How exciting to purchase, renovate or remodel a home.  A housewarming party is a great way to celebrate such an accomplishment by opening your doors to family, friends and neighbors.

These housewarming etiquette tips will help you make a good impression as a host or guest.

Housewarming Etiquette for the Host

• When hosting a house warming party, try to give your guests as much advance notice as possible.  I suggest mailing formal invitations three weeks prior to the event.  Make sure to include directions to your home especially if you live in a new housing development that may not be reflected in a navigational system.
• Do not include gift registry notifications within your invitation.  It is improper to imply or suggest your guests bring gifts to this type of event.  It is okay to register at a home store, but only share this information when asked.
• In preparation for the party, make sure your home is nicely presentable by storing all moving boxes.
• Whether your housewarming is of a casual or formal nature, the expectation is that hors d’oeuvres or a meal will be served.
• During the housewarming, allow each guest to tour your home.  This can easily be done if you host an open house-style party in which guests stop by anytime during an allotted time span.
• It is likely that you will receive gifts to welcome you to your new home, but do not open them during the party.
• Send personalized thank you notes within a week or two to friends and family who came to your party and/or presented you with a gift.

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Housewarming Etiquette for Guests

• As a guest attending a housewarming party, always adhere to the general guidelines of party etiquette.
• Respond to the invitation in a timely manner.
• Be timely and greet the host upon your arrival.
• Be sociable, meet new people and do not expect the host to entertain you throughout the entire event.
• Congratulate the person on the new home and compliment the house, decorations or interior design.
• Even though the host is not to expect a gift, it is proper to bring a gift.  Housewarming gifts can include towels, kitchenware, a simple plant, a home improvement gift certificate, candles, wine or items from a store registry.  Most items for the home will likely be appreciated.  Present your gift discretely and do not expect the host to open it during the party.
• Before leaving, thank the host for inviting you and mention how much you enjoyed yourself.