How to Give an Old Fashioned Pounding

Giving a pounding is an old-fashioned way to help someone by stocking their pantry with non-perishables foods or cleaning supplies. Usually a pounding is given to a bride and groom or family who just built a new home. The pounding can be mentioned on the invitation for the bridal shower or housewarming party.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Paper grocery bags or boxes
• Left over party decorations (optional)

How to Give an Old-fashioned Pounding

1. Determine if the couple/family has any special likes or dislikes. Also, find out if they have any allergies to food or cleansers.

2. Mention the pounding on the invitations to the bridal shower or housewarming party. It could read, "We are going to bless Tonya and Tim with an old fashioned pounding. In addition to your shower/housewarming gift, please bring a non-perishable food item or cleaning supply from your own home. Contact hostess if you have any questions." List any food/cleanser allergies here.

3. Prepare to have people ask you what a pounding is. In addition to describing what a pounding is, remind them that they don't need to buy anything else, but just to give something they have extra. For instance, if they have 3 cans of green beans, they can give 1 can.

4. When setting up for the party, decorate grocery bags or boxes with leftover party decorations. Set the bags or boxes in a place that is convenient for the guests. Under the gift table is generally not a good idea, as the grocery bags or boxes can get in the way.

5. As the guests arrive, they put their pounding gift in the bags or boxes. Have someone supervise the bags or boxes so that items are distributed evenly and to make sure that fragile items, like light bulbs, are not crushed under heavier ones, like 3 pound cans of coffee.

6. After the guest of honor has opened the other gifts, announce that they are being blessed with one more gift. Point out the groceries and explain that they are being pounded.

Tips & Warnings

• One decorating idea is to let a child write the guest of honor' s name all over the bags and boxes in different colors. The child could also be allowed to supervise how the pounding gifts are placed in the bags or boxes.
• A pounding doesn't have to be given only to newlyweds or new homeowners. It's a unique way to help someone who is struggling. In this event, arrange for people to bring their pounding gifts to one location and then deliver the items to the person's house.

[paulakparker]

on 2/18/2008 I always thought the term was strange, until someone explained that people use to give food items by the pound.

[kjv4thee]

on 1/17/2008 Thought you were talking about fighting at first. ( you know, something that might be good for bullies.)

[paulakparker]

on 12/28/2007 Thank you. I have always thought a pounding was a nice way to bless people.
Paula

[danielzrib]

on 12/27/2007 What a nice thing to do!