Purchasing your home is a big deal, so a celebration is absolutely warranted. Making the investment into your future calls for a gathering of friends and family to celebrate your new space. A housewarming party probably feels intuitive, but where do you start? What if your home isn’t picture perfect yet? Fear not. Below are a few tips that will help you prepare for the perfect gathering in your new home.

Make sure your home is guest ready.

The first step to having guests in your home is making sure it fits your “guest-ready” standard. This does not mean you have to have every single box unpacked or every piece of furniture purchased. The secret to having a house that feels like home is making sure it’s comfortable. If you have some places to sit, and your home is tidy, you’ll be well on your way to being ready.

Choose your date wisely.

Having a party in your new home is an exciting event, so you want to make sure all your VIPs are available to join the celebration. The rule-of-thumb for a housewarming party is to throw it within 6 months-year from when you move in. This will give you time to prepare your home and allow your guests to properly mark their calendars. Make sure you plan it on an evening or a weekend so as many of your friends can attend as possible. Sending out formal invitations is a great way to ensure you get a proper head count and allow your attendees to plan for the celebration.

Don’t expect presents.

When you get married or have a baby, it’s normal to start a registry to collect items you may need for the new stage of your life. This used to be the case with buying a home, as it was typically paired with one of those big life changes. In today’s era, however, buying a home is more about the investment than marking a major life change. Because of this, it’s become a bit taboo to ask for gifts for a housewarming party. Your celebration should be more about having a better-suited place to gather your loved ones than a means to collect the essential supplies you need to live in your new home. Make sure your guests know you value their presence more than their presents.

Don’t forget your neighbors.

It’s exciting to be able to showcase your new home to those who are closest to you. Inviting friends and family is a natural instinct when you’re planning a get-together, but don’t forget about those you now live next to. Inviting your new neighbors to your housewarming party will help start to build rapport with them, and you’ll get a better idea of what the neighborhood culture is like.

Plan your menu.

A housewarming party doesn’t have to call for a proper sit-down dinner. While this plan might work in a smaller group setting, if you’re planning a large gathering it might be more cost and time-effective to serve simple hors d'oeuvres. For a fun twist, you can also have a potluck so your friends, family, and neighbors can join in the housewarming fun. Whichever approach you choose for your menu, make sure you have enough for all of your guests to partake.

Be ready to give a tour.

Your new home is the reason for gathering together, so it’s only natural to expect your guests to want a tour of your new home. Be prepared to show your friends and family around, even if your home isn’t picture perfect yet. If there are any rooms that aren’t ready for people to see, make sure you close them off and ask your guests not to enter them. Remember to point out the things that made you choose that home in the first place, and share any improvement plans you may have. If you’re not one for formal tours, feel free to tell your attendees to explore on their own, keeping in mind to avoid any rooms you don’t want them to see.

Buying a home is definitely a reason to celebrate, and having your friends and family over to showcase your new investment is exciting. With proper planning, your housewarming party will go off without a hitch. Ready to make the leap into homeownership? Contact an experienced lender at Flat Branch Home Loans today.

How to Prepare for the First Gathering in Your New Home