How to throw a housewarming party in a small apartment (Utah-friendly tips)

You’ve found the perfect apartment on KSL Homes! Yay! Time to celebrate and show off your new place with a housewarming party. 

Don’t worry if your tiny flat seems a bit too cozy for hosting. The purpose of having a housewarming party — in a small apartment or large one — is to give friends and family a chance to congratulate you on your new digs.

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Host a housewarming party so friends and family can congratulate you on your new home.

Who to invite to a housewarming party

Maybe you don’t have a lot of extra room. That’s OK. Even a tiny apartment is large enough to invite a few people over. It just means you need to be a little more creative.

A housewarming party in a small apartment can easily feel crowded, so it’s a good idea to fine-tune your guest list. You could invite all your old neighbors, new neighbors, co-workers, etc. But this time, you might be happier if you limit your party to a few family members or best friends. 

Decide how many you can comfortably accommodate and choose your most wanted guests from there. If you don’t feel like you can fit everyone who deserves an invite, consider spreading out the festivities. For example, welcome friends on Friday night, then family on Saturday afternoon.

Housewarming party ideas on a budget

After paying your down payment and first month’s rent, you may be a little short on cash. Not to worry, you can still host a fun event without spending a lot of money. It’s all about strategic planning. Try these affordable apartment housewarming ideas.

Invitations

You could send a text, but why not make the occasion feel more special with an actual invitation? An e-vite won’t cost you anything, and it will be easy to track RSVPs. Be sure to include your new address and apartment number, along with directions if it’s a bit tricky to find.

Decorations

This is the easiest part. Your new apartment is the star of the show, so you don’t need to worry about adding extra decor. Set out some pretty flowers and you’re done. If that feels too minimal, add a welcome banner or hang some string lights.

Plan simple snacks to keep food costs down.

Food

It’s not a party without the food, right? Save money by serving snacks and appetizers rather than hosting a formal dinner. Just be sure your party is not around mealtimes, so no one expects your event to include one.

Some simple and affordable food options could be:

• Sliders: pulled pork or ham and cheese on a small bun
• Charcuterie board: crackers and cheese, meat, fruit, bruschetta
• Warm snacks: meatballs, spinach puffs, pigs in a blanket
• Dips: crackers, chips or veggies with spinach artichoke dip, buffalo chicken dip, etc.

If you want to serve a meal, you can save a little cash by enlisting your guests. If they are close friends or family, you may feel comfortable asking them to bring their favorite side dish to accompany your main dish.

Be sure to offer something to drink. You can keep costs down by using drink dispensers instead of providing individual cans or bottles. If dirty sodas are a must, set up a drink bar so guests can make their own. All you need is some seltzer water, a few two-liters and flavored syrups. Remember to offer water too, especially if your party is during Utah’s hot summer months.

Home prep

Plan all the serving essentials you’ll need such as platters, serving spoons, bowls, etc. Store them together beforehand so you (or your guests) won’t need to rifle through cupboards and drawers to find something. 

Also, keeping your guests in mind, check that your bathroom is fully stocked. Do you have adequate toiletries? Best to put out a new soap dispenser rather than hoping your quarter-bottle will last.

Find housewarming party supplies on KSL Classifieds

Activities

A tour of your new apartment is the essential part of your housewarming party. But talking about your excellent choice in shower curtains will only take a few minutes. Keep guests entertained with a few simple games you can play in your small space.

What’s the most common street name? What are canapes? Trivia, word scrambles and other such games with a home theme don’t take a lot of prep, but they give guests a great way to interact. Board games are an effortless, fun option as well.

Provide games to keep the party going.

How to maximize space at your housewarming party

Chances are, you don’t have enough furniture in your small apartment to accommodate all your guests. While not the fanciest, it’s OK to set up some folding chairs — even camping chairs — to give everyone a place to sit. A desk chair or bench from another room also works well. Feel free to ask guests to bring their own seats, if needed.

Make more room for chairs and people by clearing out clutter. Store any unpacked boxes in a closet or under a bed. Put away anything that might be in the way of traffic such as a footstool or a large plant. Pushing furniture against walls can also help open up your space.

Go outdoors

For apartments that really are too small to host more than a couple of guests, you could move the party outside. If you have a balcony, plan to use that space. Aside from the few cold months in winter, Utah weather is usually amenable for outdoor gatherings.

If your apartment complex has a clubhouse or common area, consider using it for the actual party. You can still take guests on a tour of your new apartment, maybe at the start or during your housewarming party. For a large group of guests, consider taking just a few people at a time.

A simple way to plan your small apartment housewarming party

There are no specific rules for how to host a housewarming party. You don’t need a big budget or loads of room. With some smart planning and good company, even a small apartment can be the perfect space to celebrate.

Still searching for an apartment to love? Read tips on KSL Homes on how to find the right place, and how to make your move go smoothly.

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