Last Updated on 2 months by David Bergmann
Congratulations on your new apartment! Moving into a new home is an exciting time full of anticipation and new possibilities. A housewarming is not only a symbolic start to a new chapter, but also a great opportunity to bring friends and family together to celebrate this special moment. And when it comes to housewarming customs, there are interesting traditions all over the world that you can use as a source of inspiration for your own celebration.
In Switzerland, we have our own customs when it comes to housewarmings. Presenting housewarming gifts, such as a doormat for the new home or a stylish bottle opener, is common here. But first let’s take a look at how other countries celebrate the new four walls:
English-speaking room
In the United States, for example, the housewarming party is a big deal. Hosts invite friends, family and neighbors to admire the new home.
Some of the traditional housewarming gifts there are bread, salt, honey and wine – as symbols of prosperity, spice, sweetness and joy in life.
So why not prepare a small selection of home-made treats for the first house guests or even offer home-baked bread as a souvenir?
In English-speaking countries, it is also common to give gifts with a personal touch. For example, a chopping board engraved with the name or a special saying. A homemade gift such as a beautifully put together shopping basket with various delicacies is also well received.
Asia
In many Asian countries, gifts of money are given as housewarming presents. You can get creative here by designing a gift basket or gift box and wrapping a gift voucher or money in it in an original way. The idea is to bring happiness and prosperity to the new home. In China, for example, red envelopes are traditionally presented with money. “Hong” (stands for the color red) is associated there with happiness, joy and prosperity.
If you don’t want to or can’t give money, you can, for example, give tea sets or small bamboo plants to the new owner of the house or apartment.
Neighboring countries
And what about our neighbors in Germany and Austria? They also like to bring small gifts for the home furnishings to the housewarming party.
Board games are also very popular at parties in Germany and Austria. To thank your first house guests for coming, you can create a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere by playing classic German card games, for example, or give away small (preferably home-made) decorative elements as gifts.
DIY art pieces are also a great idea for party decorations. You can give free rein to your creativity and add your own personal touch. Homemade ornaments for the new home will then act as unique decorations that your guests are sure to remember!
Switzerland
But let’s not forget our own Swiss traditions! Bread and salt is – as in many European countries – also a popular housewarming gift in Switzerland, which is supposed to bring luck and blessings for the new home. The “daily bread” and salt, which were among the most precious possessions in earlier times, symbolize prosperity, sedentariness and community.
In addition to symbolic gifts, decorative items and furnishings are of course also welcome.
Beautiful napkins, wine glasses or an elegant vase, for example, could be a great gift to decorate the new kitchen. New placemats for the dining table or an elegant tablecloth can also make lovely housewarming gifts.
It is also a nice gesture to include a handwritten card with the gift, expressing your congratulations on the new home.
When planning the housewarming party, the decorations naturally play an important role. With DIY decoration ideas, such as homemade garlands or flower arrangements, you can create a great atmosphere that will impress your guests.
Also think about how you can integrate the different customs and traditions into your own housewarming celebration.
Conclusion:
Ultimately, a housewarming is about sharing the joy of a new chapter in your life and celebrating the moment with the people who are important to you. Whether you celebrate traditional customs or surprise with creative ideas, the most important thing is that you celebrate your new home together with friends and family.
We hope this article has inspired you a little and given you a few ideas for your housewarming party!
We hope you enjoy moving in and planning your own unique housewarming party!
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