A lot of people have been moving to the Lake of the Ozarks full-time! Weather they are new to the area, or moving into their summer home full-time, giving them a beautiful and thoughtful house warming gift can be a great way to welcome them to the neighborhood! John Elliott Interiors has some great ideas to help inspire you to find the perfect gift.

Traditional Housewarming Basket

In an older time, it was traditional to put together a housewarming basket for new homeowners to wish them good luck and happiness in their hew home. Find a sturdy basket and decorate the bottom with pretty paper or neutral kitchen towels. (Not only are they pretty, but they can also be useful in their new home!) Place the traditional items of baked bread, salt and pepper shakers, a bottle of wine, and a candle or two with a popular gentle scent. These gifts were the traditional choice because of the well wishes they were intended to bring upon the recipient's home.

• Bread
  "That you may never know hunger"
• Salt 
  "That you may always enjoy the spice in life"
• Wine
  "That you may never go thirsty"
• Candles
  "That you may always have light"

Useful Home Items

There are some items that are useful in almost any home. Even if your gift recipient already has one of these items, it never hurts to have a few extra. That may make these items the perfect gift!

• Basic Tool Kit 
  Having an extra hammer, measuring tape, screwdriver, wrench, etc. could be very helpful for a new homeowner just moving in and setting up their new home.
• Leftover Food Containers
  These always seem to vanish into thin air. Whether they have become too spaghetti-stained to continue using, or they simply disappeared from the breakroom fridge at work, it can be helpful to have a few extra containers on hand.
• Cozy Blanket
  Bonus points if you have several blankets arranged in a sturdy basket. During the colder months, your recipient and their house guests will appreciate having a few extra comfortable blankets easily accessible.
• Nice Hand Soap
  Get a bundle of fresh-scented foam pump soaps or handmade soap bars from a local boutique and tie them together with a pretty ribbon. Soap is something they will always need, and they will appreciate having a pretty soap to display in their bathrooms. 

Insights to the Local Area

If you are buying for someone new to your area, it could be much appreciated to provide information about the local area to help them settle into their new home. Put together a basket of your recommendations for local restaurants with their take-out menus, information about the neighborhood if you have a block party or get-togethers, and a gift card to your favorite local restaurant. They will instantly feel welcomed and more at home with such a personal gift.

Design at the Lake of the Ozarks

Welcoming the new neighbors into your community with a thoughtful gift is a great way to make a great first impression. As the best high-end furniture and home decor store at the Lake of the Ozarks, John Elliott Interiors in the best place to go for gift inspiration. We are here for you with professional design and decor you - and your neighbors - will love!