Browse Blog Categories
- Helpful Hints
- X
The holiday season is around the corner, and that means it’s time for big dinners, family reunions, and plenty of guests throughout the house.
But what does your home say about you as a host? Does it make your guests feel welcome? Going overboard in your preparation can make your home feel too sterile or staged; but not preparing enough can be as off-putting.
Follow these simple tips to turn your home into a warm and welcoming place this holiday season.
The holiday season is around the corner, and that means it’s time for big dinners, family reunions, and plenty of guests throughout the house.
But what does your home say about you as a host? Does it make your guests feel welcome? Going overboard in your preparation can make your home feel too sterile or staged; but not preparing enough can be as off-putting.
Follow these simple tips to turn your home into a warm and welcoming place this holiday season.
Prepare The Main Spaces
Prepare The Main Spaces
Put your attention towards the main areas in your home that guests will be in like the dining room and kitchen. While you’re tidying up the kitchen, it's a good idea to start by purging the fridge and giving the oven a good clean. To go the extra mile in your dining room, bring out your fancy dishes. Work ahead and create a festive tablescape with place-cards!
Put your attention towards the main areas in your home that guests will be in like the dining room and kitchen. While you’re tidying up the kitchen, it's a good idea to start by purging the fridge and giving the oven a good clean. To go the extra mile in your dining room, bring out your fancy dishes. Work ahead and create a festive tablescape with place-cards!
Photo Courtesy Of: www.karaspartyideas.com
Photo Courtesy Of: www.karaspartyideas.com
Arrange Seating Beforehand
Arrange Seating Beforehand
Nothing is worse than inviting your guests into the living room and having no seats for them…then realizing 10 minutes later that they’ve been awkwardly standing there with nowhere to relax.
Make sure you have ample seating that is arranged for socializing. If you don’t have enough chairs, put all the seats in one area so guests who are standing can socialize in a different part of the room or house.
Nothing is worse than inviting your guests into the living room and having no seats for them…then realizing 10 minutes later that they’ve been awkwardly standing there with nowhere to relax.
Make sure you have ample seating that is arranged for socializing. If you don’t have enough chairs, put all the seats in one area so guests who are standing can socialize in a different part of the room or house.
Make Guest Activities Obvious
Make Guest Activities Obvious
It’s always a bit strange being in a new place, and no matter how many times you tell your guests to make themselves at home, what you really need to do is show them how.
For example, a guest will not be comfortable turning on your TV, opening your fridge, or popping open a bag of chips from your pantry. Here are some tips to direct guests accordingly:
-
Turn the football game on before guests arrive (for those who want to watch)
-
Place all snacks in the same location and in decorative serving dishes
-
Put drinks in a cooler with a sign that says "Help Yourself!"
-
Tell guests where the bathroom is when they arrive so they don’t have to ask later
It’s always a bit strange being in a new place, and no matter how many times you tell your guests to make themselves at home, what you really need to do is show them how.
For example, a guest will not be comfortable turning on your TV, opening your fridge, or popping open a bag of chips from your pantry. Here are some tips to direct guests accordingly:
-
Turn the football game on before guests arrive (for those who want to watch)
-
Place all snacks in the same location and in decorative serving dishes
-
Put drinks in a cooler with a sign that says "Help Yourself!"
-
Tell guests where the bathroom is when they arrive so they don’t have to ask later
Photo Courtesy Of: www.foodiecitynetwork.com
Photo Courtesy Of: www.foodiecitynetwork.com
Set the Mood
Set the Mood
Walking into a home with no music and bright fluorescent lights will have your guests second-guessing their comfort pretty quickly.
Set the scene with the right music—something seasonal or generally enjoyable pop classics. Remember, just because you like a certain kind of music doesn’t mean it’s appropriate for a party or dinner.
If your lights are too bright or too dim, bring some candles in for support. Just make sure they are not too strongly scented if you’re serving dinner.
Walking into a home with no music and bright fluorescent lights will have your guests second-guessing their comfort pretty quickly.
Set the scene with the right music—something seasonal or generally enjoyable pop classics. Remember, just because you like a certain kind of music doesn’t mean it’s appropriate for a party or dinner.
If your lights are too bright or too dim, bring some candles in for support. Just make sure they are not too strongly scented if you’re serving dinner.
Photo Courtesy Of: www.worldmarket
Photo Courtesy Of: www.worldmarket
Join the Fun
Join the Fun
Here’s one of the biggest mistakes of hosts: they spend so much time rushing around and worrying about their guests, that their guests feel bad about enjoying the evening. Don’t forget to join the fun and enjoy the occasion. When your guests see you having fun, they’ll know you invited them over because you like their company, and nothing makes a guest feel more welcome than that!
These simple steps will allow you to successfully prepare for your holiday gatherings without overstressing the small details. Let the holiday season commence!
Here’s one of the biggest mistakes of hosts: they spend so much time rushing around and worrying about their guests, that their guests feel bad about enjoying the evening. Don’t forget to join the fun and enjoy the occasion. When your guests see you having fun, they’ll know you invited them over because you like their company, and nothing makes a guest feel more welcome than that!
These simple steps will allow you to successfully prepare for your holiday gatherings without overstressing the small details. Let the holiday season commence!
