A Housewarming Party?

[Julie]

My bestfriend wants to host a housewarming party for me after we are situated in our new house.... but I feel a bit like it is just asking for gifts, and that is definately not me.
Although I do NEED some new things... such as towels, pots&pans, bakeware, everyday dinnerware....a new toaster... and more ...etc.

When my husband and I got married almost 10 years ago, we didn't have a "public" wedding and didn't get many nice things.
Since I am moving into a nice new place, I don't want to take my cruddy "old" things with me.

What are general thoughts on this type of a "party"?
I am sure alot of people would enjoy seeing our home, but is it polite to call it a "housewarming" party. She even wants me to sign up at various gift registries, which I don't think I feel comfortable with???

She said she would send out invitations and host, so it wouldn't be like I was asking for gifts?

Any ideas?

 

[Denaluvscorgis]

I think it's fine!! I'm going to a housewarming party for a friend who just had a house built.

 

[Julie]

Dena,
I am not what you call versed in etiquette....... Lol

So is a guest expected to bring a gift to a housewarming party?
I would hate to have a guest feel like that is expected.

Did your friend sign up at gift registries?

How could I politely let friends and family know what I need, without sounding demanding? Or getting a wheelbarrow full of candles?

 

[Denaluvscorgis]

No...she actually requested "no gifts". I'm not sure what proper etiquette is to be honest. I'll do some investigation.

 

[Denaluvscorgis]

Ok..I just read some on line etiquette sites. They refer to housewarming parties and "celebratory" events and people should not be obligated to bring a gift. They recommend bringing flowers...a plant...an orament if a person really wants to bring a gift.

 

[Denaluvscorgis]

Ok...I just looked at another site that find it in "poor taste" to have a gift registry for a housewarming party. I hope this helps you out a little bit!

 

[otch1]

I say "go for it". A housewarming party is always fun, your friends get to see your new place and it's especially nice when someone is hosting it for you. I didn't register for gifts when I bought my house and had a party, as I believe a housewarming is considered an informal event. Most people know to bring a gift when they receive an invitation though. I thought it was usually up to the guest to decide what to bring, based on thier budget. Some people will bring a bottle of wine, while others will give those much needed Home Depot gift certificates!! Make sure you keep a list of who gave you what gift and then send those thank you cards! I lost my list and it got sticky trying to send a thank you note a week later. Congratulations on your new home!

 

[otch1]

Sorry posting at same time you were Dena. It takes me so long to type something!! Lol.

 

[ACooper]

Housewarming party YES!! I wouldn't register though........that would make me feel awkward.

Let the guests decide if they would like to bring something or not. While it's true you may not get the things you want/need, it will still be a fun time and you get to show off your house

 

[Denaluvscorgis]

Sorry posting at same time you were Dena. It takes me so long to type something!! Lol.

N/P

 

[Julie]

Thanks to you all....
I guess I feel better about letting my friend send out invitations etc.

BUT, just like I thought I will not register with any registries

I am also going to stamp "no gifts" on the invitations!

I just talked to my friend and we are calling it: Housewarming/OpenHouse Party. And visitors can visit anytime they wish during a Saturday from 11:00am until 8:00pm. With lunch being served at noon (hamburgers, hotdogs, etc) and supper being served around 6pm.(grilled pork tenderloin, with sides)........ and appetizers served inbetween.

Thanks for all your help!!!
Julie.