This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you click a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. See the full details here.
How to Host a Housewarming Party: Your Step-by-Step Guide to a New Home Bash
Planning a housewarming party can feel overwhelming—especially if you just moved in—but it doesn’t have to be!
Whether you’re throwing a cozy new apartment gathering, a fall housewarming party with friends, or going big with a college house party, this guide walks you through each step.
From prepping your space to sending out thank-you notes, here’s everything you need to throw a memorable and stress-free new home party.
1. Make a Guest List
Start with the basics. Decide how many people your space can comfortably hold—especially important for apartment party ideas.
Think about who you’d really love to see and who brings good energy to your new place.
Keep the house party aesthetic in mind and aim for a mix of fun and comfort.
2. Decide on a Date and Time
Pick a day that gives you time to unpack and settle in.
If you’re leaning into a fall housewarming party, weekends in October are perfect.
Evening parties create a cozy vibe, especially if you’re planning an indoor apartment birthday party or something with low lighting and candles.\
RELATED: This Housewarming Party Song Challenge Is A BIG Hit!
3. Send Out Invitations
Digital invites are your best friend here. Use platforms like Evite or Canva to create something cute that reflects your housewarming aesthetic.
You can even theme your invites to match your apartment birthday decorations or your overall house party aesthetic.
4. Create a Menu
Think crowd-pleasers: charcuterie boards, mini sliders, dips, or finger foods.
If it’s a college house party, pizza and snacks work great.
For a more elegant new apartment gift gathering, go with tapas or small plates and drinks that match the vibe—wine for adults or mocktails for mixed groups.
RELATED: Housewarming Party Food That’ll Have Everyone Coming Back for Seconds!)
5. Buy Drinks the Day Before
Save yourself the stress and grab all your drinks in advance.
Stock a little mini bar with wine, sparkling water, and maybe a signature cocktail.
Bonus points for adding custom labels or drink tags that lean into your housewarming party ideas decoration.
RELATED: Add This Fun Housewarming Find The Guest BINGO Game To Your Event
6. Order or Cook Your Food
Don’t stress about cooking everything yourself.
A good mix of homemade and store-bought is fine.
If you’re tight on time, order in—nobody will complain about tacos or sushi rolls.
Make sure your food setup looks cute, too—it adds to that apartment party aesthetic.
7. Hide Expensive and Fragile Items
Protect your stuff, especially if you’re throwing a more casual college house party.
Tuck away anything you’d be sad to see broken, stained, or spilled on.
Your future self will thank you.
RELATED: Need To Keep Your Housewarming Party Simple? This ONE Game is All You’ll Need!
8. Tidy Up & Prep the Bathroom
Spray some air freshener, fluff the pillows, and make sure the bathroom is stocked with toilet paper and hand soap.
A clean space instantly elevates your new home party and makes guests feel welcome.
9. Dress Up!
Even if the party’s casual, dressing up a little helps you feel more confident and party-ready.
Choose something that fits your housewarming aesthetic—think cute but comfy.
10. Invite Guests In and Start the Party
Greet guests at the door with a drink or a smile—or both.
This small touch makes the evening feel intentional and warm, like a real celebration of your new space.
11. Mingle
You’re the host, but you don’t have to entertain everyone at once.
Float from group to group, make introductions, and let conversations flow naturally.
If you want to keep things lively, a few icebreaker games are perfect for helping people connect.
12. Serve Dinner
If you’re offering a meal, keep it simple.
Think buffet-style or serve-yourself.
Try cozy dishes like pasta, soup, or build-your-own taco bars—especially great for a fall housewarming party.
RELATED: Challenge Your Housewarming Party Guests To Friendly Competition With This Fun Trivia
13. Serve Dessert and Coffee
Don’t skip dessert! Cupcakes, cookies, or even a fun cake can double as part of your apartment birthday decorations.
Coffee or tea is a nice touch for guests who want to wind down.
14. Send Thank You Notes
Send a quick thank-you via email or text the next day. If someone brought a new apartment gift or an apartment warming gift, mention it specifically.
Gratitude goes a long way—and it helps you stay connected.
15. Clean Up
Once the guests are gone, cue the music and knock out the cleanup.
Start with trash and dishes, then do a quick sweep of the house.
You’ll wake up the next day feeling accomplished and fully moved in.
Before You Go…
Want to make your housewarming party even more fun?
Check out my collection of printable housewarming party games!
They’re quick to set up, totally affordable, and a great way to keep guests laughing and mingling.
Whether you’re planning a chill night in your new apartment or a big celebration with friends, these games will help you break the ice and make memories.
🎉 Click here to grab your party games!
