How can we host a gift-less housewarming party?

Dear Polite One,

My husband and I recently moved into a home we built. We've been married for over 35 years, and although we want to host a housewarming party, we don't need anything. We'd like to just have friends and family come to see our new home and socialize informally. Every time I mention the idea to others, they ask where we’re registered. The thought of registering for this seems crazy. How can we host a housewarming party without the invitees feeling obliged to gift shower-like gifts?

Feeling Odd

Dear Feeling Odd,

This shower-like syndrome has made this sweet party more difficult to host. It's unfortunate. There is no reason you can't still host this as a housewarming party. You may have to verbally inform your guests that it isn’t a shower though.

This fad of registering for most everything is crazy, though. People are also registering for their birthdays, graduations, and retirement parties now. The store chains promote it, so people think it is correct to do so. I really have my work cut out for me.

Enjoy your new home!

Sincerely,

The Polite One

More by The Polite One

Don't Register for Housewarming Parties!

Perfect housewarming gift!

Stop Torturing Friends. A Housewarming is Not a Shower!

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