OT House Warming Party or a BBQ

[GOOFY4DONALD]

My husband and I are buying our dream home (after many years in our small starter). We will be moving in in 2 weeks and after we settle in we would like to have our family and friends over for a nice bbq. I have been to a few house warming parties that seemed to be just (tacky) requests for gifts. We are not wanting to receive gifts we just want to have a nice evening. No matter what we call it most will assume it is a house warming party. How can we get the point across we are not fishing for anything but their company?

 

[Disneyliscious]

Just make it known when inviting them. I once sent out invitations that stated "No gift required, only your presence is requested". People still brought gifts anyway.

You could always say something like "We are thrilled to be in our new home and would love to share it with you. This is not a house warming party so please don't bring gifts. We just want to enjoy the company of our family and friends".

 

[GOOFY4DONALD]

Just make it known when inviting them. I once sent out invitations that stated "No gift required, only your presence is requested". People still brought gifts anyway.

You could always say something like "We are thrilled to be in our new home and would love to share it with you. This is not a house warming party so please don't bring gifts. We just want to enjoy the company of our family and friends".

Thanks for the suggestions. I was also thinking of doing all the inviting by phone so it more informal.

 

[monkey30]

What about a pot luck party or something in lieu of gifts?

Maybe make it a theme, like favorite appetizers, dessert something fun and festive.

Plus it sure cuts down on the budget you have to spend.

 

[GOOFY4DONALD]

What about a pot luck party or something in lieu of gifts?

Maybe make it a theme, like favorite appetizers, dessert something fun and festive.

Plus it sure cuts down on the budget you have to spend.

That sounds like a great idea...less work and $$ too.

 

[chris31997]

I think your best bet would be to do a potluck bbq. It will help with the food. Tell them you are providing drinks and meat and ask if they are willing to bring a side or dessert. I would not mention anything about house warming party nor would I say anything about not expecting gifts unless someone says something. It is a fine line between tacky on both sides By stressing the bbq, hopefully, they will get the hint

 

[snowmanlover]

My husband and I are buying our dream home (after many years in our small starter). We will be moving in in 2 weeks and after we settle in we would like to have our family and friends over for a nice bbq. I have been to a few house warming parties that seemed to be just (tacky) requests for gifts. We are not wanting to receive gifts we just want to have a nice evening. No matter what we call it most will assume it is a house warming party. How can we get the point across we are not fishing for anything but their company?

CONGRATULATIONS on buying your dream home!!

I am so glad you asked this question!! We moved in Dec. out of state to house #5!! It's not real far for family and friends and we want to have a get together (after our grass grows!). We DO NOT want gifts and I've been hesitant to invite people for this very reason!!

After reading some of the replies, I think it's best to not mention anything about not wanting gifts, unless they ask. I don't want them to bring any food either! If they offer, (they usually do) I will tell them what I am making and if they want to bring something that is ok, but not necessary. I usually make enough food for an army!

 

[disykat]

Although some people say it's tacky, I still prefer "no gifts please."

 

[Evi]

Personally its best to not put anything about gifts on an invite. You could put some wording along the lines of " After spending many years collecting to get everything for our home right, we finally got the the house." or something like this saying that you got the house and all the stuff you need but indirectly. personally don't make it a huge bbq make it a cocktail party with great bites to eat and a signature cocktail have some dancing make it fun. I take it your a little more mature let this party be the start to what people can expect when they come to your house for a party. You can pass the word out to friends and family indirectly that you don't want gifts. You know something meaningless but wordy about how you really hope no one brings any gifts because you really don't' want anything and if someone asks you directly or insists just ask them to bring a bottle of wine or a dessert that way they can feel they brought you something and your not stuck with it.

 

[GOOFY4DONALD]

Thanks for all of the replies. My DH and I have decided to have a BBQ in the middle of the afternoon so it will be more like an informal gathering for families. We are inviting people by word of mouth and not mentioning anything about a housewarming. If people do ask I will tell them that we don't want gifts. We are supplying all the food and even renting a jolly jumper (very reasonable in our area) for the kids. We are also want all our new neighbors to come so we can meet them.

 

[Suz D]

If you invited me, unless you called it specifically a "house warming" I wouldn't assume it was anything other than a party we were invited to attend. I'd just invite people to a BBQ and say nothing about the "new house" aspect of it.

I think the idea of inviting people over the phone is great. Just say, "We're having some friends over on July 10th and we'd love to have you join us". They may ask if they can bring something (I usually ask that). You can decide before hand if you want it to be a potluck or not.

Congrats on your new home!

 

[Jill in Chicago]

Inviting all of the neighbors is a great idea, but you will have to work very hard to make them feel included. What usually happens is all the "old" friends or all of the family hangs together. It's just easier to talk to people you know.

If the other neighbors all know each other, no problem, then they will form their own little group.

But if the neighbors do not know each other they will just stand there holding plates of food with no one talking to them. The majority of people are not good at walking up to strangers and starting conversation.

My big suggestion is to go up and talk to each neighbor and then pull them over to a group that knows each other, introduce, and then move to another group. It will make your company feel so much more included.

Or ask another friend/family member to do this.

 

[Maybelle]

sounds like you will have a great time!!

Congratulations!

We are hoping to be in the same boat sooner rather than later.

 

[Halle]

Do you have a fireplace? When DH and I moved into our new home we had a 'Bring a log Party' to help us warm our new home. It was great....people brought logs.....one was dressed to look like a baby...we also got a couple of delicious cheese logs. So happy that you have your dream home!!!!!!

 

[TheRustyScupper]

. . . I once sent out invitations that stated "No gift required, only your presence is requested" . . .

1) We did the same thing
. . . for our wedding (2nd for each of us)
. . . for a house warming
2) Yes, a few brought gifts.
3) But, most came and partied with us.

4) Our phrasing
"Please come and rejoice with us."
"We request your presence, but no presents."