As one grows older, the appeal of going out with friends may wane. You may want to see them. But you may not have the energy to drive to a meeting place and spend a few hours away from home. One good alternative is to invite them over to your home. This is more conducive to deeper conversations. But is your house ready to receive some guests? Here are some tips to make it more inviting:
Keep It Warm
A cozy fire is welcoming. Rustic wood-burning stoves in Utah are a good alternative if your home does not have a fireplace. This can also serve as an indoor campfire for s’mores. When a fire is ablaze, people like to gather around it and have warm conversations.
It is also a good way to regulate the temperature inside, especially during winter. You only have to make sure that the fire is not too strong. You would not want your guests to sweat profusely. The right kind of temperature makes guests want to linger. You will have a great time catching up with each other.
Space Is Essential
The proper placement of your furniture also affects how guests would feel. If there are too many pieces, people might feel hindered by their movements. Make sure that you have enough seats to accommodate everybody. But arrange them in such a way that there are areas where one can move around. Have clear walkways to avoid guests having to climb over some couches and stuff.
Also, decluttering creates more space. You would not want to see a guest being clueless on where to sit or put their things because of clutter. Do not declutter only for the sake of guests; make it a habit to remove unnecessary things from your home.
Have Conversation Pieces
You and your guests may have not seen each other for a while. It may feel awkward to fall into a natural conversation. Help your guests feel more welcome by starting a good conversation. Intriguing artwork, collection pieces, or personal photos are all good conversation pieces.
You can have discussions about common interests using these items as a springboard. Maybe you have been to the same place, or you have the same taste in collections. Also, seeing personal pieces will make your guests feel welcome. It is like you are giving them access to more than your home; you are giving them access to your personal life, too. But moderation is still the key. Do not have too much, lest they feel that they are intruding in your personal space.
Indulge the Senses
One of the best methods to welcome guests is to involve their senses. Have pops of colors in your entrance that will draw them in. Soft pillows and rugs in the living room will make them feel more comfortable. Good smells such as baked goods or flowers also contribute to a cozy feeling. Of course, serving good food will make them have a good time at your home. Make their visit a feast for all the senses.
Small Things that Matter
Small details can also make your guests feel more welcome. Having a rack for coats and a space for their bags and shoes show that you care for their belongings. A small table and coasters where they can set their drinks also translate to your desire to make them feel at home.
Opening your home may be daunting. But you do not need to show off. Make a cozy space where you can all enjoy each other’s company.
Comments are closed.