Housewarming delimma w/guest times

summer1107

Hi Nesties,

DH and I just purchased our first home about a month ago and we are now planning our housewarming. My delimma is that we have so many people to invite! He has a huge family, then there's my family (not as big as his, but not small either), a few church members and our friends.  We did not purchase a small home, but I don't think it can accomodate all of those people at one time.

I first thought about having an open house style housewarming and set the time from 12 noon to 6pm, but I'm scared that may not work.  I know our family and friends will not just stop by, have a tour of the house, get a few refreshments and leave.  They like to hang around for long periods of time. Shoot some just dont know when to go home!

My other idea was to have 3 separate time slots in the day: 1pm - 4pm for his family, 3pm - 6pm for my family and the church members, and 5pm - until for our friends.  My mom says it will not work the way I want it to.

Please help! I need some advice because I don't know what to do. Thanks in advance.

leahkate

Why not have 2 or 3 different parties? I know it sounds more expensive, but really it wouldn't be when you factor in feeding all these people at 1 party. You could have your family and church people over for a smaller party one day, like a Sunday afternoon. Have his family over for a cook-out type party since they are larger, and then invite your friends later for a cocktail party.

jimandmel

I have never done it but I have heard of people having 3 separate start times.

Gotta think also that some of the people will simply not show.

 

 

jimandmel

I have never done it but I have heard of people having 3 separate start times.

Gotta think also that some of the people will simply not show so it may not be as crowded as expected.

 

 

 

katarczyna

When we had our housewarming party, we had two times. 1-4 for family, 5-whenever for friends. Some friends came right on time, and family got the hint. It worked out perfectly for us. We didn't have to clean and party prep twice, and had to have one menu. We did get double of everything and kept half in the fridge for friends so they didn't get room-temp leftovers. Also lots o' booze for the friends get together.

festivegal2008

What about a cookout, where the party is outside?  Do you have a big yard?  If you make it an outdoor party there will be more room to accommodate the large amount of people.  Even if a few people are hanging out inside, i.e. to get more food or drink or use the restroom, it won't be too cramped if the majority of the guests are outside in the backyard.

summer1107

My backyard is not that big, but I do plan on having some tables and chairs out there.

I think I will go ahead and just have two times, 1-4 for family and 5-until for friends. Thanks everyone for your insight, it was helpful. :-D