It’s Friday, and our minds are focused on the weekend! There’s no better time to host a small party in your new place, and hosting an apartment-warming party can be a great way to celebrate your new home and show it off. If you're on a tight budget, though, it can be a challenge to throw a party without breaking the bank. Here are a few of our favourite ideas for hosting a successful open house or apartment warming party on a budget!
#1: KEEP IT SMALLER
Nobody likes a party that is crammed wall-to-wall with people. Drinks get spilled, seats can’t be found, and things inevitably get broken. One of the easiest ways to save money on your apartment warming party and ensure everyone has a great time is to invite a smaller guest list. This will help you keep your costs down and make it easier to manage the party, and if you really put some thought into it you can ensure that everyone invited is a good fit.
#2 PLAN AHEAD
Set a budget and stick to it. Make a list of everything you will need and compare prices at different stores, you could save lots of money by going to one store for your entrée and another for your appetizers simply by doing your homework!
#3 INVITATIONS
It can add a dimension of elegance and class to take the formal route, so if you like the formality of sending invitations, consider making some DIY or even just using a digital invitation service. It’s a great way to market your party and add little hints, details, and flourishes that will make it seem like an even more attractive event.
#4 DECORATIONS
Use what you already have: Before you head out to buy decorations and party supplies, take a look around your apartment and see what you already have that you can use. This can help you save money and add a personal touch to your party. You can use things like streamers, balloons, and paper lanterns to create a festive atmosphere, and places like Dollarama and Giant Tiger will have lots of affordable choices!
#5 GET POTLUCK-Y!
Remember it’s an apartment-warming party, not a dinner party unless you have specifically planned it as one. That means that while beverages and light refreshments will be expected, you don’t need to go overboard. However, if you do want to make your apartment-warming into a dinner event, then save money and have fun by making it a Potluck! Instead of a housewarming gift, ask each guest to bring their favourite dish, after you’ve assigned a theme and a course to them (otherwise you can end up with three sides, two salads, ten desserts, and no main!)
#6 BE YOUR OWN ENTERTAINMENT
Maybe you have a friend who’s just great with Spanish Guitar, maybe you want to create a playlist that will match your party’s vibe perfectly. Whatever you select for entertainment, remember the wide variety of options available to you both cheaply and freely. If you do ask a friend to perform, ensure you’re not taking advantage of the friendship by paying them for their time.
#7 BYOB
Everyone has their own tastes, and while it’s a good idea to have a few basics like a bottle of red wine and a bottle of white, some beer, etc. to offer your guests, you can save more money by asking guests to bring their own preferred booze along. Let them know that you will have some beverages, but they will be limited so you’d ask each person to bring some of their personal favorites along to enjoy instead of housewarming gifts.
#8 USE DISPOSABLE DISHWARE: Not only do you prevent guests from having to take the one-way guilt-trip that inevitably follows breaking or chipping your friend’s favourite glass, but you’ll also save yourself a ton of dishwashing and stress by picking up some simple compostable, biodegradable disposable dishes.
#9 CHECK FOR APP DEALS: If you prefer to order, you can often find promotions and deals in apps like DoorDash, SkipTheDishes, and UberEats which can help save you money.
Wrapping up, it’s clear that with a little planning ahead; setting a budget; and being creative with your decorations, food and entertainment options, you can throw an awesome party without spending too much. Remember to keep it small and simple, and don't be afraid to ask for help from friends and family. At the end of the day, it's not about how much money you spend, it’s about how much time you spend with the people most important to you.