Housewarming Party... finally!

Last Friday, we hosted a housewarming party. Dan mentioned it in passing a month or so ago at the office and then was regularly hounded by people asking when it would be. We finally selected a date and sent out an invite. We requested that people RSVP by the Wednesday before so that we could properly budget the amount of food and beverages we would need.

Dan sent out an invite to the tax team (approx 60 people) and then we forwarded it along to some of our friends as well.

Team, 

My wife and I would like to invite you to our humble abode for a party on Friday 7 November. 

Menu: 
Carnitas (Braised Pork Shoulder) 
Brisket (Barbecued Beef) 
Hamburgers (Beef) 
Grilled Chicken Breast 
Other Snacks (pasta salad, hummus, cheese/crackers)
Beverages include juice, soda, and those of the alcoholic nature 

What to bring: Nothing unless none of the items above appeal to you.   

When: Given my proximity to the office - After close on Friday 7 November.  If you're able to attend, please RSVP by Wednesday 5 November 

Why: Because everyone has been so welcoming and friendly 

People started arriving around 6 or 6:30 that evening and by 7 there was a steady flow of people. Dan was man-ing the grill and it just didn't seem like we could put food out fast enough for the number of people. We ended up doing okay on the budgeting of the food but were way off with drinks. We didn't account for the number of people who wouldn't be drinking alcohol so we didn't have enough sodas and juices for everyone. Oh well, live and learn I suppose.

After people finished eating there was some dancing and people cheered each other on. Dan and I busted out our best "white-man dance moves" which got some good laughs from the crowd. Towards the end of the night they called us up to present us with a housewarming gift. The first thing Dan pulled out of the bag was a small bowl, which he promptly set on his head, getting a roar of laughter from the crowd. After the presentation, we thanked everyone for coming and most people left. A few stragglers stayed for another drink or two and then headed out.

25 people RSVP'ed so that's the number we used to buy stuff. The next morning Dan and I estimated there were probably closer to 40 people that showed up. One of his coworkers joked with him that he hasn't been here long enough yet if he was actually relying on the RSVPs to be accurate. Haha.

Here are some pictures from the evening:

More people outside on the balcony and in the kitchen

Housewarming Gifts