Getting somewhat back on topic; Bob, I think you could easily come up with a variation of the first footer/Hogmanay custom and the quaich.

When we moved into our house a year ago, we had a house blessing (I'm not suggesting it you, of course) and before the ceremony began, I met the guests at the door with my quaich (filled with The Macallan, of course!) and offered it to those who wished to partake. Our priest loved it --and The Macallan, of course! :mrgreen:

I have heard of the broom and dust-pan custom before as well; matter of fact, they were the first things we brought into the house.

If anyone remembers the scene in The Quiet Man where Mary Kate cleans Whiteomourn for Sean, she laid the broom on the floor on top of a wee pile of sweepings -- I still need to research that one.

Regards,

Todd