The wish to welcome – and be welcomed by – new neighbours is something anyone moving into a new home can relate to. Here are three ways to do it, inspired by traditions from different parts of the world. What’s your favourite welcome?
Sharing bread with new friends
Giving bread to a newly arrived neighbour is common in many regions. In Finland, the tradition is combined with the Finns’ bread of choice – a dark, multigrain type of rye bread. The gift is accompanied by a measure of salt, signalling friendship or prosperity.
Long-lasting gift wrapping
A fresh loaf of bread requires careful handling. A tea towel takes care of it all: a nice package, breathability to let out excess moisture – and a bonus gift that will outlast its contents.
Your origins served on a plate
Being a big country, China has many regional cuisines. When moving to a new place, it’s sometimes customary to invite the people living on the same floor, and serve something from where you come from.
A Chinese tea party
Serving an entire meal can be a challenge, especially if you’re unsure about how many will come. Why not go for a tea party instead? Quick and easy to adapt to the number of guests, and bound to go well with, for instance, your favourite grandmother’s-recipe muffins.
We love to see our customers get creative with our products. Go for it! But please note that altering or modifying IKEA products so they can no longer be re-sold or used for their original purpose, means the IKEA commercial guarantees and your right to return the products will be lost.