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Original poster

Welcome gift for new neighbours

50 replies

jenkel · 14/10/2021 20:00

We have always been fortunate with lovely neighbours, we are having some new neighbours shortly and I suggested that we buy them a welcome gift of a bottle of wine I just thought it was a really nice welcoming gesture, dh things it’s a bit cringey. Obviously dont want to come over as cringey or pushy, what’s others views?

OP posts:
TheLightSideOfTheMoon · 14/10/2021 20:04

I’d panic if a random new neighbour brought me wine. But I’m an introverted wreck.

Maybe someone more normal would love it? I don’t know.

hotmeatymilk · 14/10/2021 20:09

What if they don’t drink?

I think it’s a theoretically nice thing to do, but give them a bit of space before you do it. Moving day and its aftermath is stressful enough without a ring on the door, small talk, and The Neighbour Fear: are you going to be at the door all the time, peering over the hedge, a bit too close for comfort? (Not saying you are but if our neighbours had done this to me on our HORRENDOUS moving day it would’ve ended up on the news.)

WhyMeLord · 14/10/2021 20:12

It's a nice gesture. We moved recently and had a orchid and a card from the neighbours on one side and a card from the other. Really appreciated and made us feel very welcome.

Maybe not wine though as not everyone drinks alcohol. (I don't drink, but I dont get offended when people give us wine, it's still a lovely gesture and it's the thought that counts)

WhyMeLord · 14/10/2021 20:13

Give them a few days to settle in though

TroysMammy · 14/10/2021 20:14

I gave my new neighbour tomatoes and a cucumber from my greenhouse.

BasiliskStare · 14/10/2021 20:36

I think a little card to say " welcome and introduce yourselves in your own time " - even if never would be fine. I also think a bottle of wine would be fine - if they do not drink alcohol I am sure they would take it as a nice gesture. Or a packet of biscuits or anything to just say - welcome.

Ariela · 14/10/2021 21:08

I took a cake round, and a copy of latest parish newsletter (has adverts for local services & What's on which is what most people use it for)

Verbena87 · 14/10/2021 21:10

Our neighbours put a card through the door when we moved which was really nice.

Bluntness100 · 14/10/2021 21:11

My neighbours brought me a card and a bottle of champagne, was lovely. I was delighted,

Bluntness100 · 14/10/2021 21:12

I think a little card to say " welcome and introduce yourselves in your own time " - even if never would be fine

Don’t do this, I’d think fuck off if you want to meet me introduce yourself.

Chumleymouse · 14/10/2021 21:25

Yes it’s weird and cringy, just leave them alone and let them get on with moving in.

If neighbours came round and did this to me I’d think “shit “. They’re going to be the types that want to speak to you/ come round every time I leave the house.

Bluntness100 · 14/10/2021 21:30

@Chumleymouse

Yes it’s weird and cringy, just leave them alone and let them get on with moving in.

If neighbours came round and did this to me I’d think “shit “. They’re going to be the types that want to speak to you/ come round every time I leave the house.

That’s kinda in your head and has no bearing in reality,
Timetoretiretospain · 14/10/2021 21:36

@Bluntness100

I think a little card to say " welcome and introduce yourselves in your own time " - even if never would be fine

Don’t do this, I’d think fuck off if you want to meet me introduce yourself.

You sound horrible 👀
stevalnamechanger · 14/10/2021 21:37

Sounds lovely :)

Bluntness100 · 14/10/2021 21:45

You sound horrible 👀

You can’t put a card through someone’s letter box instructing them to come and introduce themselves to you.

How rude.

KeyErro · 14/10/2021 21:48

I think it would be a nice gesture. It's not cringe. But also not necessary.
I'd probably see if I liked them then give them a bottle for Christmas instead Grin

maofteens · 14/10/2021 22:47

I've just moved. After move in day I ran into my neighbour, who introduced herself and welcomed me and told me about bin day etc. Since she has offered to put my excessive amount of cardboard in her recycling bin - just neighbourly stuff.
On the other side I spied my other neighbours and introduced myself. Later that week I went round to borrow a tin opener. I've run into them a few times and we've had a chat about our fence and so on. Walking my dog I've had a couple other people say hi and asked if I've settled in... nothing intrusive just friendly. As I only once spoke to my old neighbours in 8 years this has been refreshing - so much for London being unfriendly!
Wait a couple days, then bring round a cake or something homemade (wine seems a bit formal somehow). Then just say you are around if they have any questions and you hope they are settling in etc, then leave. Seems a delightful way of welcoming someone without being intrusive.

BasiliskStare · 14/10/2021 23:21

@Bluntness100 - Do you really think putting a card through the letterbox so you don't disturb people and saying say hello in your own time if you want to is rude - I think the card is an introduction - Oh well - that's told me. ( I don't actually say come and introduce yourselves - more "say hello " ) I expressed that badly - my point was saying hello and leaving it to neighbours to choose their own time to introduce themselves or say hello.

But I shall take that on board

SylvanasWindrunner · 14/10/2021 23:22

Aww I'm an antisocial harpy but coming round with a bottle of wine would be much appreciated here! Very nice thing for you to do Smile

TheBlackArt · 14/10/2021 23:22

@Bluntness100

I think a little card to say " welcome and introduce yourselves in your own time " - even if never would be fine

Don’t do this, I’d think fuck off if you want to meet me introduce yourself.

Same 🤣🤣
BasiliskStare · 14/10/2021 23:32

OK I did not actually put come and introduce yourselves - it was more - meant to be your choice when you meet us not mine. People are busy when they are moving. & did say welcome in a card.

Clearly I am v rude. I apologise. Neighbours are all friends so they have bypassed my rudeness. I am very lucky

KloppsTeeth · 15/10/2021 00:56

I think it is a nice thing to do. I’m anti social, but good neighbours are worth their weight in gold, so we made sure we sent our new neighbours a card, with a list of the most recommended trades people in our area for most things. Plus bin day info. They were very grateful for a nice welcome.

Bluntness100 · 15/10/2021 07:17

[quote BasiliskStare]@Bluntness100 - Do you really think putting a card through the letterbox so you don't disturb people and saying say hello in your own time if you want to is rude - I think the card is an introduction - Oh well - that's told me. ( I don't actually say come and introduce yourselves - more "say hello " ) I expressed that badly - my point was saying hello and leaving it to neighbours to choose their own time to introduce themselves or say hello.

But I shall take that on board[/quote]
Yes, I do think it’s rudely written

Putting a card in and saying welcome, look forward to meeting you when you’ve settled in a bit, is fine

Putting a card in ordering them to come and introduce themselves to you is rude.

mumtoallbhoys · 15/10/2021 07:26

@Bluntness100

I think a little card to say " welcome and introduce yourselves in your own time " - even if never would be fine

Don’t do this, I’d think fuck off if you want to meet me introduce yourself.

Sorry why do you think this is rude? If I received this I would think it is someone quite formal (not a bad thing, just different to me) and they want to say welcome straight away but not doorstep me because a) I'm busy, because I am moving house b) I might not be the kind of person that wants to chat to neighbours.

I think on balance it is very considerate.

Personally I would wait a week and drop over with something but I wouldn't judge someone for taking a different approach.

hotmeatymilk · 15/10/2021 08:07

Only someone charging merrily towards insanity would interpret a CARD saying “welcome and introduce yourselves in your own time” as an order to do so.

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