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"

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.

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.

Food Containers for Leftovers
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.

Lake of the Ozarks Interior Design

John Elliott Interiors is all about making your life even more beautiful than it already is. We hope some of these ideas inspire you on how to make a great first impression with your new neighbors and help you turn your home into the house where everyone wants to spend their time. Come visit our store for design inspiration or give us a call to schedule a meeting with one of our designers! We can't wait to help you create the space of your dreams.