxed atmosphere. Consider what type of food to serve, how long your housewarming party will last and if you’d like to share the load by asking guests to bring a plate.

When planning what to serve at a housewarming party, keep it simple and consider a mix of finger foods, snacks and a few mains. Think cheese boards, sliders, mini pizzas and fresh salads. A ‘bring a plate’ style housewarming can also be a fun way to involve your guests. For drinks, you could offer alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, like punch or iced tea.

Plan your housewarming party layout so guests can easily move around and have lively conversations. Create indoor and outdoor seating areas and place snacks and drinks in accessible locations to encourage mingling. You could also consider soft background music to create a relaxed atmosphere.

Adding fresh flowers, a welcome sign or a themed playlist can make your housewarming party feel special.