12 Housewarming Party Themes for a Standout Celebration
Updated: Jan. 05, 2023
To celebrate your new abode with style, lean into one of these housewarming party themes. Read on for foolproof party concepts that will make your event extra memorable!
Fall: Oktoberfest
Prost your new place with a classic Bavarian bash. If you’re feeling settled come fall, take advantage of the season with Oktoberfest beer, greasy German street food and cheesy obatzda. Then, bust out hammerschlagen and the chicken dance (yes, it’s tradition!).
Fall: Friendsgiving
If a full-blown Thanksgiving dinner seems too daunting for your first year in a new house, opt for a potluck-style Friendsgiving. Simple decorative gourds spruce up the table that’s soon to be full of good cheer and great recipes. (Our Spiced Apple Cider Jelly Shots are just what you need to get the party started.)
Winter: Secret Santa Party
There’s no place like home for the holidays, so make your new house feel like one by hosting a gift exchange among friends and family. Pop on a Hallmark Christmas movie and put a pizza in the oven, then share the love. You might even score some new decor or housewares during the Secret Santa gift exchange.
Here’s everything you need to know about the housewarming registry trend.
Winter: Cookie Decorating Party
Put that new kitchen to work by cookie decorating. Setup is simple: Secure shortcut (or homemade) cookies, then pile a tiered tray high with sprinkles, jimmies, store-bought frosting and more. Who wouldn’t want the cozy scent of warm sugar cookies wafting through their new home?
Spring: Tea Party
After weeks of wearing oversized t-shirts and grungy tennis shoes, you deserve to get all dolled up! It’s finally tea time. A nice floral tea, finger sandwiches and light, fluffy cake fill out the menu. Just add friends, and fun will follow. Find more dainty treats for afternoon tea.
Spring: Brunch
Every morning is a fresh start—and so is a new home! Begin the day the yummiest way by hosting a breakfast soiree. If you have traditional taste, griddle up pancakes and bacon for your buds. Or, if your style’s eclectic, serve up lox, a signature egg bake and some fun a.m. mocktails (or cocktails!).
Summer: Bonfire Party
Have a new backyard that’s brag-worthy? Bundle up with your buds for a bonfire party. S’mores are a staple (try them with these different toppings for a fun twist), then stir up hot chocolate and some savory starters, too. Friends will warm up to your new place—literally!
Summer: Cookout
Feeling cooped up from unpacking and organizing? Get outside with the gang for a backyard barbecue. Crack open a couple cold ones, grill up kabobs and veggies, and stir together a potato salad.  Trust us—you’ll relish the fresh air and the company.
Year-Round: Game Night
When you need a distraction from floor plans, honey-do lists and online shopping carts, have friends swing by for a game night and some nibbles. Air-fried frozen french fries and corn dogs plus store-bought dips and chips take the stress out of hosting so you can focus all your attention on the stiff competition.
Year-Round: Wine Tasting
What better way to decompress after a long day of unpacking than popping a bottle of wine? Host the quintessential night in with truffles, chocolate-covered nuts and, of course, some vino to share. (These are our Test Kitchen’s favorite rosés under $15.) Psst! Save the corks as a memento of your first get-together in the new digs.
Year-Round: Potluck
A covered-dish dinner is the ideal last-minute housewarming party theme (especially if all those pots and pans aren’t yet unpacked). Once the exhaustion of moving hits, invite friends and family to bring over their favorite comfort foods to enjoy together. And, hey, they might even help you unload a box or two!
Year-Round: Sit-Down Dinner
Once your place is fully furnished and ready to flaunt, consider a formal dinner party. No need for multiple courses and your nicest china, but a hearty meal, such as lasagna, salad and breadsticks, and a set table will hit the spot as you show your friends and family your new home. Learn how to set the table for every occasion.
Originally Published: November 07, 2022
