Housewarming party

A housewarming party is a party held on the occasion of moving into a new, purchased residence. It is an occasion for the hosts to present their new home to their friends, and sometimes for friends to give gifts to furnish the new home. [ [http://www.emilypost.com/questions/EmilyPostBestQuestionArchive2005.htm What Would Emily Do (WWED)?, “Best Question” Archive 2005] , Emily Post] Housewarming parties are generally informal; usually there are no planned activities besides a possible tour.

Etiquette

It is considered proper etiquette to invite guests to a housewarming party a few days to three weeks in advance. [ [http://www.emilypost.com/everyday/rude_situations.htm#12 Emily Post Institute—Invitation Etiquette] , Emily Post]

Gifts are customary but not necessary. They usually consist of something for the new house (such as a potted plant, a vase, or a picture frame) or something to be enjoyed during the party (such as a bottle of wine, a bouquet of flowers, or a Gift basket of foodstuffs).

Variations

* A housewarming party may be thrown upon completion of renovation or remodel.
* A housewarming party may be presented as an "open house" where people are free to come and go during a fixed window of time on a given day.
* A housewarming party may by many be considered taboo when moving into a leased/rented residence.
* A housewarming may involve a potluck meal.
* Some people invite all of their new neighbors to their housewarming. This allows the hosts to meet their new community.
* In some communities, neighbors may bring the housewarming party to the new residents to welcome them.
* When leaving a residence, some people host a house cooling party.
* While people try to host a housewarming party within the first 3 months, a lot of people wait until they are completely settled in. The time frame is flexible. Within a year is very common.

References