Invitation ideas and hosting tips for the perfect housewarming party
Whether it’s your fourth rental in two years or the first home you can truly call your own, finding a new pad is reason enough to party. Enter the housewarming party—a chance to celebrate new beginnings and new surroundings with the people you love the most (and maybe even some new neighbors!).
From invitations to planning, we’ll show you everything you need to know for your upcoming housewarming party.
Who should you invite to a housewarming party?
Your guest list can be as limited or inclusive as you want it to be—though don’t get your hopes up if inviting someone who lives far away. Traveling for a housewarming is expected only of the closest of friends or family members for the most special of events (especially if they get to try out your brand new guest room).
Here is some guest list inspiration to start you off:
— The intimate party: After all that packing, unpacking, and filling out paperwork, an evening with your closest friends might sound like the perfect foil. Plus, if you have a smaller place, being picky with the guest list could be a wonderful (and an only!) option. So long as they’re people you love, however many people you’d invite to a small dinner party will be plenty to warm your house.
— The neighborly party: Want to make a good start with your new neighbors? Invite them to your housewarming party. Venture out of your comfort zone by welcoming fresh faces to your new place—you never know which lifelong friends you might meet, right next door.
— The all-inclusive party: Come one, come all! Invite friends, coworkers, and neighbors. This is a night for mixing and mingling with all the special people who make your life what it is.
Whoever you invite, let your comfort level be your guide.
Housewarming party themes
Having trouble planning your party? Having a specific theme can help structure things. Here are 10 party theme ideas that can make your new place feel like home.
1. Home sweet bar
Turn your pad into the newest speakeasy on the block by inviting your friends to a bar-themed housewarming party. Task your friends with bringing the ingredients for your favorite cocktail. Have a favorite spirit? This could be your chance to collect a year’s supply—and ensure you’ll always have enough to go around when your friends stop by unannounced in the future.
2. Fill the library
If you’re a bookworm, you know that no house is complete without a proper library. Invite your guests to bring a favorite book with them to help fill your new shelves. Make it more intimate by suggesting they bring something from their shelf to yours. If they haven’t done it already, make a note in each book cover of who gave it to you and for what occasion.
3. Dining set party
Still shopping for that perfect dining set? If you love the eclectic mismatched look, have your friends help you assemble something truly unique by asking each person to bring a piece of tableware.
4. Grow something together
Growing doesn’t have to be painful. Have your friends bring plant cuttings from their garden. Pot them and keep track of who brought what.
5. Cookout on the patio
Tired of being inside with boxes and have outdoor space? Celebrate your move with a cookout or potluck-style picnic. Ask guests to RSVP with any food allergies or special requests.
6. Holiday/New Year’s Eve
Have your guests come by for a holiday-themed decorating party, complete with tinsel, stringed popcorn, and wreath-making. If it’s the New Year, prepare with plenty of bubbly and a timer for the countdown.
7. Ice cream sundae party
Have everyone bring a pint of their favorite ice cream or non-dairy frozen treat to your party and set up a DIY sundae bar. Keep a variety of cones on hand, from waffle to sugar, plus tons of fun toppings.
8. A tea (and cake) party
Ready to christen the deck, roof, back porch, or fire escape with some company and conversation? A pot of tea and a slice of cake make for a simple and relaxing way to spend the afternoon with friends while celebrating your new abode. (See above for the perfect invitation.)
9. A dance party
What’s a celebration without a little dancing? Have your guests RSVP with a favorite song to dance to. Make a playlist, unbox your speakers, and you’re ready to go. No furniture assembly required, though people may want a place to rest after moving and grooving.
10. Karaoke party
Rent a karaoke machine for the day or keep it simple (and cheap) by singing along to karaoke tracks on YouTube.
Housewarming party tips
No matter if you go big or small with your housewarming party; whether you throw it the day after getting the keys or three months later, take it at your own pace. You’ve likely been through a lot just to get here. Now’s the time to relax and enjoy your new abode.
Read on for six easy steps to ensure you’ve thought of everything for a great housewarming party.
Step 1: Set a schedule for your party
Brunch. Lunch. Wine. Just wine?
