A Noteworthy Housewarming Party Checklist
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I shared a progress report on our new home in Nashville a few months back. As much as we travel it's always so incredible to be able to come home to a place that feels fully, well, us. In that post I shared what we'd done so far, what we still had remaining and ways you could incorporate similar ideas.
Since then we've decided it's time to truly start sharing our space with friends. It will be a year in August since we bought this house, and it's my intention to finally have a house warming party before that year anniversary. I've started working on the plans. Music is such a big part of our lives so we're considering a music theme of course 💁🏼 maybe come dressed as your favorite musician or something like that... themes are always so much fun right (and it's a good excuse to wear a Grand Ol' Opry style get up or go full rockstar right!?).
As someone who loves to create checklists, as we plan our event I thought I'd share with you guys the step by step for creating your dream house warming party, and honestly, this list applies to any party you might be having in your home! So here we go:
1. The Plan
Determine what type of party you're going to have, and communicate the details in the invite. Is it a day party? A wine and cheese night? Are you having a sit down dinner in which the guests should all arrive at a specific time. The size and scope of the event will determine how far in advance you need to start planning and likely, your level of stress will depend on that too. We'll be having an afternoon party that will spill from the indoors to out. We've got a big yard at our house and we want to take advantage of that.
2. The Invites
Here's your opportunity to really specify what's happening. I went to a party this week in which the invite was sent via text message, it was a funny little meme sort of thing. The invite made it clear that the event would be casual and maybe get a little wild even. I loved it.
If you're having a sit down dinner perhaps, a formal invite is likely the route, and there are plenty of online services in which you can create a custom mailable invite that feels formal too. For our party we're intending on the event to be drop by - to have the party flow along throughout the afternoon and we will be keeping it casual. Our house isn't very large, so we don't want to cram everyone in all at once. We'll reserve our sit down dinner nights for smaller groups.
3. Prep Your Space
Stock up on things you could possibly run out of. Wine (obviously), ice, toilet paper, napkins, and when you think you've got plenty, maybe buy a little bit extra. Other things to consider, if it's raining, where will you host the guests, and what will you need if that's the case? If it's summer, what's the bug situation? Perhaps get a few extra citronella candles and bug spray if you'll have your guests outdoors.
At our house we'll definitely be bringing the outdoors in, and vice versa. For our party I'll be making a stop at my favorite flower truck and the garden center to fill every corner with beautiful blooms and succulents.
4. Create Seating Arrangements
If you're having a dinner party be sure to have a few extra chairs in case extra guests arrive (who knew your bf's bestie was bringing his new girl?! Yep, I've definitely had that happen). If you're having a more casual event, little seating vignettes will make it comfortable for people to settle in to conversation wherever they are throughout your house.
5. Service Strategy
No matter which type of party you're having you'll likely serve food and drink in courses, or maybe you'll give your guests the option of self serving. If there's a specific area of your house you'd like to show off that's where you want the beverage cart, for example. If you're going to have a seated meal, perhaps appetizers are served on your porch to show off the view. Think about where you'd like the guests to congregate and set up there.
6. Set the Mood with Music
I'm obviously a music lover, and as I mentioned for our party there will be a music theme, however no matter the theme be sure to have a playlist! We love vinyl records, and they're a ton of fun, however, someone will need to be in charge of flipping the records if you intend to go that route. You might have a friend that likes that job and if so, go for it. I always like to have a back up playlist for a variety of moods just in case.
7. Give the Grand Tour
For your housewarming, or even if it's just the first time guests have been over, give them a look around when they arrive. Like I said, our house is small, however, rather than guests feeling as if they need to peak around and sleuth out the bathroom, give a little tour and perhaps show off what you've done to the place already. In our case, we still have renovations to complete, so on our tours I'll share the big vision too... nothing wrong with sharing what's to come!
8. Document The Details
9. Share Your Gratitude
It goes without saying, if someone brings a gift, be sure to send a note! An extra little touch: scan some of the photos from the event and send those in your thank you card.
So there we have it! That's my checklist! If you're interested in learning a bit more about Notable read on! Big thank you to the brand for sharing these beautiful Chardonnays with me!
Notable is the 1st and only wine that highlights the flavor profiles on the front of the bottle, helping make the wine aisle a less confusing place.
What I loved about Notable Chardonnay is the label detail. Wines vary in style, region and taste of course, the Notable label describes the flavor notes elegantly, so you know what you're getting. I brought a bottle to a friend's party the other night, and she commented that she loves a crisp & fruity white, and specifically citrus flavors, so voila! She immediately knew she'd like this one - the label specified that exactly! When Ben and I tried the other tasting profile, he preferred the oaky & buttery profile of the California Chardonnay. We paired it with a vegetable pasta dish and it was divinely perfect.
I can't wait to finally put this list in action, I'll let you all know how the party goes, and of course, follow along on instagram.
Wanderfully yours,
Andi
