How to Have a Housewarming Party While Social Distancing

Celebrate Your Recent Homeownership and Hold a Housewarming Event from a Safe Distance

 

Congrats on your new home! There is nothing quite like buying a house. Owning a home comes with a unique sense of independence and pride that is hard to beat. Plus, now’s your chance to really make your house a home (something you may have felt limited in if you’ve been living in rentals up until this point).

 

While you may have initially been planning a big housewarming shindig to show off your new place to all your family and friends, the need to stay healthy and safe by practicing social distancing may have thrown a wrench in your plans. The good news is, there are still plenty of ways to celebrate your new home and practice social distancing at the same time. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

 

Take the Party Outside

Is the weather nice enough to comfortably spend time outside ? Then consider throwing a backyard BBQ! Having an outdoor get-together is considered very safe for keeping germs contained. Just be mindful to place tables and chairs away from each other so that guests can distance as much as they want. Looking to give house tours? Ask guests to mask up and take them through the house in family groupings. Once the guests have gone home, give your new place a thorough wipe down with disinfectant and open the windows just to be sure you’ve nixed any pesky germs that may be lingering.

 

Plan a Virtual Party

If the weather is crushing your outdoor housewarming party dreams or you’re not comfortable having a gathering in your backyard, then consider having a virtual housewarming party. Using a video chat application, invite all of your family members and friends to tune in at a specific time. Using your camera, give them a virtual tour of the house and encourage everyone to join the virtual party with snacks and their favorite beverage. It’s not quite the same as celebrating in person but it will certainly make for a fun and memorable experience.

 

Create a Registry

Home is where the heart is. But it’s also nice to have furniture and household essentials. If you’re transitioning from rental life, you may realize you don’t quite have all the things you need to make your house a home, such as curtains or appliances. Consider creating an online registry for your new home. This will help you keep track of all the things you need to purchase for your new house and - if your family members or friends ask if there is anything you need - you will already have a shoppable list in place. Chances are, even if you aren’t able to celebrate your new home in person, there will be plenty of people who are excited for you and eager to help you celebrate any way that they can.

 

Hold a Housewarming Week

Rather than gathering everyone together at once, dedicate an entire week as “housewarming week” and invite guests over in small groupings. Touring them through your house in small groups limits germ exposure and spread, plus you get to enjoy your celebration for an entire week. Win, win!

 

If this is your first home purchase, then you may be feeling a little overwhelmed by the change in lifestyle. Click on the button below to feel better informed on some of the lifestyle changes that come with transitioning from apartment living to home ownership.