There’s no place like home for the holidays so they say, but does anyone even have time to sit down and simply enjoy their home during this bustling time of year? We feel like we’ve alway gone a million miles an hour the last two months of the year but this year we’re resolved to find moments to simply be; to quietly observe the smiles of our loved ones from across the room, to reflect on the joys of this year and all the memories made in our home and to appreciate the beauty of a home filled with the warmth of family, friends, food and festivities. Here’s five ways to make your home more inviting for the holidays.
1. Warm Up Your Home’s Entryway
We all know the saying about first impressions, and what better way to make a lasting, and more importantly, welcoming first impression than through the front of your home? Make sure to turn on your front porch lights, draw the window coverings and light candles near the front windows to create a warm, inviting glow to greet your guests as they arrive. If you live in a loft or condo try adding a wreath and a festive welcome mat.
Depending on your space, you may be able to provide a coat rack or wall hooks for guests to hang their coats themselves when they arrive, or you may offer to take them and tuck them away in a coat closet. Adorn the entryway with a festive garland or wall decor to set the holiday mood right from the start.
2. Don’t Forget The Children
You may be at a time in your life where you and/or most of the people you know don’t have kids or maybe you prefer to throw child free get-togethers to have quality kid-free time with your friends, but it’s always a good idea to at least consider having something to entertain kids or a designated space where they can go while the adults mingle. A corner of a room with a few toys and books for varying ages with some floor cushions can go a long way to make children feel special. If you’re feeling extra fancy you could try setting out a craft station or perhaps deck out your upstairs movie room with popcorn, bottled drinks and your favorite nostalgic Christmas movies.
3. Snacks and Beverages Are a Must
Offering your guests beverages and snacks not only in the kitchen, but throughout all the mingling areas is an effective and easy way to make them feel welcome in your home. Set out dishes with nut mixes, cheese plates or trays of festive cookies throughout the living, dining and kitchen areas as well as one or two drink stations encourage your guests to continue their conversations while they poor themselves another eggnog and gleefully reach for that third cookie!
4. Make Your Home Smell Inviting
Holiday scents are so warm and cozy, evoking memories of generations-long holiday traditions and cherished memories of time spent with those you love. Making your home smell like a Hallmark Christmas movie come to life is one of the best Martha Stewart-esque hacks we have when it comes to making your home feel warm, cozy and inviting. You can fill your home with fragrance by lighting candles, setting out festive bowls of potpourri, decorating the tree with perfumed pine cones or making homemade stovetop or crockpot potpourri.
5. Nothing Says Cozy Like Sofas and Chairs
Deck the halls, living room, dining room and every room in-between with cozy furniture that invites you to curl up and stay awhile! If you don’t have time to reupholster that well-loved armchair or have a new custom sofa that can seat twelve drummer drumming, eleven pipers piping, ten lords a-leaping, nine ladies dancing, eight maids a-milking, seven swans a-swimming, six geese a-laying, five golden rings, four calling birds, three french hens, two turtle doves and a partridge in a pear tree then don’t fret! You can maximize comfort by setting out tons of fluffy throw pillows and chunky, textured blankets and maybe even sprinkling in some fairy lights to make your guests feel transported to a winter wonderland.
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