Housewarming party ettiquette

[Aurora63]

Is the same etiquette expected of house warming party invitations as for wedding, in regards to gifts?

I ask because a very dear friend just bought a house. I got an invitiation for a housewarming party (which she is hosting), and on it, she put, "Monetary gifts or gift cards requested." My jaw literally dropped when I read that. I thought it was very tacky to even mention gifts. I feel as though she is hosting a shindig in order to get money. So I probably won't go.

So vote. Tacky or not?

 

[tar heel]

One of the tackiest things I've ever heard of. Is this person normally a rube?

 

[mickeyboat]

Tacky, tacky, oh so very tacky.

I would not be going. If I really felt I had to go, I would bring a bottle of wine as a gift, and probably drink it while I was there.

I thought housewarming parties were an opportunity to show off your home, not a collection.

Denae

 

[Bob Slydell]

Holy crap, that's one of the worst I've heard of!!

 

[anewvance]

That is extreemly tacking. I have never heard of anyone requesting monetary gifts or gift cards just for moving into a new house. I can understand having a housewarming party and people bringing a nice plant or bottle of wine but this is crazy. I would not go...

 

[powellrj]

I don't think I would be going.

 

[Tigger&Belle]

TACKY!

At our first house we had a housewarming and a few people brought us some small presents, but nothing big and we certainly didn't expect anything.

When we moved into this house (local move) we were smart--we didn't have a house warming party to show off our new house, but instead had our friends come help us move and they saw our house then. We did buy them pizza and beer and had a great time (and they didn't have to move the big stuff--movers did that).

 

[Lisa L from MI]

Is the same etiquette expected of house warming party invitations as for wedding, in regards to gifts?

I ask because a very dear friend just bought a house. I got an invitiation for a housewarming party (which she is hosting), and on it, she put, "Monetary gifts or gift cards requested." My jaw literally dropped when I read that. I thought it was very tacky to even mention gifts. I feel as though she is hosting a shindig in order to get money. So I probably won't go.

So vote. Tacky or not?

If I were you....and you do say she is a "very dear friend"....I would tell her that it was tacky...in more words or less....just to let her know you don't think she should have put that on the invite

 

[Southern4sure]

I always thought you had to bring a gift to a house warming party. Because of this I can't say it is tacky. I know I give a gift like matching piece of china or gift card to a home decor store and etc. I learn something new everyday from Dissing.

 

[UnderTheMistletoe]

That's terrible!

I don't think anyone should expect gifts becuase they've moved into a new home. Heck, most of us simply get cards for our Birthdays...

We're at an age where all of our friends are purchasing their first homes (well, I should day financing their first homes ). We usually send a card and take a small gift the first time we visit them, but that is becuase they're friends. If someone requested it, a card and a congratulations.

She should be wearing a brown bag over her head.

 

[ashjohnson80]

I don't understand why people are all requesting money and gift cards now. Can't you just be happy with whatever someone gives you (or act like your happy and then return it?). I didnt even think you were supposed to host your own housewarming, so I never had one.

 

[ChrisnSteph]

Tacky.

 

[DaisyD]

Not only tacky but I'd have to tell her that too. Since she is your dear friend you should really tell her that to even give a hint as to a gift is beyond crass. She might not like what I had to say but I would be dropping her as a dear friend anyway!

 

[Ava83]

If a housewarming party is being held and I am invited I would bring a nice gift, but asking for money on the invite is crazy tacky.

 

[beckmrk04]

Tacky Tacky....

We had a housewarming bbq- but it was more to show off the place! Some people did bring a card or a present, but we CERTAINLY didn't expect it.

And IMO you are NEVER allowed to request in writing what kind of gifts you would prefer.

Did these people have a bridal shower and wedding too? How much do they want? I mean, at what point do you have to buy your own stuff and stop expecting people to shell out for it?

 

[mickeyboat]

How much do they want? I mean, at what point do you have to buy your own stuff and stop expecting people to shell out for it?

And, since I'm sure we won't like whatever you pick out, monetary gifts, only.

Denae

 

[beckmrk04]

BTW, DISers, I have decided to have a spring-welcoming housewarming party, but I am sooo busy, I don't really have time to think about what I want each of you to get me, so if you could all just send $20 bills, that would save me SO much trouble! Thanks!

 

[Aimeedyan]

I think she just won the 'Queen of Tacky' title. That's over the top bad.

 

[liamsaunt]

Wow, I would be insulted if I got an invitation like that. It just seems so rude! If it were me, I definitely would not give her what she is requesting. I don't understand why your friend would think that it's OK to have this note on the invite. I've only heard of gift "suggestions" for bridal showers and weddings.

Here is a link to a website that has some descriptions of traditional and appropriate housewarming gifts: http://www.house-warming-gifts-and-traditions.com/

 

[lulugirl]

BTW, DISers, I have decided to have a spring-welcoming housewarming party, but I am sooo busy, I don't really have time to think about what I want each of you to get me, so if you could all just send $20 bills, that would save me SO much trouble! Thanks!

Do you accept Paypal?