How to Throw a Budget-Friendly Housewarming Party

Budget-Friendly Housewarming Party

You’ve just moved into your new home, all of the boxes are unpacked, and you’re ready to show it all off to your friends and family. What better way to make memories in your new space and meet your neighbors than by throwing a housewarming party? Whether you decide to go fancy or casual, have an open invite or a restricted guest list, a housewarming party is a wonderful way to celebrate your new home and unwind after what may have been a very stressful move.

Of course, moving costs money and it makes perfect sense that you may not want to splurge on a big party just yet. Fortunately, you can still throw an amazing housewarming party without having to spend a bunch of money. There are very few rules when it comes to hosting a party that celebrates your new digs – just do what makes the most sense with your space, time, and budget. Confused on where to begin? We’ve gathered some tips to help you get started on planning a budget-friendly, but still fun and exciting, housewarming party.

1. Establish a Budget

Before you make any decisions regarding your housewarming party, you need to determine how much money that you have to work with. Don’t feel like you have to spend a ton of money, as a great housewarming party can be very casual and on budget. Whether it’s $50 or $1000, it’s important to first know how much you are comfortable spending. Once you establish a budget, you can start diving into all of the little details of the party.

1. Pick a Reasonable Date

You can schedule your housewarming party to be within weeks after you move in or wait for a couple months after. The timing ultimately depends on your schedule and how much preparation your home needs before the day of the party. Of course, you don’t want to add unnecessary stress by setting a very early date for the party, but it can give you much needed motivation to get all your boxes unpacked.

Though, planning a budget-friendly housewarming party applies to timing as much as it does money. This means that you should pick a date that you’ll be comfortable with, or one that gives you plenty of time to recover from your move financially. You can eliminate a lot of stress and pressure by electing to wait a couple months to host your housewarming party. Waiting also gives you enough time to finish decorating your home and ensure that it is completely ready for guests. However, it’s important to remember that your guests aren’t going to expect everything to be perfect. Make sure to set realistic goals and expectations for your housewarming party.

1. Restrict the Guest List

Although you’re hosting a party, this does not mean that you have to invite the whole block. Of course, housewarming parties are the perfect setting to get to know your acquaintances, if you’re trying to stick to a tight budget you may want to slim down the guest list. You’ll save a substantial amount of money keeping your guest list to just your family, closest friends, and their significant others. Limiting your guests will make your get together both more practicable and more cost effective.

1. Use Online Invitations

While many still enjoy getting snail mail, sending out an invitation online via text or email is perfectly acceptable. In fact, there are a number of online services and mobile apps, like Paperless Post, Punchbowl, and Evite, that let you send out free or affordable digital invites. You can custom design unique invitations and have them sent directly to your desired list of email addresses or phone numbers. Or, if you prefer to choose from one of their pre-made designs, there are tons of options. They also make it incredibly simple for your guests to RSVP and for you to keep track of those who plan to attend.

If you’d rather makes things even simpler on yourself, you can create a (closed) Facebook invitation or even just send out individual text messages to your invitees. However, make sure that you give your guests plenty of time before the date of the party so that they can prepare accordingly. It’s recommended to send out invitations about two to three weeks in advance and a reminder between two and three days before the date of the housewarming party. Don’t forget to mention your new address, and any notes about parking or directions as needed.

1. Simplify the Decorations

Decorations can add up pretty quickly and if you’re planning a housewarming party on a tight budget you may want to forgo them altogether. After all, your home should be the star of the party. Instead, you can skip the decorations and focus more on ensuring that your new home looks its best for your guests with what you already have. Though, if you want to add a couple unique touches to the space, consider buying items that you can repurpose after the party is over such as artwork, string lights, or even a nice tiered dessert stand.

Alternatively, you can hit up a local dollar store where you’ll find a ton of great and affordable decorating supplies. You should have no problem staying within your budget when you purchase items from the dollar store. Just remember that if you don’t really need something, try your best to avoid buying it just because it’s cheap. Sometimes the affordability of dollar store prices can trap you into buying things you simply don’t need. Once your housewarming party, keep as much of the decorations as you can for the next one!

1. Get Creative with the Food

Undeniably, the majority of the money you’ll spend on your housewarming party will go towards food. However, you can get really creative and still have a fantastic spread without forking over a bunch of money. Head to your local ALDI, Costco, or other discount grocery store to purchase some easy snacks and appetizers. Load up on a mix of cheese, crackers, chips, charcuterie, veggies, and various dips. So long as it’s not lunch or dinner time, you won’t be expected to provide your guests with an entire meal. Of course, you can always order the ultimate budget friendly food option – pizza.

Alternatively, you can make your housewarming party a potluck. Potlucks are a great way to feed a bunch of people without spending a lot of money. It’s also perfectly reasonably to ask your guests to bring a dish to share. In fact, many enjoy cooking or baking something for a special event. Also, make sure to use plates and utensils that are washable. While it may be tempting to go the easy route and buy paper plates and plastic utensils, you’ll end up wasting a lot of money. Instead, use what you already have.

1. Create a Shareable Cocktail

Stocking up on alcohol for a party can get really pricey really fast. It’s also challenging to know exactly what and how much all your guests are going to want to drink. Instead of buying a ton of options, consider making a large big batch cocktail to serve all of your party guests. Make it clear on your invitations that you will be providing a cocktail drink option and that they can bring any additional beverages they want! Of course, you’ll also want to have plenty of non-alcoholic options as well. Fortunately, you won’t break the bank by just getting a bunch of canned soda and bottled water.

Although moving into a new home can be a stressful endeavor, celebrating this incredible milestone with your family, friends, and new neighbors makes it all worth it in the end. The key to hosting a budget-friendly housewarming party is to do what you can with what you are comfortable spending. Try not to place any pressure on yourself regarding what you party should include or look like and just do what feels best for your situation. After all, your guests aren’t going to expect a fancy shindig; they are coming to your house to support you and celebrate your new home.