How to Word an Invitation When Hosting at Home

Why Hosting at Home Feels Awkward to Word (and Why That’s Normal)

Inviting people to an event at your own home can feel surprisingly uncomfortable. You might worry about sounding intrusive, too casual, or like you’re over-explaining logistics.

Here’s the reassurance: this discomfort is completely normal—and guests actually appreciate clarity. Clear, friendly wording doesn’t feel awkward to them; it feels helpful.

A well-worded home invitation does three things:

• Sets expectations
  

• Removes uncertainty
  

• Makes guests feel genuinely welcome
  

Let’s break down how to do that confidently.

A thoughtfully worded Sip & See invitation—often held at home—shows how clarity and warmth can coexist, guiding guests with key details while still feeling personal, welcoming, and intentional.

View this full baby meet-and-greet invitation

The Key Wording Elements Every Home Invitation Should Cover

1. Stating It’s at a Private Residence (Without Making It Weird)

You don’t need disclaimers or apologies. Simply be direct and warm.

Why it matters: Guests want to know what kind of space they’re arriving at.

Including a home address on an invitation is standard for private gatherings and helps guests feel prepared and confident about where they’re going.

Good wording options:

• “We’re hosting at our home…”
  

• “Join us at our place…”
  

• “Celebrating at our home in [neighborhood/city]”

Avoid:

• Stiff or outdated phrasing (“The residence of…”) unless a more formal tone suits the event
  

• Apologetic phrasing (“It’s just at our house…”)
  

You don’t need to explain why it’s at home—just state it comfortably.

2. Arrival Time & Event Flow

Let guests know whether timing is flexible or structured.

Helpful cues to include:

• When to arrive
  

• Whether food starts at a certain time
  

• If it’s okay to come late or leave early
  

Examples:

• “Arrive anytime after 6:30 PM—dinner around 7.”
  

• “We’ll be gathering from 2–5 PM, drop in when you can.”

This prevents:

• Early arrivals while you’re still setting up
  

• Late arrivals missing key moments

3. Parking Notes (Short, Reassuring, Optional)

Parking info is appreciated—especially in neighborhoods or shared driveways.

Keep it simple:

• “Street parking is available.”
  

• “Please park along the curb.”
  

• “Our driveway will be open.”
  

If parking is limited, say so—but neutrally:

• Limited street parking—rideshare encouraged

No need to over-detail unless parking is genuinely tricky.

4. Entry Instructions (So Guests Feel Comfortable Arriving)

This is one of the most overlooked details—and one of the most appreciated.

Examples:

• “Ring the doorbell when you arrive.”
  

• “Come through the side gate.”
  

• “We’ll have the door open—just come in.”
  

It subtly signals: You’re expected here.

5. BYO Wording (Without Sounding Cheap or Apologetic)

BYO can still feel thoughtful and intentional if framed correctly.

Casual & warm:

• BYO favorite beverage
  

• Feel free to bring a bottle you love
  

More hosted, less transactional:

• Wine welcome but not expected
  
  

• Light bites provided—bring your drink of choice
  

Avoid:

• Overly blunt phrasing (“Bring your own alcohol”)
  

• Anything that sounds like a requirement instead of an option

Tone Guidance: Getting the Voice Right

How Formal Should It Be?

For home-hosted events, friendly clarity beats formality every time.

• Use complete sentences—but conversational ones
  

• Skip stiff language and etiquette-heavy phrasing
  

• Write the way you’d explain it verbally to a guest
  

Matching Tone to Event Type

• Dinner party: Warm, intentional, slightly polished
  

• Housewarming: Relaxed, welcoming, low-pressure
  

• Birthday or celebration: Energetic, clear, upbeat
  

• Casual gathering: Short, simple, no over-detailing
  

Your invitation should reflect how the event will feel once guests arrive.

A stylish, casino-inspired birthday invitation set with classic black club motifs—perfect for a poker night, card-themed party, or game-night celebration hosted at home.

View this full casino birthday invitation set

Practical Wording Examples

These wording principles work equally well for printed invitations and digital invites—the key is clarity, not format.

You don’t need to include every detail—just the ones that help guests arrive feeling comfortable and confident.

Example 1: Casual Dinner at Home

Why it works: Clear timing, relaxed tone, no over-explaining.

“We’re hosting a small dinner at our place on Saturday at 6:30 PM. Come hungry! Street parking is available, and just ring the doorbell when you arrive.”

For similar gatherings, browse our Dinner and BBQ Party Invitations.

Example 2: Housewarming Party

Why it works: Welcoming, celebratory, and reassuring.

“Join us for a housewarming at our new home! Saturday, March 16th from 2–5 PM. Come by anytime—parking is available along the street, and the front door will be open.”

Looking for designs that fit this tone? Explore our Housewarming Invitations.

Example 3: BYO-Friendly Gathering

Why it works: Confident, optional, and guest-focused.

“We’re hosting at our home this Friday at 7 PM. We’ll have food covered—feel free to bring a drink you enjoy if you’d like. Please park on the street and come through the side gate.”

Example 4: Sip & See at Home

Best for: First baby, close friends & family
Why it works: States it’s at a private residence and reassures guests with a relaxed flow.

“Please join us for a Sip & See to meet baby [Name].
We’re hosting at our home on Sunday, April 14th from 1–3 PM.
Drop in anytime—we can’t wait for you to meet them.”

Looking for designs sip and see parties? Explore our Sip and See invitations. 

Example 5: More Polished Dinner Party

Why it works: Structured but still warm—no stiff language.

“Please join us for dinner at our home on Saturday evening. Guests are welcome to arrive at 6:30 PM, with dinner served at 7. Street parking is available, and we’ll greet you at the door.”

For more elegant gatherings, browse our Dinner Party Invitations.


Hosting at home doesn’t require perfect wording—it requires clear, comfortable communication. When you state details calmly and warmly, guests feel welcomed, not imposed upon.

If you’re planning another kind of at-home event, you may also enjoy browsing our other home-hosted event invitation designs for inspiration.

More Tips for Your Event Invitations

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Inner vs. Outer Envelopes: Do You Still Need Both?

How to Word a Surprise Party Invitation (Without Ruining the Surprise)

What to Write on a Details Card for Invitations

Should We Allow Plus-Ones — and How Do We Say It on the Invitation?

How Do I Politely Say “Adults Only” on an Invitation?