Housewarming open house
A drop-in afternoon to show off the new home, with a self-guided tour, a grazing table and a 'favourite local spots' map.
- Guests
- 15-60 guests (dropping in)
- Party length
- 3-4 hours
- Prep time
- Half a day
- Ages
- All ages
What it is
A relaxed drop-in party to celebrate a new home. Guests come and go over a few hours, get a tour, eat from a grazing table and leave tips for the area. Low stress, even if you’re still unpacking.
Plan ahead
- Three weeks before: send invites with a time window and your new address.
- One week before: unpack the main rooms and hide the boxes in a spare room.
- The day before: clean, buy food and set up.
Ideas
- Room labels: funny signs like “Where the magic happens (kitchen)” or “Future home office (currently boxes)”.
- First guests book: a guest book for the house.
- Local map: a printed map where guests add pins for good coffee, pubs, parks and takeaways.
- Wish jar: wishes for the new home.
Food and drink
- A grazing table: cheese, cured meats, dips, bread, fruit, nuts
- Sausage rolls and mini quiches
- A drinks dispenser of punch or lemonade, plus beer and wine
Tips
- Put a sign on the door so guests find the right house.
- Have a plan for parking - tell neighbours.
On the day
- Doors open: guests drop in any time during the window.
- Welcome drink and a self-guided tour with fun room labels.
- Grazing table all afternoon.
- Guest book: sign the 'first guests' book and add a tip to the local map.
- Toast to the new home at the busiest moment.
Shopping list
grazing board
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housewarming guest book
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welcome doormat
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drinks dispenser
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picture hanging kit
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house plants
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