A family is in the process of moving into the house next door and I'd like to do something to welcome them but I'm not sure what to do. I'm sort of shy so these things don't come naturally to me. I'm pretty sure they're from our town so they don't need info on schools or restaurants and shopping, etc. Should I just take over a plate of cookies and introduce myself?

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Cecilia

"We must love them both--those whose opinions we share and those whose opinions we reject. For both have labored in the search for truth, and both have helped us in the finding of it."
Saint Thomas Aquinas

We are on a military base, so we are constantly welcoming new folks. I think it is so nice that you are welcoming your neighbors - you wouldn't believe how many people stay locked up in their homes and don't even make an attempt. If they have kids, cookies are almost always a welcome treat. One neighbor brought me a small plant and attached their names, address, and phone number in case I ever needed anything. A pizza coupon is nice for busy people unpacking boxes. One church used to bring apple pies to newcomers. Our welcoming committee used to take a fresh loaf of bread from the local bakery. I would be sure to stay just long enough to introduce myself, tell a bit about the neighborhood, and ask if there is anything you can help with. That way, they know you care, but won't feel like they have to entertain you. Great neighbors are a welcome treat when you move in!

I normally will take a basket of fruit or a plant to welcome a new neighbor to the neighborhood. If they have kids I will take a plate of cookies along with it.

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Angels may not come when you call them, but they'll always be there when you need them.

I always make brownies (everyone likes chocolate...well, almost everyone) and I put it in a nice basket with some ghirardelli hot cocoa mix ans some loose assorted chocolates.

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Proud to say I haven't shopped at a Wal-Mart since Sept 2003

A plate of cookies or brownies would be nice or a quick/sweet bread. Also, a thermos of Hot Cocoa too. Some paper plates, cups and paper towels so they do not need to worry about dishes while they are unpacking. I would also include your name, address and telephone number.

I made up a basket of two coffee cups, some assrted tea bags and flavored coffee singles. Then I threw in a bunch of menus from places that delivery in our area. I lined the basket with two new dish towels. They loved it!

I love the coffee basket ideal..Trying to locate which box has your coffee pot in it is a real pain I'll have to do this next time.

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Angels may not come when you call them, but they'll always be there when you need them.

I always make a container full of cookies with a card with my families name and our phone number inside.
Since our neighborhood has started doing a neighborhood newsletter again I also take a copy of that to them.
(There are 2 houses on our street that just sold so I will be baking soon!!)

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John 14:1
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I was amazed when we moved in to this house that the Italian woman across the street brought me a pot of home made spaghetti and meatballs. Boy, was that good! Another neighbor brought a plate of cookies and a letter introducing themselves and giving me their # in case I ever needed anything. Really nice!

I took a batch of brownies to the latest family to move in.

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I love these ideas. I guess I'll be doing some baking tomorrow since the kids don't have school and I won't be on a tight schedule. Thanks for all the good ideas.

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Cecilia

"We must love them both--those whose opinions we share and those whose opinions we reject. For both have labored in the search for truth, and both have helped us in the finding of it."
Saint Thomas Aquinas

It's such a nice gesture on your part. When we moved in our house over the summer, three different neighbors brought something over. I think it was cookies, brownies, and spaghetti. Really is so nice to be welcomed like that and they will never forget it!

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I don't suffer from insanity, I enjoy every minute of it!

When we moved in here over 10 yrs ago, a neighbor sent over chocolate cupcakes with green frosting. I was just so pleased by the gesture, I didn't care what was sent. Very nice of you to do this.

A plate of cookies is a wonderful way to introduce yourself. That way you get to know them and if you want to know them better you have a nice long conversation and perhaps invite them to dinner. If you find they are not your type of people you say Have a nice day and you have at least made an acquaintance and can say Hi when you see them.

I felt not good when I moved into the neighborhood and nobody even bothered to come over and say anything. I have always been the one to bring the cookies and lemonade over and people do appreciate it.

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The political system is broke and it's a joke.

I always make cookies and a list. I put on the list which trash company is the cheapest, which grocery store has the best prices, closest gas station, where a 24 hour store is and other little ideas for saving money or time.

I don't usually bring the list over until I have talked to them more than once. That way they don't think I am a nut. Everyone seems to love "the list".

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cmemaloy@yahoo.com


I'd rather be hated for who I am, than loved for who I am not.

Life! is a coin. You can spend it anyway you wish, but you can only spend it once.

Your situation sounds like ours. It is sad... We are always the only ones who give out a plate of cookies to all of the neighbors at Christmas time as well. We really do not feel very welcome here and I think it might partly be due to the people who owned our house before us. We never knew them but I guess they were 'something else'... Oh well. It is a safe neighborhood and close to the school. We do feel blessed in that respect.

In response to the OP, it sounds like you have a very nice idea. Take a few deep breaths before knocking. I am sure that they will be very pleased with your offering. No need to be shy! It may turn into a nice friendship.

besides the goodies and local info,.......a couple of rolls of tp, paper towels, a couple garbage bags and some aspirin are always needed but hard to find in the move stuff.

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everytime I close my eyes I see the nails, I hear the cries! He did not keep Himself away! He walked a mile in my shoes........