How to Throw a Housewarming Party: An Expert Guide to Planning Your Celebration

You've completed your home buying journey! The search, the offers, the closing — they’re all done. Now it's time to throw a housewarming party and celebrate this huge milestone.

Diane Gottsman, an etiquette expert and founder of The Protocol School of Texas, explains the significance.

"If you are hosting your own housewarming party, you are inviting your family and friends to celebrate a new journey," Gottsman said.

Housewarming party planning doesn't have to feel overwhelming. With thoughtful preparation, you can create a smooth celebration. Keep reading for Gottsman's expert guidance on hosting your ideal housewarming.

5 essential tips for hosting a successful housewarming party

1. Locate your housewarming essentials beforehand

Gottsman's top housewarming advice: Prep before guests arrive. If you’re still unpacking, make sure you’ve unboxed the important items you’ll need for entertaining:

• Serving platters and utensils
• Can openers or electric knife
• Party supplies (e.g., cups and plates)
• Toilet paper
• Hand towels
• Back-up supplies in easy-to-reach places

Gottsman said having these things at the ready will save you from having to tear through drawers and cabinets when someone needs them: "An organized drawer makes the party preparations run smoother."

Don't forget bathroom prep for your housewarming. 

"Nothing is more inconvenient to a guest than searching for a hand towel or toilet paper roll," Gottsman said. "You may think you have plenty of each, but make sure and leave a few extra of each in a cabinet below or in the side drawer."

2. Make your pets comfortable during your housewarming

Moving creates stress for everyone, including pets. A parade of housewarming guests can increase that stress.

How to make your pet comfortable:

• Secure them in a quiet room away from housewarming party noise if possible.
• Include favorite toys, blankets, and their bed.
• Leave a small light on.
• Play soothing music or turn on the television.
• Check on them periodically.

Avoid isolating pets in dark rooms during your housewarming, as this could confuse or stress them out. Create a cozy retreat instead.

3. Plan adequate seating for your housewarming guests

Since you just moved in, it’s possible you may not have enough seating or are still waiting for furniture deliveries. Here are some solutions:

• Pull out camping chairs.
• Bring in chairs from other rooms.
• Ask guests to bring their own seating.
• Arrange furniture to maximize capacity.
• Create standing conversation areas.

Planning to showcase your backyard at your housewarming? Gottsman suggests setting things up so folks will be comfortable out there.

"Make sure and have plenty of shaded areas, fans, bug spray and sunscreen available and let your guests know how to dress for the occasion," Gottsman said.

4. Don't stress about perfection for your housewarming

You don't need to hide that you're still settling in, but keep walkways clear of boxes and tools.

Tidying tips for a housewarming party:

• Clear main pathways and gathering areas.
• Ensure safety by removing tripping hazards.
• Confine ongoing projects to one room if possible.
• Focus your energy on your guests’ comfort over perfection.

5. Add thoughtful touches to your housewarming space

Don't pressure yourself with elaborate housewarming decorations, especially if you're managing unpacking. If you want special touches on a budget, Gottsman suggests:

• String lights for ambiance
• Fresh flowers 
• Balloons
• Guest book for well-wishes
• Low table decorations
• Welcome sign at the front door

Gottsman adds that a welcome sign near your front door is a nice, easy touch.

When should you throw a housewarming party?

Your ideal housewarming timing depends on your personal schedule. You have flexibility here. You could host your housewarming shortly after moving in, a few months later or wait close to a year. Beyond that timeframe, your home is already "warmed."

• 1-2 months after moving: Share excitement while the move is fresh.
• 3-6 months after moving: Allow time to complete initial projects.
• 6-12 months after moving: Showcase your fully decorated space.

Maybe renovation projects will be underway during your housewarming. That's typically fine. Just ensure you have a functioning bathroom and working climate control.

You can plan your housewarming between projects. Host the party after finishing one task and before starting another. Want to make renovation part of the fun? Invite guests to help paint a room. Ask first, though — your friends may prefer relaxing over housework.

Who should you invite to your housewarming party?

You can invite anyone you wish to your housewarming party! Many new homeowners invite their family, friends and new or old neighbors.

"You [should] invite those who you are close to, such as family members, friends, neighbors from your old neighborhood or condo," Gottsman said.

The guest list should align with your home's capacity, however. Consider your budget, too. You need adequate food and drinks without breaking the bank — remember, you just spent a lot of money on buying the home and moving.

How much food should you serve at a housewarming party?

How much food you should serve at your housewarming party depends on the guest count, length of the party and level of formality.

"If you want to serve food, or have a barbecue, by all means go right ahead," Gottsman said. "If you just want to have appetizers, don't host a party around meal time because people will assume you're going to feed them."

Tips to plan the food for the party: 

• Communicate upfront about food and drinks so guests know what to expect.
• Specify if it's potluck or BYOB.
• Ask about dietary restrictions ahead of time.
• Request RSVPs so you can appropriately plan the quantity of food.
• Consider only serving appetizers if the event is on the shorter side (2-3 hours).

Should you expect housewarming gifts?

You should expect housewarming gifts, but never require them. Wait for guests to ask if they should bring something — some probably will.

Whatever you do, skip the gift registry.

"Registries should be reserved for weddings and baby showers," Gottsman said.

Enjoy your housewarming celebration

A housewarming party celebrates your new home and next chapter, and gathering your loved ones helps create your first memories in the space. Although you'll play host, set yourself up for success with a bit of preparation. 

Whether you're settling into your new home or exploring future possibilities, Zillow can help. Explore home improvement financing options to fund your next home improvement project, and visit our Learning Center for more expert guides on homeownership.