Whether friends and family are stopping by for dinner or a holiday drink, or if you’re hosting out of town visitors for a longer stay, creating an environment that makes guests feel welcome adds to the enjoyment of spending time in your home.
First Impressions
An understated way to sway visitors to remove their shoes when entering your home is by subtle example. Place a few of your own pairs of shoes next to a basket of slippers by the door and hope they take the hint. You might even keep a few pairs of inexpensive slippers on hand to offer your guests when they arrive.
Bathroom Essentials
Placing a small vase of fresh flowers, clean soap, and new hand towels in a powder room shows you took the time to prepare even the smallest of spaces.
For overnight guests, set the bathroom vanity with the little amenities your guests may have overlooked while packing. Arranging travel sized toiletries on a decorative tray or in pretty container helps guests to feel at home. Consider adding a small bag of nuts to curb that midnight snack attack, or even a holiday ornament they can take home as a reminder of their stay.
A Good Night’s Sleep
With the addition of a few niceties, your spare bedroom will be as inviting to visitors as a fine hotel room. Set out essentials such as plush towels, an alarm clock, and spare blankets, then provide little luxuries as well: a single flower bloom in a simple vase, a selection of books or magazines suited to your guests’ tastes, and a carafe of drinking water. Be sure your guest closet isn’t stuffed to the brim with overflow from other rooms. Clear some space for guests to hang up clothing, remembering to provide enough spare hangers.
Natural Elements
Nature offers beauty in the most unexpected places. Decorating with natural materials creates a unique and comfortable aesthetic that connects your home to its natural surroundings. Try using branches and bark, acorns and pine cones, leaves and berries, beach pebbles and sea shells, and fruits and vegetables to add original design to your home.
The ornaments of your house will be the guests who frequent it.
–Author Unknown