DEAR MISS MANNERS: My husband and I purchased a new home -- hooray! It’s only 12 minutes down the road from where we currently live with our three young children. We decided to move for many reasons, one being that I like to host.

Once we are settled in our new home in a few months, how do I go about hosting a housewarming party? I’ve never attended one and don’t know the etiquette. Is it like an open house? Do I mix friend groups? Should I serve finger foods, plan a sit-down dinner or have a barbecue? Are there certain activities associated with a housewarming?

I don’t want it to come off as showy or as a gift grab, so I want to do it right.

GENTLE READER: Then don’t call it a housewarming party. Named parties are associated with, as you accurately describe the current attitude, gift-g

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