Housewarming party...?

Question

My best friend got married at 18 and now, five years later, she is getting divorced. She kept almost nothing from their home, but just wanted out of the marriage quickly (wasn't a good situation), so now she is back at her mom's house. She has found an apartment she is moving into on Sept. 1 and I promised I would throw her a housewarming party. I think it would be good to celebrate something, and additionally, she has almost NOTHING for her apartment, so getting a few gifts would be nice for her, too.

Do these plans sound good for the party?

Date: Sept. 6

Time: 3:00 - 5:00pm (is that too short?)

Where: At her apartment

Invitations: I send them out with the normal info, but also include a little piece of paper saying where she is registered (only one or two places, like Wal-Mart and Target)

Food: Veggie, fruit, cracker and cheese tray, cucumber sandwiches, a cake

Activities: Music, opening presents, obviously... but what else?

Answer 1

I think it's tacky for your friend to registered for items for a house warming party.  It's not like she's getting married again.

I wouldn't mention that in the invite but if people happen to ask you can spread the word.

Your food menu is great don't forget the dinks.

Activites just socialize. This is a chance where she gets to show off her new place and new found freedom.

Answer 2

u cant make anyone bring gifts so i would not mention that

if people want to bring something to a housewarming its usually something little anyway like wine or a picture frame so she is not going to get a house full of furniture by asking people to bring her stuff

Answer 3

I agree with Lorrie L. At no time is it appropriate to state on an invitation where someone is registered. If someone asks, you can inform them that she's registered at Target  and/or Wal-Mart. If the people on the guest list know her well, they're aware of her situation and will respond appropriately.  

The menu and activities sound great - no need to pack a lot of activities into 2 hours.  

Answer 4

Housewarming parties are for new homeowners..if she is renting..it's not appropriate to ask people to get gifts by giving registry information.  People also usually bring a plant or a bottle of wine to a housewarming party..not household items.  It should not be a gift getting get together.  Now I'm not saying she should not celebrate but it's not really a "go out and register" event.  people who throw housewarming parties don't register at stores.

Have an apartment/single again party and most people will bring something anyway.

Answer 5

having a small party is a great idea and very nice of you!

I wouldn't register for gifts- it's a bit needy and tacky. I'm sure she got gifts for the wedding and people will wonder why she didn't keep any of it then and now she is asking for more. people knowing her situation will already know she may need stuff so they will automatically bring gifts or money, but don't ask for it.

your food sounds good but maybe add something with some meat in it like lil weenies, meatballs or maybe some sloppy joes. and open up the time to a bit longer like 7:00 so people can come and go freely without having to squeeze in a visit in that two hour time frame.

I'd suggest to not open gifts during the party also. Just have food, drinks, music, maybe a fun game or two like pictionary or charades (those are always fun for groups!)

Answer 6

Yeah, you shouldn't register her any where.

Everything else is perfect.

For activities, socialize. Let everyone settle before you break up the party w/ the cake or something.