What is the best foods to use for throwing a small "house-warming" party?

Question

I'm trying to keep it on the less expesive side. There are about 10-12 people attending. Also am I suppose to have some sort of entertainment and what should I do? I'm sorry. I have never done this before. Please help. :)

Answer 1

If you are hosting the party for yourself - you just moved into a new house, apartment, etc., I would make your party a potluck. Everyone knows you're trying to save money, having just spent money on moving, and surely they won't expect a huge flamboyant celebration. You could provide the drinks by making a summery drink like strawberry lemonade (you can buy the powder and mix it up before) or just buy 2 liters of different kinds of pop. People will be coming by to see your new place, not expecting a meal.

Answer 2

The thing I have been doing lately for small parties is fried foods. I know their not the healthiest but they are easy and usually the best tasting. I have a small deep fryer and I usually do T-Ravs (a st louis thing), Popcorn Chicken, Mini Tacos, and others. I actually have my friends bring their favorite but that might not be something you do for a house-warming party. It gives you variety without having to prepare a bunch of stuff. The other nice thing about this is that if people are still hungry it only takes about two minutes to cook another batch.

As far as entertainment my two favorite games for parties about that size are "Catch Phrase" and "Like Minds" both games you can learn in about thirty seconds and will be good for some laughs, with catch phrase getting the edge in my book. Everyone can play at the same time and its the easiest.
And last enjoy the party, dont stress out or its not worth having it.

Answer 3

Since you're looking to keep things inexpensive, why not consider throwing a "cocktail" housewarming party? Just schedule for a time that people won't be expecting a full meal, like 3pm or 9pm.

I would prepare about three different appetizers, say meatballs in your slow cooker, a veggie and dip tray, and maybe some finger sandwiches. Because there are so few guests, you could even consider having a local restaurant or your grocery store deli prepare the food for you.

As for entertainment, just keep it simple! Load up your ipod, or turn the television to a music channel. Because its a housewarming party, showing off your new pad will be the showcase of the event, and you're guests probably won't be expecting too much else.

Answer 4

Finger foods, vegetables and dip, cut up fruit slices, cheese and crackers are inexpensive. Add in two hot dishes like little meatballs and a seafood dip in crock pots.

Set up a long table or counter with the foods. Put the napkins, forks, and cups on one end of the table. Make a punch bowl the centerpiece of the table.

For dessert, serve ice cream in cones.

I wouldn't worry about entertainment. Play some soft music on the stereo so people can converse.

An ideal time is 3-6PM. People will go home for dinner or a light snack.

Answer 5

I agree with everyone else, finger foods are a good choice. I've found the Jose Ole brand Taquitos go FAST. You can pick them up in bulk, and they cost around $10 a box. Make sure you take the time to oven cook them rather then microwave them.
Don't forget about drinks. You can go the easy route with soda and other adult drinks if you want, but add some flare to your party and pick up 2 two liters of 7-UP, and a tub of lime sherbet (or any other flavor sherbet for that matter). Scoop the sherbet in a punch bowl and add both things of 7-UP. Make sure you have cups near by and enough to make another bowl...this goes fast!
Make sure you take the time to greet all your guests as they come, and don't forget the tours! Good luck and I hope all goes great!!

Answer 6

Boil 3 diff pastas and have 3 diff sauces. Red, white( alfredo) and maybe a clam
Garlic bread slices and a veggie salad of sliced cukes,olives,zucchini,carrots with a vinaigrette dressing its marinated in for a bit

Entertainment...get some of those DVD games like Shout (movie music or sports trivia)or Deal or No deal split folks up into teams around the TV and have a blast.

Your not supposed to work hard for the party- you already did moving in and setting up. The party is to relax and enjoy the new place with friends

Answer 7

Dips- No cook dinner nutrition: 7 layer mexican dip Cheese ball, or cheese w/ Crackers and Grapes (continuously a huge hit for me!) vegetables w/ dip. Chips and salsa, guacamole Shrimp cocktail you're able to have a Fondu occasion!! Very exciting to your age group. (you're able to hold out a little prep paintings and cook dinner the fondu, or the shop sells the fondu cheese and you basically soften it and upload some ingred's) you will decide for a fondu pot (the two previous shaped or electric powered). you're able to do cheese fondu, or chocolate fondu. beverages: you additionally could make a million-2 super batches of a mixed beverages so which you dont must tend the bar or purchase a lot of liquor. additionally, you additionally could make sangria, and serve wine, etc. (i'm engaged on an elegant occasion website precise now, yet those are basically some suggestions.. you additionally can think of of a definite topic, ie; Cocktail occasion, and make some vast batches of martini's or cosmos.... or in simple terms pass with what you like! good success!)

Answer 8

I would do appetizers. If you do a quick search you can find many on the internet. Gather those that you think are interesting or that would fit the crowd and then look at the ingredients to determine the most cost effective. Depending on the group you can plan games - we did a trivia game at one of our parties or outdoor games if possible. I know it sounds kinda lame but we have had good luck with it. If you have a really fun group you could "personalize" trivia around the new home owner.

Answer 9

Finger foods are great for any party, but especially great for a House-Warming party! I attended a party once where the hostess had encouraged each guest to explore her new place by putting the different types of appetizers in each room of the house. It was so clever, and an excellent way to please your guests as they take a tour of your new pad! Congrats!

Answer 10

I did a shrimp platter, a meat and cheeses platter, hummus in a bread bowl with extra bread chunks, veggies and another bread bowl dip, and snacky stuff like pretzels and bread with a dipping sauce. And deviled eggs. We had about 20 people ranging in all ages and it was a hit. You don't need entertainment when people mingle. We just had country music on in the background.