4 tips for a killer housewarming party

Moving into a new home is exciting, and one of the best ways to celebrate is by throwing a housewarming party. Here are four essential tips to host a gathering that's stress-free and fun for both you and your guests.

You may love serving friends a seated dinner, but a housewarming party is not the right time to host a four-course meal. Instead, plan to make and set out hors d'oeuvres for people to eat.

• Moving is stressful, and setting up a kitchen and finding all the necessary supplies and dishware can be chaotic. Serving finger food will help simplify a party's setup and clean-up. It also makes it easier for guests to socialize.
• Some great ideas for finger foods to serve are pigs in a blanket, mini quiches, chips and dip, or sweet treats like cookies or baked good.

Don't get stressed out about setting up your whole home.

• Focus instead on setting up a few rooms where guests can hang out. This is a good way to eliminate set-up stress and ensure what your guests see is comfortable and complete.
• Try setting up the entryway where people first enter your new home, as well as a living room or den space. Don't worry about the rest of the home. People will understand if it's chaotic. You've just moved, after all!

People love parties that serve food, and serving alcohol is also a great way to loosen people up and get the conversation flowing. However, serving food and drinks in one place can create a crowd, so try setting up the food and bar in two different areas.

• This will encourage people to flow easily through your space and eliminate any overcrowding at one food area.
• Offer guests a wide range of beverages, and encourage guests to bring their favourite bottle so that the leftovers can help you stock your home's new bar.
• Try setting up a bar close to the front door so people can have a drink when they first walk in. Having the food near the back will help bring people into the party and get them to mingle in the space.

Moving into a new home is an excellent opportunity to make friends since you'll be surrounded by new neighbours. So, to get off on the right foot, invite the neighbours to the party!

• Not only is it a polite thing to do, but it's also a friendly opportunity to show how welcoming you are and how nice the people – like your friends and family – are that you'll bring into their neighbourhood.