When my husband was away from home for a one-month long business trip, I was busy researching for ideas for a welcome home party. He works so hard for the family and deserves the warmest, greatest, and sweetest welcome home surprise when he gets back. I tried the power of “Google” to look for ideas for a welcome home party but most of the suggestions I found were too generic. So I thought about what my husband would love to see after a long, exhausting work month and realized that it’s best to do what’s closest to his heart. From his favorite home-cooked meal along with a cold mid strength beer to DIY “welcome home” banners made by the kids the night before - there is a number of ways to make your husband feel loved and appreciated after a long trip:
1. Custom Neon Sign
The husband works hard to provide for the family and when he comes back he deserves a warm and sweet welcome home surprise. And what can be more fun than a novel idea of a personalized neon sign!
Custom Neon Signs can be designed and customized to your liking. You can add whatever elements you want, such as colors, shapes, your husband’s favorite anime characters, and words of encouragement, and you can even add loving pictures.
These elements are sure to put a happy smile on his face. Hang your custom neon sign in the most visible place in your home. This will allow your husband to discover the surprise you have prepared for him when he comes home, and he will also know how considerate you are. It is truly are loving gesture that takes time and planning to organize which will show him how much you care.
2. A DIY Welcome Home Banner
This is not revolutionary but I consider it as one of my best ideas for a welcome home party because of the amount of work I put into making this banner. I couldn't find any poster board here in China so I used eight sheets of A4-sized bond-paper for the banner. I “connected” them using double-sided tape. Using colored pens, I wrote: “Welcome Home, Daddy Jeff!” I used two strings (which I removed from the twins’ teddy bears) and used them to tie both sides of the banner to the wall. The moment Jeff opened the main door, he read the words and smiled … a really big smile!
3. Balloons Galore
Jeff celebrated his birthday in August, a few days after he arrived home. My Mom helped me with the balloons – we put some of them in the living room and a lot of them in our bedroom. Jeff was already surprised when he saw the banner. Imagine how wider his smile stretched when he saw the balloons in our bedroom!
4. A Bag of Gifts
The welcome home surprise didn't end there. On top of the bed was a paper bag that contained some little gifts that my husband needs but always forgets to buy. What’s inside the bag? Well, two of them are: an eye mask with cooling gel and hand cream.
5. A Personal Card with Lots and Lots of Pictures
Think Hallmark Cards; that’s us. I like looking for templates online, print them and decorate them with a lot of pictures. For Jeff’s welcome home card, I printed photos of our date nights, our family movie days, and the twins’ daily activities. I wrote a personal message too even with my terrible handwriting. The welcome home card has now joined the Father’s Day card on his bedside table.
6. Fresh Bed Sheets
While he was away, my husband kept on telling me about his “horrible bed that felt like a cold slab on my back”. So before I came home, I asked the cleaners for fresh bed sheets so his first night after the long trip will be as comfortable as possible. He didn't notice it but he slept really well that night. No complaints.
7. “Home” Food
Oh how he missed “real” food. Homesickness is a disease that we can’t avoid. We can catch it anytime, anywhere. Jeff had it bad. I diagnosed it before he even showed early symptoms. Two days before his scheduled return flight, I made sure his breakfast staples (slices of bacon, potatoes, eggs and skimmed milk) were ready for his mighty comeback.
8. Clean, Nice-Smelling House
Our home is a total wipe-out especially after the twins’ morning and afternoon playtime. It’s a real challenge to clean up after the hurricane that involved a lot of running, throwing (of toys), and moving chairs and tables. With the help of my Mom, I was able to keep the toys tidy (even for a just a short while) so Jeff won’t trip on his way from the main door to the living room to the bedroom. Everything was arranged and smelled nice when he arrived.
Do you have any more ideas for a welcome home surprise?
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are some simple decoration ideas for a welcome home party?
- Hey! You can never go wrong with some classic balloons, streamers, and a big 'Welcome Home' banner. Fairy lights add a fantastic touch too. And personal photos? Total warmth!
- How can I make the welcome home party feel personal?
- Absolutely, personalize it! Think about their favorite music, food, and drinks. Maybe a small photo slideshow or a video message from friends and family will hit the spot perfectly.
- Do you have any fun activity suggestions for the party?
- Oh, totally! How about a photo booth with silly props? A memory jar where guests can write down their favorite moments with the guest of honor could be sweet. And don't forget some fun games or even a karaoke session!
- What can I do if I am on a tight budget?
- No worries! You can still create magic on a budget. DIY decorations can be super cheap. Also, potluck-style parties where guests bring a dish can save on costs and add variety to the food.
- How can I make a welcome home party for my boyfriend feel extra special?
- Oh, you can do so many special things! Maybe a private dinner before the party or a scrapbook with your favorite memories together. Just make sure it's packed with all the things he loves and you'll be golden!