Housewarming party and new-home gifts: timing, gifts, cost

Customs are a traditional cultural practice, and each region and family does things differently. This article presents common practice for your reference, does not claim what is right or wrong and is not meant to scare anyone. Updated 24/10/2026.

A housewarming (tan gia, "celebrating the new home") is when the owner invites relatives and friends to visit the home and share the joy after moving in. Unlike the moving-in ceremony (nhap trach), which is a religious ritual, the housewarming is about socialising and thanking people. Many families hold a simple meal and some hold a big event; there is no general rule.

When to hold it

By common custom, the housewarming usually takes place after the moving-in ceremony, once the home is reasonably tidy. Some families pick a weekend or public holiday so guests can come easily; some pick an auspicious day by age. In practice, wait until the home is settled: water and power working, the kitchen and air conditioning usable, basic furniture installed. Do not hold it just to meet a date while the home is still dusty with unfinished works.

Who to invite, and how many

Usually close relatives, close friends and neighbours. In an apartment of 50 to 80 m² space is limited: consider several small sessions, or hold the meal at a restaurant near the home and invite guests to drop by briefly. Tell guests in advance the time, where to park and how to enter the building gate so they are not stopped at reception.

The meal and hosting

The meal depends on the region: traditional savoury dishes, a buffet, a restaurant cooking at home, or a light tea-and-cake gathering. Reference costs depend on the number of guests and the format; get quotes from at least two providers and ask about service fees, tableware and cleaning. Many families budget a few hundred thousand VND per person for a catered meal, but this varies by city and menu.

New-home gifts: what to give

Popular gifts include:

• Practical items: a pot, a set of bowls, towels, cleaning liquid, small appliances.
• Plants and pots (see feng shui plants if you want to choose plants to suit the space).
• Paintings, clocks, vases, scented candles, lamps.
• A cash envelope; the amount depends on the relationship and regional custom, with no standard figure.

Some people believe a few items should be avoided by custom (such as sharp objects, or items suggesting an unlucky meaning). This is the belief of some people, not a general rule; what matters is that the gift suits the host. If unsure, ask the owner in advance what they need, and avoid large items that are hard to store or carry into a lift.

Practical corner: apartments and neighbours

• Tell the building management: with many guests, notify them in advance to arrange parking, lifts and temporary entry cards.
• Noise: keep to reasonable hours, do not play loud music, no late karaoke. Many house rules set quiet hours in the evening.
• Burning incense and votive paper: if there is an offering before the party, choose low-smoke incense, do not burn votive paper indoors, and check the altar after guests leave (per fire-safety advice). See an altar in an apartment.
• Kitchen and cooking: hiring a chef at home needs a check on whether the apartment allows cooking for a crowd, whether smell and smoke spread into the corridor, and whether the gas or induction hob can take the load.
• Rubbish: agree who clears it and where it goes; avoid leaving rubbish in the corridor.
• Guests viewing the home: not every owner is ready; if parts of the unit are unfinished, say so in advance so guests are not surprised.

Inviting the neighbours

In apartments, many families send greetings or a small gift to the neighbours on both sides when they move in. It is a way to keep good relations, especially when interior works will go on for many days. For a rented home, see the ceremony for receiving a rented home.

General costs to budget for

The meal, return gifts, decoration, cleaning, hiring tables, chairs and labour. Set a budget in advance and do not let the party strain your loan repayments or furniture budget. If you have just taken a home loan, prioritise the repayments and the reserve fund.

Thanks after the party

After the party, many families send thanks or a small gift to guests, especially those who travelled far or helped with the move. A message and a few words of concern are enough; there is no need to return a large material gift.

Note

This article only presents common customs for reference; each region and household has its own way. It makes no promise of fortune or luck. Building rules and safety should come first.

• VOV — Cẩn trọng khi thắp hương thờ cúng, đốt vàng mã trong Tết và lễ hội đầu năm 2023 (advice from Hanoi City Police: keep flammables away from fire sources, check the altar before sleeping, keep a portable extinguisher, call 114 in case of fire), 23/12/2022; reopened 24/10/2026.
• Sai Gon Giai Phong — Cảnh giác cháy nổ nơi thờ tự (do not burn votive paper carelessly, do not bring flammable fuel, check old electrical systems), 21/02/2019; reopened 24/10/2026.