When I lived in Richmond, I fondly remember when someone new moved into the neighborhood, the tradition was to make an effort to visit them, bring a homemade southern dish, and introduce yourself.
Recently, I received a message from a fellow Farmington Garden Club member, who said she had received a request from a new neighbor who had just moved into a house down the street from me to join the Club. She asked me to reach out to the neighbor because she was unable to do so, due to surgery, and provided me with her necessary contact information.
Because my daughter from Berlin, Germany, is arriving in two days with her four children, it was now or never! I immediately reached out and asked if she could come for iced tea the next day. She could! So, I then asked a few more neighbors to also pop in at noon. With my busy lifestyle, impromptu gatherings have become my specialty—they tend to work well too, because people are often available! The house was already filled with flowers from a weekend of entertaining, along with some homemade lace cookies and smoked salmon nibbles. I just had to make the iced tea… one and done!
Hosting this impromptu tea reminded me just how valuable a warm welcome can be. I hope to inspire you to do the same for a new neighbor. Here are a few tips I've found helpful…
Start small and simple. While a cocktail party with couples is lovely, I prefer to begin with a ladies-only gathering. It's less overwhelming and helps the new neighbor remember everyone more easily.
Invite intentionally. Include neighbors who live nearby, members of any clubs that might interest the newcomer, and a few people of a similar age or with children of a similar age. Ten to fifteen guests is the sweet spot—any more can be daunting for your new guest.
Use name tags. Have name tags prepared in advance so you can hand one to each guest as they arrive. It makes introductions smoother and helps the newcomer remember names.
Create a guest list handout. Type up the names, addresses, and contact information of all attendees and place it in an envelope to give to the new neighbor as they leave. It serves as a simple reference and an instant “starter pack” to help them put a name to a face.
Follow up with your guests. Email the attendees afterward with the new neighbor’s contact info so they can easily stay in touch or offer further help.
Invite your new neighbor to arrive 15 minutes before the other guests. This will give you a chance to chat and learn a little about them so that you can share this information with your guests.
Add a personal touch to introductions. When introducing the new neighbor, mention something memorable about each guest, such as where their house is and something unique about it, a shared interest, or a fun tidbit about the person. It provides newcomers with a practical context and makes everyone feel more connected.
A little effort goes a long way in making someone feel genuinely welcome. And often, it is just a simple, impromptu gathering that begins the foundation of cherished friendships. Our historic village of Farmington is truly a one-of-a-kind gem, filled with the most charming and supportive friends. We all know how fortunate we are to live here… and to welcome in a newcomer!
Xx
Holly
PS: Please be a dear and invite a friend, or two, to subscribe HERE!
