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Home > Blog > Get Organized > Holiday Guests Heading Your Way?

Holiday Guests Heading Your Way?

October 1, 2013 by Mary Kyryk

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

Entryway DecorHoliday Foyer

Make that first few feet of your home the transition space from the outside world to a place where guests can immediately feel welcomed.  Consider using your entry table or a focal wall to add seasonal decor that sets the mood for the visit. The addition of a delicately scented candle can create an inviting first impression.

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

Guest Bathroom Tray

Guest Bathroom DecorGuest Bathroom EssentialsPlacing 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

Guest Bedroom DecorGuest Bedroom Night StandWith 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

Natural Elements in Decor

Natural ElementsNature 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

categories: Get Organized, Home Entertaining

About Mary Kyryk

I have an innate passion (maybe even obsession!) for all things design. By sharing fresh ideas and creative vision, I hope to inspire you to get started on that home redesign project you've been dreaming about. Read More…

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