This past weekend I went to a friend’s housewarming party. In this post I wanted to introduce you to this expression as well as American traditions around housewarmings. First of all, let me define this word for you.

housewarming (n): a party celebrating a move to a new home

‘A housewarming’ or ‘a housewarming party’ is usually held within 3 months of moving into a new residence (a housewarming can be held in an apartment, condominium or any type of home, not just a “house”). A housewarming party is an occasion for the hosts to present their new home to their friends and new neighbors, and for friends and neighbors to give gifts to help make the new home feel warm and comfortable. Small gifts are commonly given. House warming gifts often include: small potted plants or flowers, a vase, a picture frame or food and drink that can be enjoyed during the party, like a bottle of alcohol, appetizers, or cut flowers. Originally the appropriate gift for a house warming was a piece of wood! This is because the term housewarming used to literally involve the act of warming a new house. Each guest would bring firewood, and guests would help build fires in homes’ fireplaces to make the new home warm for the family living there. Aside from just warming the new house, this was also believed to protect against evil spirits by creating a warm happy atmosphere.

If you are invited to a housewarming party in the United States you should know that these parties are usually informal, people often take a quick tour of the new home and then talk and interact with the other guests. There are no specific activities, but food and drinks for people to enjoy. This type of party often goes on for 4-5 hours with guests coming and going at different times, and not all staying for the whole length of the party.