Just got brand new neighbors and I am new to this and have a good reason to make a cake. Does any one have any good ideas?

since I'm not sure as to your level of expertise...

simple one could be a sheet cake decorated to look like a doormat w/ welcome on it. you could do a pair or two of shoes in fondant to set on it.
saying might be something like: putting out the mat to WELCOME you to the neighborhood."

more complex would be a square or rectangular tier cake done up to look like a welcome basket -- basketweave on sides, handle, and "goodies" inside. For goodies could do cakeballs, cookies, chocolates -- all that wonderfully deadly/sinful stuff. Add a few icing flowers on handle for an extra nice touch.

here's a pic of an excellent basket MelC did to give you the idea of what a basket one might look like.

I saw the welcome mat in the galleries, and that is definitly a little more on my level. I am VERY new to this, but addicted none the less. And I have been looking for a good reason to practice that won't leave cake sitting around my house for a couple of days.

Thank you fo ryour advice.