Housewarming celebration ideas

The best housewarmings happen about six weeks after moving in - late enough that the boxes are gone, early enough that people still want the tour.

Nobody expects a finished house. Plan food that doesn't need an oven you haven't worked out yet, and keep everyone in one or two rooms.

Below: party ideas, food, gifts worth giving, and what to write in the card.

When and how to have one

• Around six weeks after moving in, once the boxes have gone.
• Afternoon into early evening, so people can come and go.
• Open house from 2pm to 7pm rather than a set sitting.
• Keep it to the kitchen and one other room.
• Give the tour once, on the hour, rather than fifteen times.
• Tell the neighbours it's happening, or invite them.

Party ideas

• Garden barbecue if the weather and the new garden allow it.
• Bring-a-dish, which halves the work and fills the table.
• Pizza and beer, entirely acceptable and always popular.
• Cheese and wine for a smaller, later gathering.
• Sunday brunch, done by two, if you have young children.
• A guest book so you remember who saw it first.

Food that works in a new kitchen

• Cold platters and dips - no oven required.
• Slow cooker chilli, which needs one plug and no attention.
• Pizzas delivered at a set time.
• Bread, cheese, olives and charcuterie on a board.
• One cake with a topper, for the moment when everyone's in.
• Drinks in a bath or a bucket of ice, not a fridge you're still filling.

Housewarming gift ideas

• A candle, which is the classic for a reason.
• Good coasters, because new tables get ruined fastest.
• A framed print of the house, street or town.
• A plant that's hard to kill.
• Something for the first night: bread, salt and a bottle, by tradition.
• A doormat, if you know their sense of humour.
• A card with the new address written inside, so they've got it in writing.

What to write in a new home card

• Congratulations on the new house - can't wait to see it.
• Welcome home. Wishing you every happiness here.
• New house, new memories. Congratulations both.
• Here's to the first of many evenings round your kitchen table.
• So pleased for you. Now put the kettle on.

Shop new home cards

How to write it so it lands

• Six weeks after moving in is the sweet spot.
• Give the tour once, on the hour.
• Cold food and a slow cooker - don't fight a new oven.
• Drinks go in a bucket of ice, not the fridge.

Where to shop next

• Baby shower ideas
• Celebration cake ideas and toppers
• Celebration of life ideas
• Engagement celebration ideas
• Graduation celebration ideas
• Retirement celebration ideas
• 50th wedding anniversary ideas
• Anniversary celebration ideas
• Celebration quotes
• Christening celebration ideas
• New home cards
• Scented soy candles
• Party supplies
• Birthday party ideas
• How to make a balloon arch
• Photo booth prop ideas

Frequently asked questions

When should you have a housewarming party?

About six weeks after moving in. The boxes have gone by then, but people are still curious enough to want the tour.

What is a good housewarming gift?

A candle, good coasters, a framed print of the house or street, or a hardy plant. By tradition, bread, salt and a bottle covers the first night.

Do you bring a gift to a housewarming?

Yes, but something small. A card and a candle or a bottle is the normal thing in the UK - nobody expects furniture.

How long should a housewarming last?

Run it as an open house across four or five hours in the afternoon so people can come and go, rather than one sitting everyone has to stay for.