What is Appropriate Housewarming Party Etiquette?
Whether you are planning a housewarming party or someone invites you to one, you might want to brush up on your knowledge of the topic. It is good manners to bring gifts, and typically, these items should be useful to the resident of a new dwelling.
Was A Housewarming Party Literally Meant For Heat?
Essentially, a housewarming party is a social gathering to celebrate a recent move to a new home. This occasion is also a time when the hosts may officially present their new place of residence to their guests. Although these parties can undoubtedly be formal, they are usually more relaxed and informal.
8 Housewarming Traditions from Around the World
The origins of the housewarming party reflect its name, as this occasion was meant to warm the home in a literal sense. Those invited would come with firewood as a gift, and the people in attendance would then build a fire to keep the place warm. The warmth from these fires provided the added benefit of staving off evil spirits.
Many of the traditions associated with housewarming parties are fascinating, and they vary across the globe:
#1 Painting the porch
In the southern region of the United States, painting the porch is meant to ward off spirits that cannot make their way across water. These are known as “haint” spirits, and thus, the paint color to use is a blue hue (referred to as “haint blue.”)
#2 Lighting a candle
On the first night spent in a new abode, many Europeans light a candle. Doing this adds warmth and light in the way that fire does.
#3 Gifting bread and salt
In Europe, bread is a standard item served at meals. Therefore, it is not unusual for guests to bring a loaf of bread to a housewarming party. Salt, once recognized as a symbol of prosperity, is another popular gift at these events.
#4 Ringing a bell
In places such as Tibet, based on the practice of feng shui, people will ring a bell to clear a room of dying or stagnant chi. In other words, this is a way of clearing out the bad energy in a newly inhabited place of residence.
#5 Tying a holy thread
In Thailand, it is customary to hold a blessing ceremony with an odd number of monks. The monks tie a sacred string around the wrist of every member of the household. It’s meant to usher good luck into the new home.
#6 Burning sage
This tradition has its roots in many Native American cultures. People burn dried sage to clear the energy in a new abode, as well as to protect the inhabitants from negativity.
#7 Boiling milk and rice
In India, the custom is to boil milk and rice as a housewarming ritual. By allowing the mixture to boil over in the pot, the residents are meant to ensure longevity and purity.
#8 Preparing a meal
The French term, “pendaison de crémaillère” means trivet hanging, and is what French people still call their house warming parties. In France during the Middle Ages, a big pot hung on the chimney in every home. When a new house people built a new house, they served a meal to the villagers who helped build it from the pot. Today, people in many countries carry on the tradition by serving food to their guests at housewarming parties.
How to Demonstrate Good Etiquette
If you are invited to a housewarming party, implementing proper etiquette is essential. Aside from bringing a gift, there are no etiquette rules specifically for housewarming parties today. However, you should be aware of what is considered polite at any party. Below are six tips to follow.
#1 Consider the feelings of others
Be aware that other people may be shy, and try to draw such individuals into polite small-talk if you can. However, you should allow others to engage, as well, rather than dominating the room if you are extroverted by nature. If you are a close friend of the host and it’s appropriate, you might help others find their way around and make introductions to those who seem lost or awkward.
#2 Leave your problems at the door
a party is a time for celebration. If your day hasn’t been great, use this as an opportunity to change your mood. Also, you should refrain from saying anything negative about the party or anyone who is there (or not there).
#3 Be a conversation artist
You may be surprised to learn that being a good listener is a big part of being a skilled conversationalist. Make it a goal to listen to others more often than you assert your own opinions. Try to discuss interests that you share with others there. As a rule, if you are unsure whether a topic is inappropriate, you should assume that it is and avoid it — also, practice ending conversations seamlessly and graciously.
#4 Cover the basics of party etiquette
Organizing a party is hard work, so help your hosts to minimize their stress. Be sure to RSVP your host as soon as possible, and don’t be late to the party. If you are the host, you should try to be well prepared, so you are free to enjoy the party as it is happening. Avoid food choices that are too complicated, so you don’t find yourself in the kitchen most of the time. If you are a guest, wait to eat until everyone has been served.
#5 Have fun and stay engaged
During the party, remember to put your electronic devices away so that you can be present and available to your hosts and the other guests. Mingle with people you haven’t yet met if you want to, and take time to engage at the dinner table. Keep in mind, however, that while you should certainly have fun, you should also refrain from indulging too much in alcohol and food.
#6 Know when to leave
Just as you should be punctual in arriving at the party, knowing when to make a polite exit is also essential. Generally, it would be best if you did this relatively quietly, so others don’t feel pressured to leave, as well. Don’t forget to thank your hosts, both at the party and afterward via a thank you note or email.
Best Types of Gifts to Bring
The type of gift you bring to a housewarming party may vary according to the circumstances. A recent college graduate moving into an apartment typically needs different things than retirees moving into a retirement condo.
There are common gifts most people appreciate, so these make great choices if you are at a loss for ideas. Baked goods and plants typically make good welcome gifts for people who have just moved. Household or yard tools are often useful for those who have recently relocated. Kitchen utensils, such as a baking dish, can make thoughtful gifts for both homeowners and renters. You might also bring essential oils, decorative soap, or an aromatic candle.
A housewarming party can be a lovely way to bring friends and loved ones together. There’s no better way to celebrate a recent move than by sharing it with the people you enjoy! Interested in learning to be a better host? Learn to be a better host and teach others by becoming an image consultant! Check out our training courses here and begin your exciting, new career today!