Feeding Frenzy

By annmom

February 22, 2008 12:42 PM | Link to this

I’m so glad you’ve broached this topic. We have just gotten new neighbors in the past week or so and I was debating the very same thing. I would like to bring something over to them, but the previous neighbor was unfriendly and not well-liked in the neighborhood, so no telling what he told the new owners about us. One thing I thought of might be to get together with another couple of neighbors and go over in a group. That way, if the new folks are unpleasant, it won’t feel quite so personal. There’s safety in numbers, right?

By Jane

February 22, 2008 1:27 PM | Link to this

If you chose to welcome the new neighbors with food then by all means do so. Common courtesy is never out of style. Plus, having lived in both types of neighborhoods - I much prefer the one where we were greated by neighbors and I had time to meet everyone and chat for a few minutes before getting back to unpacking.

By Gwinnett Mom

February 22, 2008 1:39 PM | Link to this

I recently moved into a large subdivision in Lawrenceville and was pleasantly surprised to find that neighbors do in fact honor this old tradition. One family brought over homemade cookies and the other a nice chocolate pie. I cannot put into words how this made my family feel. We look forward to returning the favor when we have new neighbors!

By jct

February 22, 2008 1:40 PM | Link to this

I think you should welcome new neighbors. I would nix prepared food though. I have severe food allergies. My neighbors welcomed me and my family with food four years ago. I could not eat any of it. I felt really bad. They were embarassed. I prefer to bring a fruit or vegetable (not cut up) basket. That we the neighbor can use not use as appropriate.

BTW, it did not hurt our relationship. We laugh about it now.

By PAC

February 22, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this

The gesture of greeting new neighbors is wonderful. However, I would steer clear of homemade foods. A basketful of fruit, a plant, or flowers in a vase appeals to me. As a vegan, I would be feel terrible not being able to accept a meal or food item kindly prepared.

By Becky

February 22, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this

I think welcoming people to the neighborhood is a great thing to do. Something other than food to take would be a nice plant or flowers..When my new neighbor (younger female) I took her a bamboo plant in a nice glass vase..

By JJ

February 22, 2008 2:28 PM | Link to this

It’s a dying tradition, but I still do it. As a matter of fact, a single lady moved in next door to me back on Thanksgiving, and I walked over about a week later to tell her welcome to the ‘hood, and introduced myself and my daughter.

I remember when I was young, there was always a “Welcome Wagon” lady that came when new neighbors were moving in. She would bring a nice basket, packed with household items such as toilet paper, local phone numbers, local restaurants, etc…….I’ve thought about re-visiting that custom…..

I figure if you bought your house, you and I are going to be neighbors for a very long time, so we might as well know each other. In my last neighborhood, we had several single moms and we all got together every friday night, and had “drive-way” parties. The kids would all play and we would all sit on one driveway and just hang out. I am still friends with some of those ladies, even though we have all moved out of that neighborhood years ago.

As a matter of fact, my mother is having people over this weekend, who lived across the street from us 45 years ago in Nevada. They haven’t seen each other all that time, but still communicate several times a year. They happen to be coming through Atlanta this weekend. This will be the first time they have seen each other in 45 years.

By Pam

February 22, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this

I think a live plant is a nice idea…something like a pothos, etc. that is easy to grow. A card is also a great way to welcome them…include your telephone number and address, so they know how to reply to say thanks.

By maybe not food but nice idea

February 22, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this

I think the welcome wagon idea is wonderful but I would agree with PAC, Becky and Pam - the last thing we overfed folks need is more food. People are always watching their weight and have dietary restrictions and it may not be the best thing. Why not something like some nice tea, a candle, a hammer and screwdriver (most people already have one but it’s the thought that counts), or maybe some coupons for nearby businesses or an emergency kit for power outages. You never know whether or not they can use the items - food allergies, candle/fragrance sensitivities, etc., but it’s a lovely gesture. A few years ago when a new neighbor moved in I made her up a little basket of teas, etc. and brought it over. She was very touched.

