game night

I'll tell you right now, I absolutely love game night. Sure it seems nerdy, but a nice glass of wine and a good game of Scrabble really make me happy. So when I found out that Brooklyn based Mary & Matt created a Chocolate Scrabble bar ($6), I knew I had to order one right away. It's made from dark chocolate and is the full alphabet of tiles; it's absolutely perfect for chocolate month! Get a few and make your own Scrabble game. I call the Z tile, it's ten points!

Unlike a theme party, the decorations at a housewarming party don't play a vital role in the atmosphere. Don't get me wrong, you do need decorations, but keep it simple and elegant. The decor of the party should not disguise the natural look of your new home, but enhance it.

A richly hued tablecloth with mirror disks scattered over the top looks festive yet understated. For the centerpiece fill a large copper bowl with aqua colored floating candles. Place a large bouquet of white tulips in tall square vases in every room of your house. Tie brown ribbon around the vases, on door knobs, and the back of chairs. Set up a stainless steel standing champagne bucket and fill with ice. It is a game night so don't forget the games! Trivia Pursuit, Catchphrase, Pictionary, Taboo, Charades, Monopoly, or Apples to Apples are all fabulous selections. If you don't have games, ask one of your friends to bring over their collection. For music play mixes by Putomayo: Eurolounge, Latinlounge, Saharalounge, and Afrolatino are all great background tunes that are upbeat and exotic.

Much like the christening of a boat, to start the celebration off at your housewarming party, pop open a bottle of champagne and invite everyone to join you in a toast to your future in the new house. Guests can enjoy the glass as you show them around the space. Once the game night portion of the party gets started, offer an assortment of beers, wines, and a big bowl of "player's punch." Serve the watermelon punch in a pitcher because it will be easier to pour while playing games. Also be sure to pour the drinks in to real glasses (you registered for them so might as well use them!). A nice, light red - such as Beaujolais - or a crisp white unoaked Chardonnay will pair nicely with the pizzas. For those who do not drink alcohol, sparkling water on the rocks spiked with fresh watermelon puree and slices of cucumber or mint makes a festive and refreshing mocktail. You'll find the player's punch recipe after the break, so read more

During the walking tour around your house, place a few appetizers on side tables for nibbling while you discuss your artwork. After they have seen all of your gorgeous furniture and inspiring paint jobs, invite everyone into your largest room for a few rounds of your favorite game. Serve 2 types of crispy pizza - make several of each kind and cook throughout the evening - a white carbonara and a vegetarian eggplant are tasty treats perfect for munching while you play. Add a sweet finish to the evening by offering guest brownies decorated to look like dominos. The pizzas can be assembled in advance and baked later making them an ideal entertaining recipe. To see how simple it is, read more

While you may be tempted to bring out all of the stops for your housewarming party, I suggest that you take it easy in the kitchen. The house and decor should be the shining star - not the food. Still, delicious tasty bites are absolutely necessary. Start by purchasing a few of your favorite grocery store appetizers (I like marinated olives, nuts, and dips that can be jazzed up with fresh herbs) and throw in a few homemade appetizers. Small bites that can be eaten quickly and placed around the house are ideal. Blue cheese and chive celery canapes sound elegant, but are simple to prepare and popcorn shrimp with lemon aioli dipping sauce are irresistibly delicious. For these yummy recipes all you have to do is read more

A housewarming party is a fabulous celebration where you invite friends and family into your new/remodeled/just purchased/first home. This type of party is also great for newlyweds who may be feeling a little down after the excitement from the wedding has ended and the tan from their honeymoon has faded. A housewarming allows you the chance to show off your home and after the tour is over, gather guests into a few friendly rounds of old school games like Monopoly, charades, or Taboo. For step-by-step instructions on how to make fun house shaped invitations to a game night housewarming party, read more