Congratulations on finding your new place! When is the party?! Hosting an apartment warming party is a great way to bring old friends together and meet new friends. Think of it this way: you get all of your friends in one place and friends get to shower you with cool stuff for your new apartment.

However, before the first of your guests arrive you have some planning to do. Here is a quick checklist:

Plenty of seating (it’s better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it)

• Plenty of hors d’oeuvre, non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks for your guests
• Be sure to plan for the dietary needs of your guests – some may eat vegetarian or vegan (What? Don’t look at me! They are your friends.)
• If you do plan on serving alcohol, be sure to make arrangement for everyone to get home safely or spend the night at your place.
• Be sure to have plenty of entertainment. Karaoke, beer pong, board games or recipe swapping, whatever you choose for you and your guests, be sure to keep them adequately entertained.
• For crying out loud, get a haircut, shower and a fresh change of clothes on. You’re a host – act like one! Be gracious. Be sure your guests’ needs are met.
• And remember, if all else fails, break out that batch of brownies. That will get things going.

So there’s a starter’s list. You have to own this thing. Make it epic. Add your personal touches to make this apartment warming uniquely yours.

Related posts:

1. Planning a Successful Apartment Warming Party
2. “Grown Up” Party Ideas (and for those who aren’t “fully grown” yet)
3. Simple But Often Overlooked Things When Having an Apartment-Warming Party
4. Hosting a Casual Wine Party
5. Apartment Warming Tracks: 15 Songs You Hadn’t Considered

Tags: apartment living, entertaining, first apartment, housewarming, housewarming party