By robo

February 22, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this

I like to go to a new neighbor’s house and peer into their bushes like I am looking for something really horrible, and then scream loudly to my wife, “YOU CAN’T SHOOT STRAIGHT, NOW WE’LL NEVER FIND WHATEVER IT WAS THAT ATE JIMMY’S GOOD LEG!” Then, I look them straight in the eye and ask them in a stern, serious voice, if they heard anything or had found any blood splatters. After they usually stand there speechless, I quickly turn around and walk in zig-zags back to my house.

We love new neighbors.

By KLK

February 22, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this

We are blessed to have wonderful neighbors for 4 years now, and when a new person moves in on our cul de sac street (which is rare), we stop by to say hello and bring a plant, food or whatever fits what we think they would like. This gives us a chance to see “who” moved in and gives them a warm start, especially if they are new to town. We neighbors are there for each other in case of emergencies and to be social, but not nosy. It just makes for a better street and neighborhood relations. We all depend on each other for keeping the street good and keeping the comps in check. It’s easier to be a good neighbor rather than a horrible one :)

By Jeanne Besser

February 22, 2008 4:25 PM | Link to this

Already this has been so helpful. I forgot about bringing a plant or flowers as a welcoming gift. I associate so much with food, but I love having these alternatives. Since it’s just a couple moving in, the amount of cookies needed to seem generous,would probably be too many for them to eat, and I agree, you never know what eating constraints other people have.

By MamaS

February 22, 2008 7:24 PM | Link to this

I bring a fruit basket and a lot of restaurant menus for restaurants that deliver to our area. I know that when I moved the one thing I really wanted to know was where there was a GOOD Chinese restaurant that delivered!

By Kim

February 22, 2008 8:47 PM | Link to this

So now with all this thoughtfulness, I have to ask: What does it say about a neighborhood when you don’t get welcomed or really greeted in any way?

My family moved into our subdivision in Cobb County about 4 months ago — over Thanksgiving. So I thought, well this is a busy time for everyone.

But now it’s February and my kids have been in school and I have met people from there. But I haven’t met anyone from our neighborhood more than a wave. People seem older — empty nesters. But still I think it’s a little odd.

So I think anyone who wants to do anything SHOULD.

By Leigh

February 23, 2008 9:52 AM | Link to this

I think it’s a great thing to welcome a new neighbor whether it’s food, plant, candle, whatever. We moved into our home almost 9 years ago and 2 of the neighbors brought us a welcome gift. It was very sweet and I’ve done the same for the only new neighbor we’ve had since then.

By NICK

February 23, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this

Ask them to join the “Key Club”.

By Cindy

February 23, 2008 12:29 PM | Link to this

Hmmmm Nick, what neighborhood do you live in?

By Debbie

February 23, 2008 4:44 PM | Link to this

I welcomed my new neighbors with a bag full of treats and toys for their two boxers. It went over fabulously!

By nono

February 23, 2008 7:39 PM | Link to this

For those of you who have dietary restrictions, please take a moment to be tactful in your response to a gift of food and remember that it’s the thought that counts. Those of us who have severe food allergies—myself included—know darn well what we can and cannot eat. But we are in the minority, as are you if you are vegetarian or vegan (sorry but it’s true!). So, don’t be a scrooge if someone brings over a homemade meal or cookies that you cannot partake. The proper thing to to is to accept the gift graciously, send a kind thank you note, and not mention your diet limits—just act as if it was a gift from an in-law or your 95 year old grandmother living on social security—a gift is a gift. It’s not the appropriate time to embarrass your well-meaning neighbor and reject a gift. THAT will definitely not get you invited to the neighborhood cookouts!

By oh please

February 23, 2008 11:34 PM | Link to this

Amen Nono! What ever happened to go old common courtesy and manners. Graciously accept the gift and move on - let your non-vegan or non-allergic family members eat it. No one wants to be greeted by a whiner!

By Tim

February 24, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this

Absolutely not! People get too offended these days if you go against their religion or morals. Heaven forbid if you brought them something to which they are allergic. They’d be living in your house when the lawsuit was done.

