Moving into a new house is more than exciting. You may even want to scream your excitement from the rooftop. Although that’s an option, throwing a housewarming party is slightly more practical. Not only does a housewarming party provide you with the opportunity to show off your new space, but also to share in that joy with your family and friends.

Extend the invite 
When it comes to a housewarming shindig, regular party etiquette can be thrown to the wayside. Instead of keeping the guest list to just close friends and family members, extend the invite to neighbors and friends of friends. Inviting new people will help broaden your circle of friends, helping you feel right at home. However, be mindful of the season. If you’re hosting a party during the summer, your backyard can work well for the extra space needed for a large guest list. During the winter, you may want to reconsider extending the invite due to space constraints.

Create a theme 
When it comes to determining the theme, it doesn’t have to be elaborate. In fact, a simple theme can make planning the menus and decorations so much easier than not having one at all. Consider coupling your housewarming party with a holiday. For instance, if you go with a Labor Day theme you can use patriotic decorations and serve delicious barbecue fare. Or create a winter wonderland with festive snow-and-ice themed treats.

Skip the grand tour
Of course your guests will want to see your new space! Instead of giving one large grand tour, aim for individual house tours to people as you meet them. This will allow you to have a one-on-one chat with everyone. Often, the hardest part of hosting is making sure that you mingle with all guests—individual tours help to eliminate this issue.

Offer bite-sized appetizers 
Who doesn’t love finger foods? To keep the vibe of the party more casual, skip a sit-down dinner and offer a variety of appetizers. Displaying the finger foods on a few tables throughout your home or on the kitchen island will encourage mingling. Be sure to label each food so guests with allergies will be able to identify what they can safely consume.

Display a guestbook 
Set up a vibrant guestbook and place it by the front door. Be sure to ask your guests to sign it and add their contact information. Typically, a few guests will go above and beyond and provide new homeowner and neighborhood tips. Not only will a guestbook act as a tangible memory keeper, it will help you put a name to a face.

This summer, create a memorable housewarming party, but don’t forget to stop and enjoy the fresh start that comes with your new home.