Welcome! Creating A Warm Atmosphere For Entertaining
Your home is your castle, your sanctuary, and the place you can retreat to at the end of a tough day. It’s also the place where you gather together those you love most in the world. Create a warm and welcoming environment for your family and friends with these simple tips.
Outside First
Your welcome begins outside. The first glimpse of your home will be as friends and family pull up in their car, or walk down the street. So it’s important to think of their first impression. A dark house with an unkempt garden doesn’t suggest friendliness. But a few tweaks is all it takes to create a more approachable vibe.
- Ensure the garden is neat and tidy
- Mark the perimeter with smart wood fencing
- Install outdoor lighting for gloomy days and dark evenings; this will double as a safety feature
- Add indoor lamps close to windows to create a cheery glow
- Keep on top of paintwork to ensure your home looks well cared for
- Keep paths and driveways clear of clutter and garden debris
People
No matter how beautiful your home looks, it is the people who will make the difference. Treat any guest to your home with warmth and friendliness. Greet them at the door and offer to take their coat or outerwear. Offer them a drink or snack, depending on the occasion. Provide a warm and comfortable place to sit and chat. This will vary depending on your set-up. Some people prefer the living room as a place to greet guests. For others, the kitchen is the heart of their home, and their kitchen table is where they laugh and chat with friends. Whichever room you utilize, think carefully about the comfort of your guests. If they’re sitting on hard chairs for dinner, etc. seat pads are often welcome. If they are sitting in the living room, ensure there’s a table for them to place their cup and plate.
Well Lit
Nothing says welcome like light. Whether you install overhead lights with dimmer switches, carefully placed lamps, or candles, having a well-lit home is essential. Not only is it necessary for practical reasons, but it adds to the ambiance. There are several ways to create this:
- Through natural light shining through the window on a summer evening
- A roaring fire and candlelight in the winter months
- String lights dotted around the garden as you sit on the decking with a glass of wine
- Cozy lamps in the kitchen or living room
Home Decor
Home decor should be chosen to reflect the style and personality of the people who live there. However, when making design decisions, functionality should be top of the list. And if a room is earmarked for entertaining, this should be taken into consideration.
There are no hard and fast rules here. Some families opt for a more neutral space, while others fill theirs with accessories and knick-knacks that reflect their hobbies and lifestyle. These can be real talking points. Studies have shown that your choice of decor can affect mental and emotional health, so it’s important to choose wisely.
When it comes to choices regarding entertaining, common sense is key. Focus on comfort and providing a warm and inviting space.