New neighbours - how can I make them feel welcome?

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cheri

Yes it is wise to know your neighbors - we don't visit, just talk when we see them outside, the new neighbors might appreciate some help, just ask them if you can help in any way

Res

That is such a good idea. I would definitely not take along a bottle of wine or any alcohol for that matter. For all you know they could be non drinkers in which case YOU would create a bad impression with them. Nobody could possibly be against, a pretty plant, fruit basket or cookies. In addition I would use a subtle trick. Allow them the option to make contact themselves. What I mean is, wait till they are not home. Take over the plant and/or fruit basket, cookies with a little welcoming note and leave it at their doorstep 'as though' you came over and found nobody home. They are then in a position where they have the option to come over and thank you or not. (If they do, you have the chance to sum THEM up and mention the problems with the previous neighbours.) If they in turn leave a basket of fruit, at your front door, while you are not home, then it is stale mate.

But it depends on whether you are living in a house/townhouse or flat/apartment. Different rules apply.

Nakynak

I have new noughbours, they moved in three months ago. I did not even realise that the house was sold until they introduced themselves to us with a nice CAKE..

They came in a bit early, I was still in my PJs. But I enjoyed the cake. Hmmmmmmmmmmm Yummy........

Slipper man

I think it is a great idea - I have lived in my house for about 4 years and I still dont know 1 of my neighbours - SAD SAD SAD

If not cookies a nice pot plant or bottle of wine...

I like it...!

Snorkie

Rooikop my neighbours and I are good friends, what you do is take a massive chocolate cake and a bottle of wine. They will not forget.

Reb Da Rebel

Awww, thats sweet!! My neighbours dogs are the only ones familiar with me and it isnt the best of relationships. On two occassions they tried attacking me, after having asked the owners to keep them in the yard and not the street or our yard. I told the one dog i'd have it put down (of course I didnt mean it), maybe thats why it camps outside my gate every night, but I think if I bake the owners some cookies (which they'll no doubt throw to the dogs), we'll better that relationship....

Skyli

Braai and drinks always works, (if they drink of course).
In Zim we had some lovely neighbours move in. At first we were not sure what to do either but my mom baked some cookies and took them over, they chatted for ages and my mom invited them for a braai on the Saturday they were so happy and felt really welcomed by us. They really appreciated it and thanked with a braai and drinks at their house the following weekend.

My mom and the wife become good friends. They used to watch our house too when we went to Kariba and we did the same. They are the only neighbours my folks would really trust. We still e-mail them as they are still in Zim.

Headtater

Here in the US, we just bring over a small gift like you said, introduce ourselves, and offer and assistance in the future. After that, we usually just engage in small talk and general conversation if we ever run across each other. Most people in the US aren't best friends with their neighbor, just acquaintances (if they even know each other in the first place).

peekaboo

I think your idea sounds wonderful. Its always good to have a good relationship with your neighbours.

We had a burglary at the house we're living at before even having moved in, so we met the neighbours when they came to see if everything was okay.

Bull's No 9

I've never seen that done in South Africa although it seems to be the norm in the U.S., unless that is only customary there in the movies.
I for one wouldn't mind at all if my new neighbours welcomed me with a plate of rusks or oven baked biscuits, no harm in that.
I find neighbours in South Africa today to be exremely unfriendly, I basically ignore mine and they ignore me.

Banoodle!

when we moved into our new house our neighbours affered to help us unpack our stuff. My mom wasnt to keen on that but afterwards they invited us for a braai. The its just good manners to invite them again...and then them. and then you

after a while you become really good friends with them. My neighbour always used to bake me and my bro chocolate muffins. it was great.

now when ever we go back we always make sure to go visit them since they hav become like our best friends =D and it all started with one braai. if they dont invite you back then you know that its not your fault but they might just not wanna be friends

cakes

Buy the very best vintage of muti, and take it to them! Ha, ha.
Wine is a problem if they donÂ´t drink, or you buy dry and they like sweet. Cake is good, but what if they are diabetics? Perhaps a pot plant that does not need too much care, or a lovely bunch of flowers.

insane_mad_maniak

help them out with showing them were all the shops and local stuff are, helping them move there stuff in. i think the hands on approach usually bonds people better as you would be part of there move, giving a gift dosnt have the same effect anymore.

wrecked_2477

Now why doesn't it suprise me that bully boys neighbours ignore him.

Gerald Crawford in Stellenbosch

Go and introduce yourself offer to help with things need doing and give your telephone number.

TheyLie

buy hard liquor and invite them at weekend. You could end up having sex.

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