We are on a constant mission to make our homes (and our clients’ homes!) as beautiful to live in as possible. In fact, it’s the sole inspiration behind our upcoming Haute Home line! Our homes are our sanctuaries. They should be comfortable, cozy, and welcoming. Whenever we entertain, we want those same feelings to extend to our guests!
Today we’re going to share our 4 Favorite Ways to Make Your Home Feel More Welcoming! (We can’t be held responsible if your guests never want to leave!)
Start with a pleasant fragrance
Make your home enticing as soon as the front door is opened. Scent plays so heavily into relaxation and positive experiences.
Before your guests arrive, light candles in a few key places such as your living room & bathroom.
Utilize a linen spray for your sofa or the guest room bedding.
Scents should be pleasant and not over-powering so don’t go overboard! A light, pleasant scent throughout your home is the perfect way to begin your guests experience in your home.
Make water & glasses readily available
While entertaining, your guests are bound to need some basic refreshments. Whether you’re simply visiting in the living room or serving a full dinner, make sure your guests feel welcome to grab something to sip on whenever they’d like.
We all know the experience of being in someone’s home and not wanting to bug them with a request for a glass of water. A beautiful pitcher with ice water and some glasses set out in an obvious location will make your guests feel welcome to pour their own glass whenever they desire.
Up your game by adding in some refreshing infusions to your water:
lemons are always popular
cucumber & mint is refreshing
strawberries & kiwi is fun & lively!
Add amenities to your guest bathroom
Although they’ll probably never bring it up, your guests will always appreciate a thoughtfully prepared guest bathroom! A few special amenities will ensure your guests feel comfortable and pampered.
Make sure toilet paper and tissues are fully stocked.
Set out a fresh hand towel (and set out a few extra in a pretty spot if you are having a large gathering. No one wants to dry their hands off on an overly damp towel!)
For an over the top experience, include a sweet tray of commonly used items like lotion, feminine care products, mouthwash, and room spray.
Make getting comfortable as easy as possible
Our goal as hostess is to always make sure our guests feel comfortable getting comfortable! Don’t be shy about pointing out everything they are welcome to use upon arrival.
Before your guests arrive, walk through your home and think through any areas or instances where you might be able to make guests feel at home:
If you have a shoe-free household, provide clean, comfy socks by the front door (having an entryway bench they can sit on is important too!)
For overnight guests, provide additional blankets & towels in their guest closet. Make them feel extra special with a cozy robe they can use!
Easily provide your wifi & television information in a cute frame in their room.
In the kitchen, set out a snack tray with easy grab-and-go foods like granola bars, nut mix, fresh baked cookies, etc.
A final note from Kristen
I have always loved entertaining and playing hostess. When I welcome guests into my home I want them to feel at-home and ready to relax and enjoy our time together! I have loved sharing these tips with you and I hope you stick around for more home & entertaining content and our Haute Home line coming soon!