The
tradition of housewarming parties probably began with cavemen bringing embers
from their fire to their friends new cave to "warm" their hearth. Gifts
from friends, family and neighbors may take the place of hot coals in modern home,
but the wonderful feeling of opening your new home to guests for the first time
is still as popular as ever.
The
traditional housewarming
gifts of bread and salt date back to the Middle Ages when
newlyweds moving out on their own were given the basic staples
of life to start their new household and bring luck to the new
home.
Bringing
sugar along on a visit to a friend or relatives new home came to signify best
wishes for a sweet and happy life...and in that regard you could never go wrong
with a gift of wine.
These
traditions are still alive. A housewarming brings good wishes and friendship to
warm the new house or apartment and thoughtful gifts to fill the rooms.
Green,
growing houseplants are always a popular gift and a phone call to find out what the
new kitchen lacks in terms of small appliances is a great way to make sure that
your gift will be used. Towels for the kitchen or bath make good housewarming
presents... Just about anything that gets used frequently makes a thoughtful gift
for new home owners.
If
you're hosting your first housewarming, make it a hit with a look at party tips,
advice and ideas, menus, recipes and more...
More about housewarming gifts & party ideas around the Web:
DigsMagazine.com - Housewarming How-Tos
- Is it tacky to sign up with a gift registry? (Yes.) And other practical, fun
and in-depth answers on housewarming and open house party traditions, along with
logistics and finger food recipes, tips on party themes, etiquette, and advice
on gift-giving clearly discussed over four pages. Keep clicking.
Ellen's
Kitchen - Get Out the Big Pots - Cooking for a crowd of 20 or more, with
tips and advice and complete recipes for supersized pasta and meatballs, macaroni
and cheese, baked chicken, mashed potatoes and more with related resources.
New
House Warming Party
- The housewarming party as the perfect excuse for pot luck dinner, with suggestions
on what to ask your guests to bring and what to prepare in advance.
Housewarming
Party Ideas - From ReasonToParty.com with suggestions on invitations,
food, party games and decorations.
Russian
Housewarming - A brief intro about ancient Russian housewarmings, followed
by a complete menu of recipes for finger foods, salads and more, plus how to make
traditional Stolichny
for dessert.
Counting
the Cost - Frugal Housewarming Gifts - Do-it-yourself, reader-contributed
ideas from around the house and kitchen, including homemade breads or cookies,
gourmet coffee mix, or a collection of your favorite recipes, more.