Summer Housewarming Party Ideas & Recipes from a Realtor & Grillmaster
This summer has been exceptionally busy — and I’m incredibly grateful for all my past, current, and future clients who’ve trusted me with one of the biggest decisions of their lives. So, I figured it’s time for something a little different from the usual market updates and real estate tips...
Let’s talk housewarming parties — and grilling like a pro.
After all, when the moving boxes are finally unpacked and the yard’s ready, there’s no better way to break in your new space than with friends, cold drinks, and the smoky smell of the grill.
And since I happen to be both a Realtor and a Grillmaster… I’ve got you covered.
🏠 Hosting the Ultimate Summer Housewarming Party
Whether you’re celebrating your first home, a recent move, or just want to throw a backyard bash, here are some fun ideas to make your housewarming memorable:
✅ Keep it casual
Set up lawn chairs, picnic blankets, and folding tables. The best summer parties feel relaxed, not overproduced.
✅ Grill is the centerpiece
A hot grill and a cold cooler are your two party MVPs. Keep the food simple but satisfying — and be ready to show off those grill skills.
✅ Let guests explore
Give casual tours of your new home. People love seeing how others live — and it’s a fun way to show off all the hard work that went into getting settled.
✅ Kid & pet friendly
If guests are bringing little ones (two-legged or four-legged), set up a kiddie pool, water balloons, or a sprinkler to keep them entertained and cool.
🔥 Campo’s Favorite Grilling Recipes for Your Party
If you’re looking to impress your guests with a few signature dishes, here are some tried-and-true grill favorites from my own backyard setup:
🍢 Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Lemon-Garlic Marinade
-
Jumbo shrimp
-
Olive oil
-
Lemon juice
-
Minced garlic
-
Crushed red pepper
-
Salt & parsley
Skewer 'em up and grill for 2–3 minutes per side. Serve with a side of grilled baguette slices.
🍖 Slow-Smoked Baby Back Ribs
-
Dry rub: paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper
-
Low and slow on the smoker or grill for 3–4 hours
-
Finish with a caramelized layer of your favorite BBQ sauce
Fall-off-the-bone delicious. Trust me.
🍅 Pan de Tomate (Spanish Tomato Bread)
A nod to my Mediterranean side:
-
Grill some crusty bread
-
Rub with garlic
-
Rub again with a ripe tomato
-
Drizzle olive oil + sea salt
Simple, elegant, and perfect with wine or sangria.
🍗 Campo’s Chicken Wings — The Crowd-Pleaser
-
Marinade: soy sauce, lime, honey, garlic, a touch of sriracha
-
Grill until crispy and caramelized
-
Serve with ranch or blue cheese
Gone in minutes. You’ve been warned.
🍹 Bonus: Easy Summer Drink Station
Set up a table with:
-
Infused water (cucumber-mint, lemon-lime, or watermelon-basil)
-
A cooler of beer & hard seltzers
-
One pre-made cocktail like sangria or spiked lemonade
🧡 A Thank You From Me to You
This post is my way of giving something fun and useful back to all the wonderful people I’ve worked with — and to those I look forward to helping in the future. I know real estate can be stressful, but moments like these — the parties, the food, the laughter in a new home — this is why it’s all worth it.
So fire up that grill, open your doors, and make your house a home full of great memories.
If you need help finding the perfect place to host next summer’s party, you know where to find me.
Until then, stay cool & keep grilling.
– Frank "Campo" Campobasso
Realtor | Grillmaster | Backyard Party Consultant 😉
