Have you moved into a new flat on your own, with your partner or even friends? Congratulations, now a new phase of your life can begin! This should be celebrated. Of course, a housewarming party in your new home is not a must, but it can certainly serve to thank the hard-working movers for their efforts, to introduce friends and family to your new home and, if applicable, to get to know the neighbours. If you plan your housewarming party carefully, you can ensure that all guests will enjoy themselves and have a relaxed time. To find out how to organise a housewarming party, read our blog post.

The first step in planning a housewarming party is to decide on the date and the guest list.

Try not to rush things at first. The party doesn't have to take place a week after the move - first arrive, settle in and make yourself at home. Once you have warmed up to your new home, you can be more relaxed about showing it to your guests. However, the party should not take place too late, i.e. months after the move, because firstly, the people who helped you move in might think that they are not being thanked and secondly, some friends and acquaintances will have already seen the flat. By the way: If not everything is perfectly in place at the time of the housewarming party, that's no problem. Especially towards the end of the evening, the party can get more boisterous - if drinks are spilled or other mishaps happen, you can still take care of them in a relaxed manner.

Once you have decided on the time of the housewarming party, the next step is to draw up the guest list. Make sure you don't forget any helpers, friends and family members. It is up to you whether you want to invite the new neighbours. A housewarming party is an appropriate moment to introduce yourself to them, give them a glimpse of your home and build some trust. This way, both parties can get a (preferably positive) picture of each other. Depending on what you decide, it is advantageous, especially in buildings with several flats, to put up a notice in the stairwell. This can say in a friendly way that you are having a housewarming party and that it might be a bit noisy. If anyone is bothered by this, they can always come to you and let you know.

Have you decided on the guest list and the date? Then send out the invitation cards!

Of course you can also send a group invitation via WhatsApp. However, self-designed invitation cards will make a much greater impression and be remembered. With us, you can also send digital invitation cards. Of course, it is also possible to design the cards and send them by post. Especially when the date of the housewarming party is still a few weeks away and the invitation card is beautifully designed, the recipients like to hang it on the fridge or a notice board. This way, it always stays in sight and the anticipation increases.

What drinks and snacks should be served at a housewarming party?

Of course, the guests at your upcoming party also want to be fed. Accordingly, it is important to estimate how many drinks should be provided. Depending on how many people are coming, whether there will be children and what people's preferences are, it is a good idea to buy a basic supply of water, lemonade, sparkling wine, wine and beer. Do you want to offer special cocktails? Then you should also buy for this. Here you can offer between three and five variations so that it is not too much. Otherwise, a cocktail mixer may be needed behind the bar.

When it comes to food and snacks, preferences also vary. If you have invited a manageable number of guests who will also fit at your new dining table, you can of course eat properly. However, since a housewarming party is usually rather casual, with a lot of walking around the new home and chatting in different rooms, finger food is the ideal solution. This can be distributed in the individual rooms so that guests don't have to go back to the kitchen every time they get hungry. It is important not to choose dripping finger food that is too hot and ends up in pieces on the floor of the room. Use smaller (paper) plates, cutlery and, above all, make sure you have enough napkins! Nibbles such as crisps, salt sticks or biscuits are welcome at any housewarming party, as are cooled pizza buns, slices of baguette or cheese cubes with grapes on skewers.

Prepare the seating and bathroom for the housewarming party

At first it will probably be a standing party, but eventually guests will want to sit down. If the dining table, sofa and desk chair aren't enough for the number of guests, feel free to get creative with the choice of additional seating. Unpacked, sturdy cardboard boxes, drinks crates or even cushions on the floor are suitable for this. You may also have a smaller bench that you can place in the hallway. With these arrangements, you can always ask yourself what would be most comfortable for you when you go to a housewarming party.

35 people need to use your bathroom? Good, then make sure there is enough toilet paper, towels, soap and air freshener in there too. Place them in such a way that they can be seen/found directly, so that your guests have exactly what they need.

By the way, it is a good idea to get valuables, fragile items and anything else that is precious and could be broken out of the way when preparing.

Housewarming party decorations, music and motto - get creative!

A "Welcome" banner in the entrance area, tulips on the kitchen table or even each room decorated according to a certain motto - you can shape your housewarming party according to your wishes. Especially when it comes to the theme, there are no limits. The living room can be German/Bavarian with napkins, veal sausage and beer, the bedroom can have French wine, baguettes and cheese, the kitchen can have American burgers or Caribbean flair with fish and champagne. Make sure, however, that the finger food can be eaten quickly and does not leave big stains on the new carpet.

Party games are also the order of the day; they bring guests together, provide a laugh or two and liven up the party. Beer pong, board games, card games or even karaoke are all possible. Of course you can also unpack Twister, it all depends on what you and your guests are in the mood for.

Some events have stood or fallen with the music. What is your taste in music? If you want it to be more relaxed, fun and groovy, then create a playlist with the best 80s and 90s hits. More modern and relaxed is more appropriate with calmer house or RnB music, and everyone will be on the benches for the all-time party hits. It's important that your guests get into the party mood quickly and don't get bored. Attention: The music should be turned down a bit after 10 pm.

Enjoy the housewarming party and capture special moments

As the host, a housewarming party naturally involves some excitement. From food and drink, seating, decorations and music to party games, there is a lot to organise. Moreover, every guest should feel comfortable and nothing should get broken. When the day of the housewarming party finally arrives, don't forget to enjoy the evening yourself. Friends or family members will be just as happy to help! You don't have to be behind the bar at the same time, having productive conversations, showing the new flat to those present and making sure the nibbles on the table don't run out. Try to relax and have fun yourself too.

Although nowadays pictures can be taken at any time with a smartphone, it's still nice to be able to hold them in your hand. Do you own a Polaroid camera? Then shoot away in the truest sense of the word! The pictures are printed out directly and can be pinned to a cork wall. Photos from disposable cameras have to be printed out afterwards, but they are just as good for sending or hanging up. You can also create a small photo book or postcard to send to your guests after the housewarming party. Put together a collage or take a group picture, which will look great on the thank you card.

Do you have any questions about a housewarming party? Then feel free to contact us. Infowerk is always happy to help you design and send attractive invitations, photo books, postcards, thank you cards and much more. This way, you will cheer the anticipation of your guests and create a lasting memory at the same time.