Just two weeks after we moved in, Chris and I just couldn’t wait to host our housewarming party! Thanks to my parents, we were able to unpack and and get the house ready for it’s first official gathering. I was a little nervous because it had been almost two years since I’ve hosted in my own home. Luckily, the rustiness came right off and we had an amazing time!

The Theme

For our housewarming party, our theme was an upscale alfresco picnic. We had local flowers throughout the space, white plates, cotton napkins, and simple glassware. We kept the table simple with flowers and lanterns (surrounded by oyster shells of course).

The Menu

Since it had been a hot minute since my last time as a hostess, I wanted to keep the menu deliciously fresh yet simple. The last thing I wanted to do was overwhelm myself at my first party. I stuck with recipes that I’ve made multiple times to the point that they were fool proof and stress free. My grandmother was sweet enough to make a side dish and dessert for me since I had to work the day before the party.

When deciding your menu, there’s a few things you want to keep in mind:

• Your Guests’ Tastes and Preferences
• Does Anyone Have Diet Restrictions or Food Allergies
• What Fruits and Veggies Are in Season
• How Much Prep Time Do You Have
• What Are Your Go To Recipes That Do Well
• How Do You Want To Serve
• Is This a Casual or Formal Party
• How Much Do You Need to Have Enough Food

Housewarming Party Menu

Limoncello Vodka Collins

Build Your Burger or Italian Sausage Dog

French Onion Dip with Ruffles Potato Chips

Deviled Eggs

Sweet Peppers Stuffed w/ Cream Cheese and Bacon

Panzanella Salad

Macaroni Salad

Grandma’s Homemade Pound Cake with Macerated Strawberries & Homemade Whipped Cream

The Panzanella Salad and Limoncello Vodka Collins were both recipes that I borrowed from Ina Garten’s “Cooking for Jefferey” Cookbook. I’ve made this Panzanella salad a handful of times and has always been a crowd favorite! While browsing her book, the Limoncello Vodka Collins looked like a really refreshing yet easy cocktail to serve. It was a huge hit with Momma and my Mother-In-Law.

The Timeline

9:30 am – Started Prepping Veggies

10:00 am – Boil Eggs and Started Assembling Panzanella Salad

10: 15 am – Let Eggs Chill in Ice Bath

10:30 am – Let Panzanella Marinate and Peel the Eggs

10:45 am – Make Deviled Egg Filling, place in plastic bag and store in fridge

11:00 am – Wipe Down and Set Up Outdoor Table

11:30 am – Momma Brings Dessert and Macaroni Salad that Grandma made the Night Before

11:45 am – Make French Onion Dip and Prep Stuffed Peppers

12:00 pm – Make Signature Cocktails

12:15 pm – Guests Arrive

12:30 pm – Place Peppers in the Oven, Serve Guests Drinks

12:45 pm – Chris Starts Grilling Burgers and Sausages

1:00 pm – Have Burger/Sausage Station Ready to Go, Place all Sides on Table

1:15 pm – Lunch is Served

2:00 pm – Make Homemade Whipped Cream & Serve Strawberry Pound Cake

It was only a handful of our immediate family that attended our housewarming party, but we still wanted to make it special and we had a wonderful time doing it! I hope y’all enjoyed this post as much as I did and let me know in the comments on your thoughts!

Happy Hosting Y’all!,