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How to plan a housewarming party

A housewarming is a chance to show off the new place, so the planning is about space: where people will sit, park and eat, which rooms they'll tour, and, for a gruhapravesam or blessing, booking the priest early.

Housewarming checklist

  1. 6 weeks before

    • Draft the guest list
    • Book the venue, or confirm the space at home

  2. 5 weeks before

    • Book the priest or officiant, if you're holding a ceremony

  3. 4 weeks before

    • Send invitations
    • Choose the menu
    • Pick a theme and décor

  4. 2 weeks before

    • Chase RSVPs from anyone who hasn't replied
    • Confirm vendors in writing

  5. 7 days before

    • Arrange extra seating and parking
    • Lock the headcount
    • Collect allergy and dietary notes
    • Buy decorations and non-perishables
    • Draft the party-day run of show

  6. 3 days before

    • Confirm every vendor's arrival time

  7. 1 day before

    • Send guests parking and arrival details
    • Buy perishables and ice
    • Tidy the rooms guests will tour

  8. Party day

    • Set up décor and the space

  9. 2 days after

    • Send thank-you notes
    • Settle costs with co-hosts
    • Share photos with guests

Add your date, guest count and budget and get this checklist with real due dates, plus a menu that respects dietary needs.

Plan mine free

How to split the budget

A typical split for a housewarming, shown for 60 guests and a $1,200 budget. The percentages hold at any size.

CategoryShareExample
Food & drinks50%$600
Seating & rentals12%$140
Ceremony & priest12%$140
Decorations10%$120
Plates & supplies8%$95
Buffer8%$105

Party-day schedule

A 4-hour party starting at 3:00 PM.

  1. 2:00 PMSet up the space and décor
  2. 2:45 PMFinal walk-through, music on
  3. 3:00 PMWelcome and house tour
  4. 3:45 PMBlessing or ceremony (optional)
  5. 4:30 PMFood served
  6. 6:00 PMDessert and goodbyes
  7. 7:00 PMParty ends, start clean-up

Menu ideas

  • Beef sliders
  • Chicken wings
  • Caprese skewers
  • Hummus and veggie platter
  • Cheese and charcuterie board
  • Mini tacos
  • Dessert bar
  • Mocktails and sparkling water

Shopping for 60

  • Plates90 plates
  • Cups180 cups
  • Napkins180 napkins
  • Drinks180 cans or bottles
  • Ice6 10 lb bags
  • Trash bags4 bags

Tips from the plan

Plan seating and parking a week out
Homes rarely have seats for 60. Rent chairs and let neighbours know about the extra cars.
Book the priest early
If you're holding a gruhapravesam or blessing, auspicious dates book up. Confirm five weeks ahead.
Food is most of the budget
Expect about half the budget on food and drinks, especially for an open-house format.
Tidy only what guests will see
Guests tour a few rooms. Close doors on the rest and focus there.

Questions

How soon after moving should you have a housewarming party?

Anywhere from a few weeks to a few months after moving in, once the main rooms are unpacked.

Should a housewarming be an open house?

An open house with a wide arrival window suits large guest lists and busy neighbours. A set start time works better if you're holding a ceremony.

What food should I serve at a housewarming?

Food that holds well for a few hours: a buffet, finger food or a catered meal served after the ceremony or tour.

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