Before considering food or drinks to serve, you need to know the schedule of your party. Is there a window for coming and going? A firm start and finish time? There are options.
— Open house: This is the more casual choice. Set a time for your guests to drop in, see the house, chat and have a sip or nibble. An open house is a good way to keep things casual. It also gives your guests more of an opportunity to talk to you one-on-one, since time isn’t as limited.
— Housewarming soiree: Want to plan a fancy dinner around your new kitchen table or in the garden? Give your guests an exact time to attend and let them know when dinner will be served.
Step 2: Prepare food and drinks
It’s only right to serve food and drinks at a party, and a housewarming is no different. How much will depend on the kind of party you’re throwing, how many people you expect to attend, and your own personal preferences.
— Light bites: Bring out the cheese plates, cucumber sandwiches, and bowls of fruit. Light bites are best for a casual party. You’ll need to unbox the plates, cutlery, and napkins, and dedicate a counter or table where guests can comfortably fix a plate for themselves.
— Serving drinks: Having a dedicated space for drinks makes it easier and more comfortable for guests to get what they need. An ice bucket full of canned or bottled beer is invitingly convenient. Batching a favorite cocktail is always a time-saving and crowd-pleasing favorite. If you’re low on space, feel free to give your guests a tour of the fridge.
“Bar’s Open” Flyer.
Step 3: Decorate–or don’t
If you’re hosting it soon after moving, a housewarming party is the one time you don’t have to care too much about the state of your place when having guests. Obviously, you’ll want it to be clean and with plenty of seating, but unpacked boxes and unfinished rooms are to be expected. Decorate as much as you see fit or have time for.
Step 4: Plan your tour
Know ahead of time how you want to show your guests around. Consider showing one small group at a time rather than everyone at once, or one person at a time—it could take up all your time. Don’t forget to point out your favorite details, like the brick fireplace, the bathroom skylight, and the deck where everyone can spend time together.
Step 5: Put together a playlist
Whether you’re planning on a dance party, or just need some background music, a playlist of the songs you love will absolutely improve the atmosphere. Make a playlist to commemorate the moment, or find one online that’s filled with songs about houses—there are more than you may think.
Step 6: Consider party favors
While it’s not expected at all, it’s highly unlikely your guests will complain about the commemorative koozies you had made to celebrate your new living situation. If you’re into it, go for it.
How to write a housewarming party invitation
The right housewarming party invitation wording can set the tone and spark excitement for guests who’ll be seeing your place for the first time. No matter the size or theme of your celebration, it’s important to send out housewarming party invitations that let your guests know a bit about what to expect, and when they should show up.
As with other kinds of invitations, a housewarming party invitation will be a combination of essential details and personal preferences. Here is some of the key information you’ll want to include:
— Your name: This one might seem obvious, but it’s a biggie. Make your name a focal point for your card to avoid turning the invitation into a scavenger hunt. Choose a font that pops and a color to complement the invitation design.
— Date and time of the party: You should aim to send invitations at least four-to-six weeks in advance so your guests can plan ahead. Clearly indicate the date and time of the party on the invitations so that guests can mark their calendars. And feel free to add an end time to avoid any awkwardness if you need a little alone time later on.
— Address of your new place: Isn’t it funny how a previously unknown address can suddenly feel so personal? Be sure to include your new address so your friends know where the warming will take place.
— Style of party: If you’re having an open house party, then guests can feel free to drop by whenever. Something more structured, however, will need to be clearly stated on the invitation. Just keep in mind that a housewarming party is generally a casual affair.
— RSVPs: Even when hosting an open house party, asking for RSVPs is a good idea. From food to drinks to tours and activities, having a headcount will help you stay on top of things and mentally prepare for the party. (By the way, Paperless Post makes tracking RSVPs a breeze.)
— Gifts or no gifts: Gift-giving is common at housewarming parties but isn’t required. Rather than leaving your guests to wonder what’s expected of them, you can write, “No gifts, please,” on your invitations. This message can be small and out of the way, similar to the RSVP. Not only will your guests appreciate having this information, it will also make for a more comfortable party for everyone. If you do want to ask for specific gifts, consider hosting a themed party, as mentioned above.
