housewarming party 101.

having just moved into a new home i know the first thing i want to do is have my friends over for cocktails, and share my excitement! and if you’re a first time renter, or homeowner there’s a few must-haves you might like to stock up on before friends and family start swinging by, or better yet — be prepared by gathering the accoutrement you need to host your first housewarming party! i like to have lots of white platters and trays on hand, because they mix and match well with anything — i find square ones to be a little more sophisticated looking. throwing a party always means adding fresh flowers, lots of candlelight and stringing pretty outdoor globe lights always sets a beautiful party scene. and if you really want to throw a bash, add a few paper lanterns and honeycomb decorations to liven the mood. boom! add a lovely cheese platter, nuts and fruit and mix up a great cocktail recipe and you’re good to go! looking for more easy decorating ideas? little green notebook has shared great decor ideas today, too, so you might want to pop on over there.

cocktail tools! a definite must — a good cocktail shaker, a strainer, and wine openers. i like to keep a couple of corkscrews on hand since they always seem to go missing at a party, right? and of course, cocktail glasses and wine glasses — start with at least 4-6 each of these. here’s my go-to list for great entertaining tools:

• cocktail shaker & strainer

• pretty cocktail and wine glasses

• corkscrew & bottle openers

• white serving platters & appetizer plates

• cheese boards & cheese domes

• cocktail napkins & festive straws