Housewarming parties

There’s one aspect of moving that we can keep in mind so that we have something to look forward to, something to help us get through the tougher and more challenging moments. Yes, it’s the housewarming party! It’s the moment when all the tireless work is over and we celebrate our new habitat with friends and family. We let the stress fall away and throw open our homes to loved ones and neighbours who join us in marking the start of a new chapter in our lives. Here are some of our ideas for making your housewarming party a night (or day) to remember.

1. Invitations – If you’re sending out printed invitations, consider personalising them with a handwritten note. This is particularly important if you’re inviting neighbours you may not yet know properly. They’re more likely to come if they feel they’re genuinely wanted and a bit of handwriting on the invitation (even something like, “Really hope you can come”) will increase the likelihood of that happening.

2. Sit-down versus drinks party – There are advantages and drawbacks to both of these options. A formal sit-down dinner gives you control over seating arrangements and also allows people prolonged contact with each other, but it’s also more intimidating and harder work. A drinks party lets everyone mingle, allows people the option of popping in quickly or staying the full course, and has a pleasing informality. However, it’s less intimate and the inter-personal contact can be more superficial.

3. Directions – If you’ve moved to the wilds of the country, sending or emailing directions, perhaps with a printed or hand-drawn map, can be a welcome kindness. There are still plenty of places in the country where GPS becomes imprecise or downright misleading.

4. Friends’ friends – If your housewarming party is an informal, drinks and snacks event, why not take the opportunity to expand your social circle by letting friends bring their friends? This is a particularly good idea if you’ve moved to somewhere where you have no prior connections.
5. Guestbook – Make sure you’ve bought a nice, proper-bound guestbook so that everyone can leave you their details as they leave. This will pay dividends if your guests are new neighbours and friends of friends with whom you’re unfamiliar. At the end of the night, you’ll be left with their up-to-date contact details and will be able to call on them for support