Can you throw yourself a housewarming party?

yes, why not?

I'm so fucking sick of cheap, greedy looking for ways to shake-down friends and relatives.

Of course, you'll insist "No Gifts" in the invitation.

you all sound like a bunch of cunts. everyone loves a party, invite who you want for any reason you want. over.

OP: Guests feel extra special when told:

[quote]"Come, join me! Share the love of friendship! I am so excited about my new place and just want to share this joy with you! Please fill enclosed envelope with CASH ONLY (completely voluntary BUT PLEASE NOTE anything less than $100 will NOT get you in the door) and put a stamp on it and MAIL to the below address just in case the party gets cancelled for any reason (NO rain tickets or REFUNDS!). NO GIFTS! :)

Throw a party. Don't call it a housewarming. Problem solved.

Anyone can host a housewarming. I agree with R6 though, if you insist on labeling it, maybe refer to it as an open house or something that emphasizes a party atmosphere and not "give me free stuff." Unless... Is the purpose of the party to receive gifts? I haven't been to a gift seeking housewarming in a while, most people I know wait until the house is done to show it off, but I imagine it would be like registering for a wedding if you want gifts.

I'll bring my Death By Chocolate Lick Pops!

I had a friend who threw himself a housewarming and specifically requested tools for fixing up the house. Kelly was fond of bragging about the rental properties he was buying to flip. The party was well attended. He got no gifts, though I brought beer. He embarrassed himself in a way that is only fixed my moving far, far away.

Does the term housewarming automatically imply that you're looking for gifts. I think putting no gifts on the invitation is very tacky.

[quote] I think putting no gifts on the invitation is very tacky.

Not nearly as tacky as sending out an invitation for the purpose of getting them.

Anyone with manners will bring a gift when going to someone else's home. But that means a $20 bottle of wine; not a $600 Vitamix blender.

Why is us tacky, R10? Even you don't know if "Housewarming Party" means to bring or not to bring gifts.

Shouldn't you age out of some of the gift giving traditions? Anyways implicit in calling a party a "housewarming" is gift giving.

I think a "Housewarming" is only appropriate for your first place. And only if you are in your early 20s.

Couldn't you just wait for Ethel Mertz and Betty Ramsey to have a surprise housewarming for you?

Can I come?

R16 No

No, R15. Then I have to give Ethel a gift of those Hostess Pants I saw in Harpers Bazaar.

What are you afraid of OP? That Emily post is going to come knocking and arrest you for a faux pas?

[quote] Why is us tacky

That's right up there with "Why are straight me so stupid?"

No. Wait a couple of months and then asks select friends over for a get together. Do not use the word "housewarming" or any other thinly veiled suggestion you want free stuff.

Part of me feels like since I am never planning on getting married or having kids, if I ever buy a house, why shouldn't I get to register for and receive gifts the way other people do with showers? I will definitely need things. Of course, I would never do it, because I don't like being the center of attention anyway. Having a party and people bringing wine wouldn't appeal to me, because I don't drink and it actually would be more convenient to be registered because there's a lot of specific kitchen gadgets I want and don't currently have room for.

Create a Gofundme page, R22. You might mention on it that you wouldn't do it, except that life is so unfair.

R22 is a greedy, greedy bastard and deserves nothing. I hope when you were a child Santa left a lump of coal in your stocking.

[quote]if I ever buy a house, why shouldn't I get to register for and receive gifts the way other people do with showers?

Because you have your pride, your dignity, and your sense of propriety. Oh, wait, no you don't.

Yeah, r18. Those pants sure were bizarre.

R6 is rights. Just have a party at your new place. Do not call it a housewarming. Yes, that would be tacky.

R18 Just how big IS your potamus?

R6 is always right.

It is unfair. There is no tradition for single people who set out on their own, and of course they need household items as much as a young couple does. It took me nearly, as a single guy, 13 years to get plates and silverware and good towels and all that. However, that is the way our culture it. Accept it.

I agree with R14. Although these days people do seem to completely shameless in asking friends/family/strangers to "give me stuff!"

Technically yes it is. You NEVER throw any party for yourself, officially that is. This is why wedding invitations traditionally have the brides parents invite you to their child's wedding, even when they have nothing to do with it.

If you want to throw yourself a housewarming part and be within etiquette, simply have a friend send the invitations out and have him say he's hosting a housewarming part for so and so. He doesn't have to actually do anything.

In this day and age, there's barely anything resembling etiquette. Throw the damn party, and don't expect anything because you probably won't get anything. Be happy if anyone even considers getting you something, not that you'd know.

R2 Agreed. Such poor taste.