People have housewarming parties for all sorts of reasons. Some people move in to a new house or renovate their old one. Some people have a party when they move so that they can meet their neighbors. People at the party will want to meet you and your family, and having them over to your house is a good way to break the ice and meet new people.

If you’re having a party at your new house, don’t worry about unpacking everything and making it look perfect. You probably want to have some snacks -- finger food is easiest.

One European and Russian tradition is bringing wine, bread and salt into a new home. A traditional housewarming blessing goes something like this:

Bread: So your larder will always be full.
Salt: To give it savour.
Honey: For a sweet life in your new home.

Another version is:

Bread: So you never go hungry.
Wine: So your life is always sweet.
Salt: So there is always spice in your life.
And a candle: So you always have light.

The roots of this housewarming tradition aren’t known, but it could be to symbolize that there will always be food in the home. It is also a tradition to give rice for fertility in Eastern countries.

If you are going to a housewarming party, you don’t need a large gift. Often, gifts aren’t even expected. If you want to bring a gift, you can cook something or make a nice card. You could also bring flowers or a plant. These are nice ways to welcome new neighbors.