Some dear friends are buying and moving into a new house, and I want to give them a nice gift. What are some traditional housewarming gifts? And what type of modern gifts are appropriate to give?
Those who has seen the classic 1946 Frank Capra film It’s a Wonderful Life may recall the scene where George and Mary Bailey (portrayed by Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed) welcome the Martini family into their new home and explain the meaning of their gifts: “bread, that this house may never know hunger; salt, that life may always have flavor; and wine, that joy and prosperity may reign forever.”
Modern slants on these classics can include a gift basket filled with breads, sea salt or flavored salts, wine, and maybe even a decorative wine stopper, festive corkscrew or a set of wine glasses.
Other symbolic items that can be given as housewarming gifts in a basket include flour (for the hope of plenty), sugar or honey (for sweetness in life), olive oil (for good health), coins (to ensure good fortune), a broom (to sweep away any bad spirits or bad luck), plants (to add life to a home), candles (to ensure light always fills the home), and wood (to provide peace, stability, and harmony).
“If the house is the first for the couple, there are many things you can choose for a gift,” says June Hines Moore of Little Rock, etiquette consultant, author and speaker (mannersandmoore.
com).
“It doesn’t have to be expensive, but your gift should be appropriate to their lifestyle and the house.”
Moore suggests items such as a small kitchen appliance, potholders, table trivets, place mats and cloth napkins, or candles.
“It is helpful to also know the color scheme and appliance colors of the house,” she says.
“If you doubt your choice of gift, you can call the lady of the house and ask if she has one of whatever you plan to buy.”
A gift of a box of notes and stamps would help the hostess with thank-you notes. If the season is right, an assortment of flower bulbs or seeds for gardening also makes for a thoughtful gift.
In general, gifts to new neighbors should be inexpensive and practical, while those for closer friends should be more personal and may cost a little more.
“For new residents, you can list recommendations for good pharmacies, dry cleaners, baby sitters, grocery stores, or car repairers,” Moore suggests.
If a housewarming party is held, those hosting the event are responsible for supplying finger foods and soft drinks or punch. If the gathering is a drop-in party, the new homeowners can open gifts as they arrive; otherwise, they can gather them in a designated area and open them all at once.
Do you have a decorating or remodeling question? We’ll get you an answer from an authority. Send your question to Linda S. Haymes, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, P.O. Box 2221, Little Rock, Ark. 72203; or email:
HomeStyle, Pages 35 on 12/14/2013