What are some fun ideas for a housewarming party?

Come as your favorite TV mother and father. Like the Brady’s or the Cleavers, I’m sure there are more current ones but I don’t watch TV. Or even the Flintstones.

Also, what do you guys think of having some “before the renovation” pictures in a photo album so my guests can see the work that’s been done?

Do a slide show set to music, if you have a mac you can use iPhoto. Do you have a blank wall or somewhere you can set up a projector? (you can rent one or just play it on your computer or TV) Then have someone be the photographer and upload the pictures real time and everyone will be more interested in seeing the pics and themselves in their costumes in the new renovated house. Then you will have great pictures of the new house and your funny guests and good stories to tell.

How many people will be at this party? I like the idea of the album. Personally, I would not do a slide show and projector, because I don’t like to interrupt my parties where everyone has to be quite and have their attention on one thing.

If your friends and family are going to want to buy you gifts you could register for a few things, low in price, at Bed Bath and Beyond or Macy’s. Not that you should announce you are registered, but you could let your mom know, so if anyone comes to her asking what to get you, they can go to your registry.

The slide show can be playing continuously with the music. You don’t need to stop to watch it. It is just in the background. It can be in one of the rooms, doesn’t have to be in the main room, it will be an attraction.

@JLeslie I’m planning on having between 10–15 people. I’m trying to keep it somewhat small. Also, how do I nicely let my guests know that children aren’t welcome?

@jqlyn Good point. I did that at an anniversary party actually, I had my wedding video playing on a TV screen, but the music for the party was dance music totally unrelated to the video.

@ItalianPrincess1217 Since the party is so small, which I think will be very nice, you can write on the invitation “Smith and Family,” and have them RSVP how many will attend. Or, since it is small it will probably be easy to just let people know verbally that bringing children is fine. I assume it is people you are fairly regularly in communication with. Also, since you don’t mind if they bring kids it is kind of a non-issue. It’s when you want to exclude kids that you usually have to say something, but that might vary by family. My family would usually ask the host if it is ok to bring children, if it was not obvious, if they had young kids.

The slide show is a great idea but I think I’ll save that for my wedding :)