On housewarmings ...

My new space, while still in need of a catchy nickname, is finally ready for its close up. Well, as ready as it's going to get, seeing as I'm hosting my housewarming party this evening!

While there is much to be said about the decor, and my plans for the space, today I want to focus on the housewarming itself. A theme has been set - baked goods and booze, guests have been given directions, it's (mostly) cleaned to my satisfaction, the ingredients for my specialty cocktail - the New Beginnings martini courtesy the Cocktail Deeva - are chilling in the fridge, and these perfectly on-theme cupcakes are baked, iced and seriously tempting to munch on pre-party.

(Photo courtesy Kerry Wall) 

While trying to keep the whole shindig relatively low-key - it is, after all, the middle of the summer and I do have a few other things on the go - I also felt rather pressed for time. Having now been in my new home for a month, I wondered if I was hitting the end of the allowable time frame for a housewarming party.

However, after discussing my 'now or never' feeling with friends on a few occasions, I found that there don't seem to be any hard and fast rules.

Some agreed with my belief that it should be held within the first month or so, giving you enough time to get at least partially set up but not so long that everyone will have already visited your new space. 

Others argue that within the first year is an acceptable time frame, especially considering factors like long-distance moves and renovations. It's certainly true that no one wants to host (or visit) knee-deep in drywall dust.

So what do you think? Do housewarming parties have an expiry date? Share your thoughts in the comments and the front page poll (scroll down, on the left).

Comments

[Kerry]

It's totally good whenever you are ready I think! We didn't have our house warming party until closer to two months after we moved in! Loving the new place by the way and hoping you're incredibly happy there!

[Adil]

That is quite the snazzy little apartment Jen. Hope today's party is just the beginning of many fun times ahead.

[Laminate Flooring Gal]

Nice apartment you got there! Love the flooring and modern open space :) hope you are enjoying it, and that your housewarming party went well. I think that these types of parties should be hosted within the first couple of months, just because your friends and family are excited to see the new place and it's a good time to get the little presents that you may need to decorate.