Housewarming Tips and Gifts
Housewarming parties are fast becoming more then a tradition, they’re becoming a trend. So whether friends and family are there to share the joy, enjoy a tour, toast your new abode or to bring things that will ‘warm’ up your new digs, I’ve got some simple tips and ideas to help make it a success. I’ve also included ways to help your clueless and clue-in guest pick a gift with ease to help make one’s house a home…especially an accidental housewife’s!
HOUSEWARMING PARTY PLANNING MUSTS
Often the obvious is overlooked when planning a party. But, by following a few basic party planning must dos you can save yourself the need for some over the counter mind altering relief!
- PLAN AHEAD: Many a party has become a trying experience because everything was left to the last minute so give yourself time to get it all together in a way that fits into your everyday hectic schedule and way of doing things.
- SET A BUDGET: In order to set one you should consider how many people you’re thinking of having, food, drinks, and then have a type of party (i.e. cocktail, open house, pot luck, etc.) that balances these things with your bank account.
- MAKE A GUEST LIST: But keep it simple and in check with your budget. Tip: It’s a good idea to include your new neighbors—you never know when you’ll need to borrow something!
- CREATE A SHORT TO DO LIST: None of us have the time to do tons of things so keep it short and sweet, and include the key stuff you gotta get like invitations (if you’re the least bit techno-savvy consider e-mailing to a master list to really simplify things!), food and drinks, serving things (remember disposable is thy name!) and the fastest working stress relievers
- K.I.S.S.: This approach always works: Keep It Simple Sweetie so you can enjoy your housewarming. Keep food portable (finger-foods), use plastic (lots of pretty stuff out there) and invite those people you really like (plus the new neighbors)! Clean up will be a whole lot easier and the party a whole lot more fun if you do! If there’s a Cosco’s in your neck of the woods, just go there and get ready-made platters filled with lots of picky foods.
One mo’ thing:
- SETTING A DATE: Depending upon your level of analness, you may want to consider throwing your party before all your new stuff is in but after most of your boxes have been cleared. This will help to insure that you aren’t running around with cleaning and first aid stuff in case someone spills red wine on your new beige couch or trips over your half unpacked carton of shoes.
A FEW HOUSEWARMING PARTY IDEAS
- TOUR ‘N POUR: People are going to want a tour so why not make it fun and combine it with a wine tasting party: Ask everyone to bring a bottle —then you just buy the cheese ‘n crackers. You can turn it into a tasting tour by offering a different varietal in every room…plastic cups suggested! This idea will also keep your budget in check!
- PJ PARTY-What better way to ‘warm’ up your home then with a pajama party! It’s comfy, cozy and goes great with mimosas, bloody mary’s, oj, mini frozen pizza bagels and a variety of other fun finger foods.
- OPEN HOUSE: Make an afternoon of it! Just set a specific time period and open those doors! Helps avoid folks expecting much to eat and takes the pressure off attendees giving a gift since they can leave without being noticed as easily.
- LET SOMEONE ELSE THROW IT!!! The perfect K.I.S.S. plan!!!
GIFT-GIVING TIPS FOR ALL
No where is it writ that in order to attend a housewarming party you must bring a gift, but if you choose to do so here are some simple tips for the housewarmer (i.e. gift-giver) and the housewarmee (i.e. gift recipient).
For the housewarmer/gift-giver:
- Check to see if they’re registered
- If not registered, buy traditional or neutral (i.e. no decorating knowledge required) gifts like wine, plants, subscriptions, etc. (See ‘Gift Giving Ideas for the Clueless’)
- Include the gift receipt
- Wrapping is not necessary: A bow or decorative bag is fine plus many stores offer complimentary gift wrap
- If there are kids, it’s nice to bring a little something for them
For the housewarmee/gift recipient:
- Set up a registry: On-line or in store
- Create a list that has wide range of price points
- Again, remember: gift-giving should not be mandatory. Note your choice on the invite by writing something like: “I/We are registered at ___ for your convenience” or “No Gifts Please!”. People will want to know.
SIMPLE GIFT-GIVING IDEAS FOR THE CLUELESS:
If you want to bring a gift but don’t have a clue as to what your friend or family member likes or needs, here are some ideas that have worked for eons and are often considered ‘traditional’ gifts. Keep in mind that first time homeowners will need all the basics like toasters, vacuums, bedding, utensils, etc. should any of those ideas move you or fit your budget..
- Plants: Almost any one will work but bamboo plants are a great choice since they symbolize good luck and fortune. An indoor herb garden is also a good idea. For those who lack a green thumb check out the artificial i.e. fake plants ---there are lots of realistic looking ones out there.
- Gift Basket-You can rarely go wrong with a gourmet gift basket. Of course, you could create your own, too, and personalize it with their fave foods, treats, magazine subscription, CD’s and/or munchies.
- Gift Certificate-Select the housewarmees fave retailer, home repair store or even a restaurant. The housewarmee might enjoy a night out after all the unpacking!
- I.O.U. TIME: This can be both a very personal gift and helpful one. Consider volunteering ‘time’ to assist them in painting, unpacking or even babysitting for a few hours!
And, lest we not forget no-brainer gifts such as wine, candles or picture frames.
TRENDY GIFT IDEAS FOR THE CLUED IN
In addition to the basic, traditional and clueless ideas here are a few more to ponder:
- THIS BREW’S FOR YOU: If you know they like coffee or tea give them a gift that keeps on brewing: The latest trends are ‘pod’ coffee/tea makers. Nowadays they’ve got tons of different flavor pods to suit every taste and caffeine or non-caffeine need.
- ONE FOR ALL, ALL FOR ONE! Group Gifting: While some family members may be ready to shell out big bucks to ‘warm’ the new place, but most folks are budget conscious. You can still make a splash though if you suggest giving a group gift. Gift ideas here can include buying the recipient their favorite bedding, dishes or stemware, appliance (how’s about a Roomba or microwave and a bottle of red or white!) or that ottoman to die for on their list.
- BUCKET OF BASICS FOR THE ACCIDENTAL HOUSEWIFE’S CLEANING FORAYS: Fill a bucket with the basic stuff to clean, make it all disposable and add a nail file, chic pair of rubber gloves ‘n duster (available at www.royalaccessories.com) to put a trendy spin on cleaning drudgery.
- EMERGENCY KITTY: Everyone needs one so create an emergency kit filled with essentials and excessities. Include flashlight, batteries, first aid kit, Rolaids, breath mints, whistle, water, tp (if it fits!) and a half bottle of their favorite twist top vino. Pack in flame retardant container.
Now, let the warming begin!