“Party Property” by Paperless Post.
Housewarming invitation wording
Now that you have an idea of who to invite and how to frame your housewarming party, here are some ideas that will help you out with your housewarming invitation wording.
Casual housewarming invitation wording
It’s a lot of work moving into a place. Feel free to let your hair down, forget the laundry, and prop your feet on the sturdiest unopened box in range. Let your guests know about the chilled out vibe with the right wording and invitation:
— Warm and simple invitation: Out with the for sale signs and in with the welcome
mats! This card is warm and to-the-point.
KAREN GREEN AND WILL NAVIDSON
INVITE YOU TO
WARM THEIR
NEW HOUSE
SUNDAY, MARCH 7TH AT 5PM
5 1/2 DANIELEWSKI STREET
— Funny and down-to-earth invitation: Never mind the place, this one is all about the
people. If you’re moving into a particularly tiny house, this brutally honest (yet lighthearted!) blueprint-inspired card your guests will appreciate.
AT LAST! A PLACE THAT’S TOO SMALL TO LIVE IN AND
COSTS MORE THAN I CAN AFFORD
WON’T YOU SQUEEZE IN
AND TELL ME
HOW GREAT IT IS?
JOIN ME AT MY NEW DIGS
SEPTEMBER 10TH AT 7PM
400 PEACH PIT STREET
APT #3, CLOSET #1
BROOKLYN
— Sleek and low-key invite: Casual can still be stylish, and this eye-catching Flyer proves it. The messaging is humorous and alludes to a night of drinks and fun.
Party at Logan’s
HOSTED BY LOGAN
Update my address in your contacts because I’ve moved!
Come over for my first party in my new place.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2019
11:30PM
123 LOCATION AVE
NEW YORK, NY 10006
— Idyllic and homey invitation: With a woodgrain background and needlepoint-inspired type, the design of this card has “home” (and dare we say… Cottagecore?) written all over it.
CHECK OUT
THE NEW DIGS
You’re invited to the first bash in my
NEW HOME
SAGE DALLOWAY
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 7PM
176 WEST EIGHTY-NINTH STREET
NEW YORK, NY
SWEETS, SAVORIES, AND SIPS
RSVP
“Nest” by Paperless Post.
Formal housewarming invitation wording
After disassembling and reassembling furniture, taking books off of shelves and putting them back on, it’s no surprise you’re still slumped in that comfy couch you’ve faithfully schlepped around all these years—or the nice new one you finally got to splurge on.
If those things resonate with you, you’re probably in the mood for a shenanigans-free night with hushed conversation and as little chaos as possible. A more formal housewarming card message will do a lot to convey as much to your lovely guests.
— Elegant and artsy invitation: Add a little artistic flair to your housewarming with this painterly invitation. In deep green with a trail of blush roses, it hints at the garden (or art collection) you’re planning to grow in your new abode.
KAREN GREEN AND WILL NAVIDSON
INVITE YOU TO
WARM
THEIR NEW
HOUSE
SUNDAY, MARCH 7TH AT 5PM
5 1/2 DANIELEWSKI STREET
PLEASE REPLY
— Tranquil nest invitation: Tasteful wording and font, plus the very picture of peace and quiet, all come together to make this a perfect choice if aiming for something more formal—plus, requesting an R.S.V.P. is an elegant way to suggest that this isn’t just a stop-by-if-you-feel-like-it situation.
PLEASE JOIN
Newland and May Archer
FOR A HOUSEWARMING PARTY
ON FRIDAY, APRIL 2ND
AT 8PM
THE (NEW)
Archer residence
45 EAST 39TH STREET
NEW YORK, NEW YORK
R.S.V.P. NO GIFTS
Bar-themed housewarming invitation wording
The glassware (or the pieces that survived the move, anyway) is unpacked and washed. Now it’s time to unbox the bar supplies and gather everything you need to make your favorite drinks for all your favorite people. Here are some ways to invite guests over for a drink and a tipsy tour of the new hot spot in town AKA… your house.
