How to prepare for a housewarming party

Here are a few things you’ll need to check off your to-do list before your guests arrive:

Stock your bathroom
Your guests are going to be coming in and out of the bathroom, so it’s important that you have plenty of toilet paper in there – you don’t want to run out! You should also hang fresh hand towels and put any clutter on your countertops or floors in cabinets or other storage areas. Think about lighting a few candles to set the mood for a comfortable ambiance. Choose a fresh scent to keep your bathroom smelling pleasant throughout the evening.

If you plan on having guests stay overnight in your new home, create a basket filled with bathroom essentials like soap, toothpaste, shampoo and lotion. This way, if they forgot something at home, they can feel at ease knowing that you’re stocked up on the things they need.

Clean your bathroom
Your bathroom must be perfectly clean before your guests arrive as well. First, vacuum the floor to remove any hairs or debris that may have fallen. Then, go through with a mop or a sponge and clean the surface of your floors, clawfoot tub and sink to keep them looking shiny and new.

Create a gathering space
Where would you like your guests to gather most of the evening? Maybe it’s your kitchen, or maybe you prefer that they hang out in your living room. Either way, you should be highlighting this room. Place appetizers and drinks on your kitchen island to draw guests in or light a fire in the living room to welcome all of your friends and family.

Keep your home looking clean
Gatherings and parties can sometimes leave your home looking a mess. But with the right prep work, you can prevent much of that mess from happening in the first place. For instance, if your living room has bright white carpeting, it’s probably best to serve white wine instead of red. You may also want to ask your guests to remove their shoes to keep your floors clean and free of any dirt. Make sure that you have a place to store their shoes, however. You don’t want to keep them in a messy stack by the front door. Instead, designate a closet for footwear or offer a big basket where all of the shoes can be kept for the remainder of the evening.

Keep an eye on lighting
The lighting in your new home can help set the mood for your housewarming party. If you feel that the lighting in a certain room is particularly bright or harsh, you may want to switch the bulbs out for softer, dimmer bulbs with a lower wattage. This way, your guests will feel warm and welcome, instead of feeling like they’re in an interrogation room.