A Warming Steppe

With the thought of moving into a new apartment and my boyfriend buying a condo, house warming ideas are floating through my head.  A house warming party is a great time to have your friends over to show off your new digs.  You’ve just moved in so keeping it simple is key, once you have settled in you can have friends over for a big sit down dinner.

http://www.punchbowl.com/p/host-a-homey-housewarming-party

The focus is to show of your new place with those that matter.  Before the party make sure that you do a thorough cleaning of the new digs, people are going to be checking everything out!  Sharing your new place with your friends and family doesn’t mean trashing the place.  If the floors are a concern, make sure to have guests remove shoes.  Be sure to offer inexpensive flip flops or slippers for guests to wear.

http://boards.weddingbee.com/topic/basket-of-slippers-for-guests

Keep food simple with food, easy to pick up, finger foods.  Be sure to stock your bar, if you are going to be serving alcoholic beverages.  Keep on hand: vodka, gin, rum, tequila, bourbon, wine and beer.  You should also have mixers such as tonic, seltzer, orange juice, soda pop, cranberry juice, and lemonade.  Having these mixers on hand, also leaves options for those who do not want to drink.

http://ideas.thenest.com/dinner-recipes/wine-cocktails-drinks/articles/stocking-the-bar.aspx

Before the party you need to decide if you will showing guests around or kindly asking a friend to.  If you decide you will be doing the tour guide, nominate a friend to answer the door and greet guests.  You can also have the option of self guided tours, print a floor layout for guests and label each room, and state any added details (such as renovations or note worthy décor).

Keep the atmosphere warm and inviting with music playing in the background.  Plug in your Ipod but be sure not to crank too loudly you want people to be able to interact.

1. Our House – Crosby, Stills, and Nash

2. Home – Foo Fighters

3. Sweet Home Alabama – Lynyrd Skynyrd

4. He Calls Home – Candlebox

5. Home – Michael Buble

6. Mama I’m Coming Home – Ozzy Osborne

7. Down Home Blues – Etta James and Otis Redding

8. I’m Coming Home – Diddy ft. Skylar Grey

Keep music moving with choices for everyone

9. I Got Friends In Low Places – Garth Brooks

10. Home – Chris Daughtry

Just a few choices, notice the theme??

A house warming party is about bringing your friends and family together to embark on this new step in your life.  Some guests may feel inclined to bring presents but by NO means should you expect or request gifts.

“A house is made of walls and beams; a home is built with love and dreams.” Unknown author.