Create a warm, inviting home for holiday guests
Metro Creative Connections
An extra blanket and small lamp will help guests feel at home during their holiday stay.
With the holiday season in full swing, it’s time to whip your house into shape by adding a few special touches to make it warm and inviting for family and friends.
Preparing ahead of time is essential since some tasks may take longer than others, according to the National Association of Realtors® (NAR).
When your guests arrive at your home make a good first impression by removing any clutter from your porch or stairs, recommends interior designer Denise White of Connellsville.
She said candles or air fresheners can also make guests feel welcome.
For nighttime guests, White said be sure the area is well lit.
“Luminaries lighting the way and a seasonal wreath on your door are both inviting ways to greet your guests,” she said.
When people enter the house the first thing they see is the porch, said zillow.com.
Make sure the porch iswell lit, freshly swept and outfitted with clean cushions and fresh plants.
You can also upgrade the exterior door or give old doors a new coat of paint.
In the foyer, place a small rug or welcome mat to protect floors from mud and snow.
Woman’s Day says it’s not necessary to scrub every nook and cranny, but is important to dust, spray, wipe surfaces and windows, and vacuum.
Also, place more emphasis on cleaning the guest bedroom and guest bathroom thoroughly and remove knickknacks and clutter.
Putting newspapers on the coffee table and a casual playlist in the background can help set the stage for relaxation, said zillow.
Bring in the colors of the season with decorative pillows and a throw blanket draped over your sofa or chair, suggests White. “These style makers add pattern, color, texture, and warmth to a room,” she said.
In the kitchen, create a breakfast station with fresh fruit, cereals and other essentials on the counter for early risers, states zillow.
A quick tour of the kitchen the night before will enable guests to prepare their own morning coffee or tea.
While a guest room doesn’t need to be outfitted like a four-star hotel, zillow.com said it’s good to have certain basics to make it feel comfortable.
White said a small lamp or night light is a good way to illuminate the space and make a guest bathroom inviting.
She further added to place a clean hand towel or disposable paper hand towels out in clear view.
“A small vase of seasonal fresh flowers on the vanity is also a nice touch,” said White.
For overnight guests place fresh cotton sheets on the bed and be sure to set out an extra blanket.
White said a basket filled with travel size toiletries, bottled water, magazines and snacks are a nice treat for guests.
Hosts can even go the extra mile and add a fan, iPod docking station, clock, hairdryer, snacks, mini toiletries, surge protector or other charging devices.
When dinnertime rolls around, zillow said have guests pitch in with a few simple tasks like setting the table, pouring wine, or prepping salad.
If you’re looking to do a quick and simple kitchen update, Natalie Crouse, owner C&C Granite of Uniontown, suggested replacing the counter tops.
“It’s the easiest in terms of home improvement projects because it only takes three to five hours,” said Crouse.
On a smaller scale, Crouse said replacing a bathroom or powder room counter top is another option that is inexpensive.
She added that remnants are also available making it even more affordable.