We all know someone moving into a new home or apartment. They invite us over to see their new pad and we'd like to share their excitement with a gift- but we haven't been there...don't know their colors...what to bring? What's the etiquette?
The number one rule of gift giving: Give the recipient something that you want them to have!! Sound simple? It is!
The number two rule of gift giving: Gifts are never mandatory!!
What do you own that you really enjoy using? A wine bottle opener that really works could be added to a favorite bottle of wine for a lovely gift. A
cocktail napkin holder with
napkins to cover different themes or holidays is useful and the color doesn't matter. If you have a
recipe book that you rely on regularly, find another copy and wrap it up.
Keeping track of your home projects is a lot easier with a project organizer file that keeps receipts, proposals and wish lists orderly. This is a great, unique gift for the do-it-
yourselfer.
If you're bringing food to the party, buy a new serving piece, use it to present your food and leave it as a gift for the hostess or host. A neutral color
choice is good if you don't know their colors.
If they are downsizing, a gift that will be used up is always appropriate: gourmet nuts, specialty coffee, or
something sweet. Whatever you think they'd enjoy!
Candles with a light scent also fit into this category. A box to collect carry out menus is fun, particularly if you've filled it with some of your favorite restaurants.
If you haven't much cash in the bank, a handmade gift from the heart is worth a lot. Bringing a dinner for the frazzled new home owner is a really thoughtful gift. Homemade cookies are a real treat. If you have pictures of
the host/ hostess at other fun occasions, print them out and make a small album.
If you're invited to an Open House, that is usually an opportunity for friends and family to stop by and see the new place. With flexible hours, you can drop by anytime the open house is going on. Most people agree that a gift is not necessary but should be viewed by that host as a pleasant surprise.
A Housewarming Party has a little more structure to it. Like a shower, a housewarming party "warms " the new home with friends and gifts. Although some people have a registry for their housewarming party, you should never feel obligated to pick an item from a registry. ( Most people that I've polled are really turned off by the idea of a registry for a housewarming party.) Here are some symbolic gifts to start you thinking.
A bottle of wine symbolizes a wish for joy and happiness in your new home.
A gift of a broom will sweep away all the evil!!
A gift made out of wood symbolizes strength and stability.
A houseplant symbolizes life. (Not a good idea if the recipient doesn't have a green thumb.)
A gift of honey brings to a new home the sweetness of life.
A loaf of bread and a container of salt represents a wish for prosperity.
