November 2019

You’ve just moved into your new apartment or townhouse – congrats! What a perfect reason to throw yourself (and some other people) a party! Maybe this is the first place you’ve been able to call your own and you want to showcase your newly found freedom. Maybe you’ve downsized from a house to move downtown. Whatever the reason, a party is the perfect way to christen your new life in the Neighborhood of Play.

Of course, moving and unpacking can be hectic. Give yourself some breathing room to get established before entertaining friends and family. But if you need a little push, setting a date can provide great motivation. Knowing you’ll soon have guests will give you a good reason to get those boxes unpacked and put some art on the walls.

Check out these tips and party ideas as you plan and cheers to you!

Planning for size

Think about the amount of seating and layout of your apartment. Then come up with the maximum number of people that can comfortably fit. The type of party can also impact that number. Is it a sit-down affair, or will most people be standing around talking? One is limited by your seating, while the other is driven by your space.

Encourage a drop-in atmosphere

A drop-in atmosphere is low-pressure, and it’s a fun way for everyone involved to meet new people. Encourage friends to “swing by” to see your new place and hang out for a bit. This style of party also lets you invite a bigger crowd, since not everyone will be there the entire time.

Make a party playlist

The music at a party sets the mood. It’s like the soundtrack to a movie. You know what types of music you and your friends enjoy. You know what atmosphere you’d like to create for your party. Building a custom playlist is well worth the effort.

Have a backup activity

If you’re sure your guests will naturally mingle and chat, you don’t have to worry about entertainment. But if many of your guests don’t know each other, you can end up with those awkward moments when the conversation drops off. Having a backup plan like an icebreaker, fun card game, or activity is a good idea. It’s an easy way to get connect your guests and keep things lively. If you need ideas, Google “housewarming party games” and you’ll find all sorts of ways to entertain your guests.

Food & drinks

Even if you encourage a “BYOB” or potluck style party, as host you should at least cover the basics. If you’re going with just snacks, some basic spreads of chips and dip, cheese boards, or small hors d’oeuvres are all great options. If you’re relying on guests to supply anything, it’s worth coordinating in advance. You don’t want to end up with 20 bags of chips and no dip. Also, make sure you’re aware of any dietary preferences your guests have and plan accordingly.