Come see the new place

Housewarming

A housewarming plan that celebrates the home without turning the host into a tour guide.

For: 15–30 people
Pace: 3–5 hours

Plan the pour

Set the bar before the day gets busy.

Start with a practical estimate for guests, timing, cocktails, wine, beer, and zero-proof pours—then return to the details.

Use the Bar Calculator See the drink plan

The plan

Open house, good snacks, doors open

Make it feel like the best version of an ordinary night at home: easy, welcoming, and full of people who want to see the place.

Use a two-hour arrival window.
Set one self-serve drink station where it will not bottleneck.
Give a tour when someone asks; do not schedule one.

Drinks for this plan

The first thing in the glass.

Find another drink

Cocktail

Garden Party Mule

Vodka, cucumber, ginger, and a very cold glass.

Zero-Proof

Cucumber, Mint & Salted Lime Fizz

Bright enough for aperitivo, soft enough for a Tuesday.

Guest-ready timeline

The work, done early.

1 week before
Send an open-house invitation with a flexible arrival window.
Day before
Stock the bathroom, chill drinks, and clear one coat area.
2 hours before
Set snacks and label the drink station.
During
Refresh ice and clear plates every hour.
End
Turn on brighter lights ten minutes before you want to wrap.

Décor direction

Let the room set the tone.

Let the home do the work: flowers at the entry and candles in the living room.
Put a bowl by the door for cards or small gifts.
Use a printed room list only if guests are likely to wander.

Music & ambience

The feeling in the room.

Music: Warm soul, classic rock, and songs that make a kitchen feel full.
Lighting: Use lamps throughout so people naturally spread through the rooms.
Final detail: Place water in more than one room.

Food & menu

Feed people well.

Welcome

A big bowl of citrus, nuts, and chips.

Main

One sheet-pan sandwich, pizza, or a grazing board.

Sweet

Cookies or bakery bars that need no plate.

Beverage plan

Everyone gets a beautiful glass.

Plan quantities with the Bar Calculator

Cocktail

Garden Party Mule

A simple, friendly highball for a full room.

Make the recipe

Zero-proof

Cucumber Mint Salted Lime Fizz

Crisp enough to keep pouring all evening.

Make the recipe

Hosting how-tos

A host should get to have fun, too.

Keep coats, bags, and shoes from claiming the entry; it changes the whole welcome.
Use disposable cocktail napkins, but never disposable cups if you can help it.
Put the trash and recycling where guests can find them.

Shopping & prep