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New Years/Housewarming Party
Hi all, popping in for some advice...DH and I just bought our forever home (and first home!) so we're quite excited to host our first party.
We'll be having a combined New Years and Housewarming party and will be inviting about 30 people. I've never formally hosted before, but I've read through some older posts and you ladies have some great suggestions ("New Year, New House Party" was one of them!). Here are some ideas (and questions!) I have for the party:
- I'd like a theme, like Hollywood Vintage Glam or Black and White party (not a must, but I think it's fun 
...I'd love any other ideas! Some websites have free printable party decor to dress up the desserts and drinks to play up the theme
- I'm thinking since it's NYE, start the party at 8 pm?
- Would apps and desserts be sufficient since it's after dinner hours? I'd love some help on the menu and specialty drinks (hot apple cider, something in a champagne/martini glass?)
- Debating on paper vs virtual invite. I want to get the word out now (STD easy to send out on FB) so people can plan
- Any other tips would be appreciated! (seating planning, servingware, utensils, etc)
Housewarming parties are usually pretty casual and NYE is usually more formal so I'm struggling to find the balance between the 2. I think most people love getting dressed up for a special night out (without having to worry about crowded bars) but don't want to put too much pressure on going all out.
Anyways, love to hear the feedback from the board. Thanks in advance!
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Re: New Years/Housewarming Party
I like the black & white theme--maybe add some silver or another metallic to glam it up a bit.
I'd start at 8 at the earliest unless you think many people won't stay for the ball to drop.
Skip paper invites if you are inviting a lot of people; if you're inviting less than 20, then it might be nice to have them. But, I always favor paper invites as long as it isn't too much of a hassle to get them out and it isn't a formal event.
I think most people will want a little dress up for NYE. For my friends' annual party (pretty casual), I default to a glittery or embellished top with nice jeans and heels. You can hint the level of fanciness in the invite, even an Evite.
I would go all apps and desserts--no need to worry about seating or utensils or any of that. Just set up a hefty buffet and let people graze. If you think people will stay longer after the ball drops, have some chips and snack food for later in the night.
Have fun!
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Wow, fantastic ideas girls! I also love that you like the themed idea because I realllly wanted to do one
I think Evite is the way to go afterall...
I'll be back later with some menu ideas to get your feedback...love the specialty drink recipes too, thanks all!
First, here's my review of my NYE party from last year.
I might start the party as late as 8:30 or 9. Four hours at anyone's house is a long time.
My menu's posted in the post above. I have a good recipe for hot cider I'll have to get you once I get home.
I'm always a huge paper invite person. TinyPrints has cute ones. An email "hey, we're having a party" is always good right now, then send out your NYE invite Dec 1.
Ditto pp on having the bar away from the food to avoid traffic jams.
If you're going to do paper plates, party hats, etc, buy all that stuff NOW. I didn't decide until the last minute last year that I was going to host, and ya know what, ya can't find party hats at 6pm on NYE lol.
I asked a few weeks ago and I think 85% of the people said they preferred to dress up for NYE no matter what.
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Great review and I'm definitely getting ideas from your menu!
I made the invite 8:30 PM...figuring people wouldnt show until closer to 9 anyway.
I'll be on the lookout now for decor and supplies so there's no last minute running around on NYE
Thanks so much!
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Hi! I think all of the PP gave you great advice. My only "two cents" is that I would def' do a paper invite for this type of event. Maybe because I'm older... but the e-vites are too casual for something as important to you as this and I'm not a fan of guests being able to read others responses or being able to select "maybe" as a reply option. You knew they might come when you invited them...
Having said that I would have FUN with the invite to set the tone and def' mention an RSVP date. Maybe print something yourself and put in a black envelope and use a silver sharpie for the address... Even if it is an invite you pick-up at Party City or Target I think guests will treat it more seriously than an evite.
Good Luck!
Funny - I did exactly the same thing after closing on a house a few years ago. We had a black and white themed New Year's Eve party. We didn't call it a housewarming party, but it was our first party in the new house so it kind of was. The black and white theme was great because it's easy for folks to dress to the theme, and it leaves latitude for folks to get really dressed up if they want.
Re: invites - I mailed the black and white invitations in neon colored envelopes, and I also sent the PDF of the invite to everyone via email. It was a great night! We made sure we had a lof of food (set up in the dining room) and drinks (set up in the kitchen). I didn't make any specialty drinks, but made sure we had lots of champagne and mixers to folks to do whatever they wanted.
Good luck!
Send your guests home with my breakfast in a box party favor. I promise they'll be a huge hit, especially January 1st!!