By Bill

February 24, 2008 5:12 PM | Link to this

Welcoming with food can be problematic with regards to possible problems, be it allergies, medical problems or just general dislikes. We have made a hit with giving Jeanne”s book ” The 5:30 Challenge” as a house and welcoming gift. The working mothers love it!

By OTOH

February 25, 2008 2:59 AM | Link to this

I have always taken food to new neighbors, either dinner the day they moved in or desserts if I missed moving-in day. My new neighbors have always been enthusiastic in their appreciation. It is the thought that counts.

BTW: people are allergic to plants too.

By judy radovich

February 25, 2008 7:02 AM | Link to this

Definitely welcome the newbies if with nothing but a self introduction. However cookies or a cake is nice.Some people have coffees for the ladies but many now work so that could be difficult.We moved four years ago after being in the same neighborhood for 36 years and NOBODY said a word to me for two years. I finally made the first overture when I saw one of my neighbors in her yard. Needles to say, when the next person moved in, I was the first to take a cake over. At least when you see the neighbor passing, you kknow their name.

By Stewart

February 26, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this

I work in the hospitality industry and I always give any new neighbors food when they move in. I restrict it to a box of assorted fresh fruit because it is good for you and you never know if the new folks have an allergy or religious belief that would not allow them to accept an item containing nuts, beef, pork, fish, or grains (gluten). I have yet to find someone allergic to apples or a religion that does not allow the consumption of fruit.

By Milt

February 26, 2008 2:39 PM | Link to this

Wonderful thoughts and comments - and as diverse as we are. We all eat, so that makes food a good choice in my mind. I can kill plants faster than a vegan can throw out my food dish. I would still accept a well meaning gift of a plant from a neighbor. My practice, before bringing food to anyone for any reason, is to check with them. Will they be home? Are there foods they cannot or will not eat? What time would be best? Are they new to the area, or just relocating within the metropolitan area? As has been said before - It’s the thought that counts. Going over and greeting the new neighbors is what is important. With or without a gift of food - or anything else - stop by and welcome them. I like the idea of food that I have prepared. What is your preference?

By Maria

February 26, 2008 9:14 PM | Link to this

I moved into one neighborhood where I was welcomed after a month. 5 years later I moved again and everyone introduced themselves one day minus one neighbor who till this day has never said hello to me. I have always welcomed new neighbors with a cake or cookies and I really enjoy doing this.

By Maria

February 26, 2008 9:21 PM | Link to this

One thing I forgot to mention, when a neighbor moves should they not say by? I have always been hurt when I brought a treat when they moved in shouldn’t they say good by when they move? Or at least leave a card and of course it depends on how friendly you were. I am a very good neighbor. It makes me not want to welcome new neighbors but I do it anyway.

By FCM

March 13, 2008 12:40 PM | Link to this

I remember very clearly being 8 years old and a new family was moving in across the street. Mom and I took some fresh Chocolate Chip Cookies (her speciality) over to say hello. The neighbor invited us right in and by then end of the ‘chat’ (maybe a couple of hours) I wanted to be adopted by that family! The sons were visiting their grandparents but from the discriptions I knew that #1 Son and #2 Son were people I wanted to be friends with—or least follow like a lost puppy.

As I grew older, this family did indeed ‘adopt’ me as #1 daughter (a place I still hold though Sons are married to very nice women). I learned how to handle (plan/cook/clean) a large informal bbq/party for 50 or a small formal gathering of 5-10 (plus various levels of inbetween). I learned well what it meant to be a ‘hostess’ and make your husband ‘look good’. I learned this from both my mother and my neighbor….though as my mother often pointed out, sometimes I ‘listened’ better to my neighbor.

Now it is 30+ years later. They are still my parents’ neighbors and our ‘family’ more than friends. My children look forward to going over to say hello, and have even had ‘tea parties’ at the same house. I still call them my ‘other parents’ and they are addressed as Mother and Father (my parents are Mom and Dad). I am very,very blessed to have these people in my life.

Who knew all that would come from a plate of cookies?