Hosting a
housewarming party is a time honored tradition that is expected
of every person, couple or family that move into a new place to
live.
Hosting a housewarming party
Holding a successful house-warming party is going to be
dependant on the food, the decor and the guests that you invite.
Follow these simple suggestions to make the most of your open
house party:
-
Hold your party
after you're established and unpacked in your new residence.
This is usually in the second or third month since you moved
in.
-
Send out your
invitations at least 3 weeks in advance.
-
If you want to
have an alcohol-free party it's best to include that
information on the invitation and time the party for the
early afternoon.
-
If you will be
serving alcohol make sure the drinkers have a designated
driver to take them home. The household is responsible for
the safety of the guests during and after the party of
alcohol is involved.
-
Gifts are
traditionally given to the hosts of the party of the
housewarming to help them complete the furnishings of the
home. It is permitted to register for gifts at a local store
if your guests are able to afford such gifts. Alternatively,
you can add an 'optional gift list' to your invitation.
-
Food is
expected, even if it is simply an assortment of cheeses,
meats and crackers. Depending on your friends traditions you
may or may not serve alcohol but you should have a good
supply of soft drinks, juices, coffee and tea ready to be
served. Unless your invitation states the party is a dinner
party the food should be kept to 'dinner party' appetizers
and desserts.
-
This is a family
and friend event that can include children, depending on the
hour of the party. Be sure to state on your invitation if
children are not expected to attend, otherwise it is assumed
that the young ones will be welcome.
Suggested Foods:
Time can be limited for any host and hostess when preparing for
your housewarming party. It is acceptable to have prepared foods
served to limit the amount of time you spend preparing foods in
the kitchen and have more freedom to introduce and mingle with
your guests.
Honoring your
invitation to a housewarming party
Your invitation is your ticket to the first welcoming steps into
your friends new home. The obligations that come with the invite
aren't demanding but they do require some consideration. Unless
explicitly stated otherwise a gift is necessary to be given to
the host and hostess upon arrival. If you responded to the
invitation that you could not attend it is acceptable to send
the gift along with someone that is going to attend the party,
have the gift delivered or write on your RSVP that you will
surprise them with your thoughtful gift at another time when you
can get together.
-
Give some
consideration to the gift you will be offering. Small
trouble-free plants, picture frames, flower or candy gift
baskets are among the most popular gifts to be given.
Kitchen appliances and gadgets are also welcomed by the new
householders but take care to not purchase an item that they
already own.
-
Asking what the
host would appreciate as a gift in advance is acceptable and
suggested if you are unsure what to bring.
-
Alcohol, a
bottle of wine or champagne, is also a nice gift to bring.
But be aware, a bottle brought does not mean a bottle
opened. If you plan on drinking at the party you may want to
bring something for the hosts to save and something else to
be opened and shared among the guests.
-
Invitations are
sent to one person but unless stated are only for the named
guest. If you are permitted to bring a friend or a date it
will say so on the invitation. Be sure to RSVP with the name
of the person you intend to bring.
-
Have fun, mingle
with the other guests, don't monopolize your hosts and above
all, leave on time. Don't overstay your welcome, you won't
be invited back.
Suggested Gifts:
The
Lucky Bamboo Plant
Bring good luck and good fortune to those that care for it. The
plant grows well indoors and requires very little care and will
last for years when cared for according to the instructions. You
can even replant broken off shoots and grow more bamboo plants.
Feng
Shui Plant Kit
Improve your 'chi' or sense of well-being by following the
traditional aspects of Feng Shui. A welcome gift for any home.
Bradford
Exchange Collector Plates
Always a welcome decoration, collector plates can be wall hung,
set on tables and displayed in virtually any room in the house.
If your host has a continuing collection of a specific animal,
car, movie star or anything else you can find a collectors plate
to match and add to their treasured trinkets. The plate shown is
"Peggy Krizak Chihuahua's Leave Paw Prints On Our Hearts
Collector Plate". Visit
Collectibles Today
to browse hundreds of other suggestions.
Wines and Champagnes
Bring along a bottle of the best and be warmly welcomed into
your friends new home. Remember, even if you can't make the
party you can always send along a bottle to be remembered by.
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