Bringing Housewarmings Back

Mr. O&O and I went to dinner at our friends' new house Wednesday night and we were totally blown away at how they've transformed it in a few short months. We had a blast chatting about all of their DIY projects, new neighbors, and furniture wish list. All of this house talk reminded me that moving is a huge deal! It is crazy expensive, requires a massive amount of time and effort, and is downright stressful. It is also a major life milestone, especially if it is a house. However, think about how we treat other life milestones: It is a given that expectant mothers celebrate with baby showers and blushing brides have bridal showers, but how many housewarming parties have you attended or purchased presents for, by comparison? New movers are just as excited, stressed, and in need of love and gifts as parents and newlyweds, and it’s time to take a stand!

First of all, to you movers out there, do yourself a favor and throw a housewarming party! People want to see your new digs, and it is a great way to announce your new address, get to know your neighbors, and give back to the people who likely helped you move. Understandably, after having just moved, throwing a party may not be the first thing on your list. I not-so-fondly recall the massive amounts of cleaning, unpacking, painting, DIYing, and furniture shopping I crammed into 2 months so I could have something to show at my own housewarming party, but A. I am a crazy person and B. It was SO worth it. I am a huge fan of working hard first so you can enjoy and relax after the fact. 

Two of our biggest projects we completed in less than 4 days (with help) when we first moved in

But crazy isn't for everyone, and people get that. Don’t feel obligated to obtain perfection before inviting everyone over – as long as your home is clean and presentable, there are places for people to sit, and you provide food and drinks, your friends and family will happily come celebrate. Also, here’s a tip for making it legit: Send invitations! Paperless Post has some darling ones, many of which are free. 

Now, for all the old friends or new neighbors of movers out there, give your new home-owning friends some love! If you've ever moved, you know how meaningful a small, special something can be when you are overwhelmed with empty rooms to furnish and boxes to unpack. Let me emphasize the word “small.” It is definitely not necessary or expected to go all out; a little will go a long way! One of my favorite housewarming presents was a personalized address stamp, which Paper Source happens to have on sale right now. Another classic gift is a set of luggage tags. Kate Spade has some darling ones you can write the new address on, or Shutterfly will personalize theirs for you. If you want something a little more personal, Etsy has some really unique ways to utilize a picture of a house. Mr. O&O and I just presented our friends with a custom sketch of their house. You can also get a hand-painted picture of the house on a Christmas ornament. On the flip side, if you are simply looking for something to take to a new neighbor’s house to welcome them to the neighborhood, try wrapping a bottle of wine in a new dish towel. 

The sketch of our friends' new house from the Etsy vendor

Do you have any go-to housewarming presents you love to give or favorites you've received? Leave me a note with your ideas! 

Ciao, 
    Victoria