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Purchasing a home brings with it so many exciting emotions, and having a housewarming party is a great introduction to the celebration. So what on earth do you give someone that just purchased their new home? How about firewood? Ok, so not exactly what you had in mind. But before central heat, firewood was an excepted gift to “warm” the house and rid evil spirits from the home. Lucky for us, we now have central air so housewarming gifts no longer require fire, and Sylvia Brown can rid evil spirits, or at least that’s what she claims. Being that I am a designer (mythical creative creatures of imaginary folklore) people often look to me for ideas on what to give as a housewarming gift. Traditionally housewarming gifts are given during a housewarming party and consist of a vase, picture frame, food or wine. While those are nice, they are kinda boring and expected. I like to give gifts that are much more personal and unexpected. As a host, a housewarming party is held to show off her new home and a gift is presented to celebrate the occasion. Here are three of my favorite gifts:

1) Party Kit

Shop sweet lulu's

Homes are a great place to entertain, so why not give the gift of cheer? One of my favorite gifts for a couple is a party kit. Party supplies goes on sale after all major holidays so it is a perfect time to stock up. Select a theme that suits your host and refine your kit accordingly. It could be a cupcake party, Saturday B-B-Q, or movie extravaganza.  It gives your host an exciting opportunity to have a get together in his or her new home with friends and family. A starter kit also takes a lot of the hard work out of planning and preparing for their next party so your host only needs to fill in the blanks.

Where do I like to shop? Try Shop Sweet lulu’s full of super fun supplies, like SUPER fun!

Some of Amanda's favs!

2) Family notations

Calender of notations

In a time when electronic mail and texting are considered excepted forms of  communication,  simple thoughts in old-fashioned etiquette are often overlooked, and unexpected. As a busy professional myself, I fall into this very category of being overly busy, over scheduled, and never enough time in the day. Always a dollar short and a day late, I rely on posty notes of endearment from myself to remember important days. Um, did I mention that I have a tendency to LOSE posty notes? To help improve this dilemma for others, another one of my favorite housewarming gifts is a calender of notations. I purchase a beautiful calender that my host will enjoy and I fill it with important birthdays, anniversaries and days of signifigance. These calenders provide some sense of organization, and ensures that your host will always be prepared for the important days, for the important people in their lives.Where does she find the time?

Where do I like to shop? Try Linda and Harriet for charming stationary, calenders, invitations and personal notes of thanks .

Family notations

3) A guide to kitchen and home

Guide to kitchen and home

Getting settled into a new home brings a homeowner many new challenges. When Mr. B and I moved into our new home in TN, we knew very little about our new geographic location. Having both grown up in California, the South brought onto us many new Southern idiosyncracies that were commonly known amognst the locals but highly unknown to us. We were faced with racoons, humidity, and mosquitos. All of which we never experienced on the west coast. We also had no idea that baking in the humidity was entirely different than our previous climate. Having experienced this on my own, but having wonderful Southern clients to welcome me into this new world with grace, I started giving new homeowners a handmade book of helpful tips and tricks to surviving in the South. Tweak this idea to suit your host and you could include a guide to simple household management, your favorite easy recipes, and great gardening tips.

Where I like to start? Try this etsy shop to find great handmade books to start your handmade hostess gift.

A guide to kitchen and home

What are some housewarming gifts that you like to give?

Harley the cat

“I think a black and white cat is the perfect housewarming gift. We will provide you the skills necessary to owning a proper home.” ~harley

* The cat is the only animal without visible means of support who still manages to find a living in the city. – Carl van Vechten

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