I bought my first condo. Should I have a housewarming?
Question:I'm so excited to have purchased my first condo! I will close on May 15th and I wonder if I should have a housewarming party. I'm 25 and I don't have a lot of money left for a big party. When should I have it, should I register for gifts, who do I invite? I don't even have a table. I probably need one before having this party right? Any suggestions, etiquette, how to save, what to serve, etc? Should I make it like an open house event so people come in and out all day long, especially since it's a very small one bedroom apartment. I don't want to go overboard because I know everybody else is not as excited as I am.
Answers:
I had my first home housewarming open house and didn't have a real table! I used some slump blocks and plywood covered with sheets and a lace shower curtain valance as a buffet table. I borrowed folding chairs from my church so at least everyone has somewhere to sit.
I made all of my party platters because it was cheaper than buying them prepared. I did, however, splurge on a party sized Stouffer's Spinach and cheese lasagne which I baked in the over prior to everyone's arrival. My food was simple, baguette with spinach and artichoke dip. Veggie platter with fruit garnish. Crab stuffed mushrooms. And in my electric fry pan, beef stroganoff meatballs in mushroom sauce. (Okay, Papa made that and brought it to put in my electric fry pan). Blue chips and home made salsa. For beverages, I made 2 kinds of punch, one with alcohol and one without. But, I did serve the wines I received as gifts.
I used paper plates and napkins, plastic eating utensils that I got in close-out at the party supply store because it was an off season pattern.
I didn't ask anyone for gifts nor did I register with any stores, but I did receive some very nice, thoughtful gifts. I made my party start at 2PM and it went until 5PM though the last guest didn't leave until 7PM because she helped with the clean-up.
My invitations were simple, "Come help me celebrate my new home and being a first time home owner". It is a big step and you certainly should share the celebration with your family and friends!
Yes make it a bring a bottle
Congratulations! Welcome to the world of home ownership.
yes, you should definitely have a housewarming, you deserve it?
More than likely your guests will give you gift cards so you can get what you like or get you things you will need, towels, iron, toaster, blender, etc.
It would be nice to have some furniture to sit on, you don't necessarily need a table. Unless you have tons of pillows!
Give you self at least a month or two before you have your housewarming. Send out invites through www.evite.com.
Only make suggestions for gifts if someone ask. Invite friends, family members and co workers who you have connected with.
Shoot for finger foods, buffalo wings, fruit tray, veggie tray and maybe even a deli meat tray - if you are into meat (yuck).
Make a party punch with the punch ice block and ginger al.
If you do not have furniture, rent chairs from the local party rental place, they run like $1.10 per chair.
Remember, its a housewarming so your guests will not expect you to have everything you need.
Good luck and again, congratulations!
Have a party.dont lable it a housewarming ...that is fishing for gifts..some people may not have the money to give a gift...so do a Pot luck...and leave it up to your guests to bring housewarming gifts...provide some non alcoholic bev...and let them know they can byob...also.Congrats on being a new home owner..
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