— Cute and colorful bar invitation: Looking for a simple way to invite guests over for drinks and celebration? This one is warm and fun without overdoing it. Add a dash of mischief with wording that asks guests for assistance with breaking in your new bar setup.
Please join us at our
New home to help
BREAK IN THE BAR
Sunday, March 7th at p.m.
Our new home
St. Helens, WA
— Well-lit and carefully arranged invite: Remind your friends you have excellent taste (in cocktails) with this cleverly animated Flyer. This housewarming invitation message is crafted to inspire guests to pitch in with drinks or to make themselves right at home and enjoy yours.
WE MOVED! LET’S PARTY!
HOSTED BY
Andy & Amanda Sanchez
We’re all moved in and now we need help
stocking our bar! We’ll have some mixers,
garnishes, cocktail umbrellas, and snacks out the
Wazoo! But if you’d like to bring a little
something, please do!
SATURDAY, JUNE 29, 2019
2:00 PM
501 HAVERHILLS CIRCLE
MADISON
WI, 53717
— Straightforward and bubbly invite: This Flyer gets to the point—twice—with straightforward wording and a gif that declares, “Home is where the bar is.” It’s not wrong.
STEPH & KEV’S
HOUSEWARMING
HOSTED BY
Steph & Kev
We bought a house and we can’t wait to fill it
with our favorite people!
SATURDAY, AUGUST 29
5:00PM EDT
123 LOCATION AVE
NEW YORK, NY 10006
— Wild night in invite: This one’s all about shaking things up. Make like Tom Cruise in “Cocktail” with this lively Flyer that’s ripe for a rowdy evening at your new casa.
WILD NIGHT IN
Beers & Bros
HOSTED BY CLAY KIBBE
Come over for pizza and beer at my new place.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17
8:00PM
123 LOCATION AVE
NEW YORK, NY 10006
“Backyard Open” Flyer.
Outdoors housewarming invitation wording
Lawn chairs, summer bugs, frisbees, and hammocks. Fire up the grill, dust off the lemonade pitchers, and get ready to welcome friends and family to your own piece of the great outdoors. Whether your favorite new amenity is the backyard or you’re just looking for a reason to be outside, we have invitation ideas for you and your housewarming party.
— Immaculate picnic invite: Invite guests to your backyard BBQ with a Flyer that features an array of colors, flavors, and fun. This animated eye-catching invite features a cheeky message and a picnic spread that’ll have recipients’ mouths watering.
Housewarming BBQ
HOSTED BY THE GRISWOLDS
You’re invited to come see our new place and stuff your face! We can’t wait to
throw our first party in our new home. Bring the kids to hand in the backyard and
we’ll grill up some lunch.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 19
1:42 PM EDT
123 LOCATION AVE
NEW YORK, NY 10006
Holiday housewarming invitation wording
Check two celebrations off your list with a combination holiday-housewarming party—especially if you’ve settled into your new home in the last few months of the year, and have gone all out with the decorating. Celebrating your new home is yet another reason to make this the hap-happiest season of all.
— Decorative yet simple invitation: This traditional invitation sets a warm, Christmas-y tone with a charming illustration of an inviting wreath-clad front door.
KAREN GREEN AND WILL NAVIDSON
INVITE YOU TO
WARM THEIR NEW HOUSE
SUNDAY, MARCH 7TH AT 5PM
5 1/2 DANIELEWSKI STREET
— Cozy, homemade invitation: Designed in a cute cut-out style that’s tasteful without trying too hard, this card evokes the warmth, comfort, and occasional haphazardness of the holiday season.
THE MCCALLISTERS INVITE YOU
TO CELEBRATE THE COMING NEW YEAR
AND OUR VERY NEW HOME.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 6 PM
671 LINCOLN AVE | WINNETKA
Warm your home with help from Paperless Post
Whether you end up in the grass of your big backyard or stirring martinis in your fifth-floor walk-up, Paperless Post is the door to all your housewarming party ideas and invitations. With easy guest list importing and RSVP tracking included, it’s the fun and stress-free way to get your buds together to celebrate your big move.
Get started now and find the housewarming invitation that’s perfect for you.