Every housewarming party is not an elaborate affair. Many times it takes place on a much smaller scale, sometimes just one-on-one. Years ago, my wife and I were cheered when friends from Dallas moved to Albuquerque where we had been living for several years.
Some people treat housewarming parties as major events that must be incredibly successful. This is undoubtedly due to the desire to present their new house or apartment—perhaps the first they’ve ever had for themselves—in the very best light possible. But if you are not enjoying your party you are not creating an environment for your friends and relatives to enjoy it either.
My girlfriend and I attended a housewarming party for her best friend. The party was insultingly bad. I understand that getting the house in order is generally a work in progress when the housewarming party is held, but this was way beyond acceptable.
Let’s face it, while homemakers are anxious to show off their new digs to relatives and friends, they also hope to receive gifts to help furnish and decorate the house or apartment. I accept this and don’t mind a reasonably priced present to help them out. However, homeowners sometimes go all-out on a housewarming party as an incentive for the guests to ante-up with a nice gift and as a way to pay them back with a good time at the party when they do.