Everyone would invite some people over to their homes at least once in their lifetime. It is inevitable, and it’s also an enjoyable thing to do. But whether you’re expecting family for the holidays or hosting a dinner party with friends, first impressions are everything.
A person’s house is a reflection of their personality, and you want your guests to feel warm and welcomed as soon as they step inside. Here are five easy ways to make sure your home does that.
1. Start with the front door.
Your front door is often the first thing visitors will see when they come to your home, so make sure it’s clean and in good repair. This means removing any dirt, dust, or grime that has accumulated on it. In addition, you’ll want to check that the door is in good repair. This means fixing any cracks or holes and ensuring the door is firmly attached to its frame.
If you have a screen door, vacuum or sweep the area around it for a few minutes. Consider giving the door a fresh coat if your paint is chipped or peeling. Colors like yellow or red can create a warm and inviting feeling. You can also add a seasonal wreath or a festive doormat to really make an impression.
Once you’ve taken care of the front door, move on to the entryway. The entryway is the first area guests will see when they come into your home, so it’s essential to make a good impression. Declutter the area and remove any shoes, coats, or umbrellas that may be lying around. If you have a coat closet, ensure it’s organized and free of clutter.
2. Declutter common areas.
No one wants to feel like they’re walking into a cluttered mess when they visit someone’s home. Before your guests arrive, take some time to declutter the common areas like the living room, kitchen, and entryway. Put away any toys lying around, clear off counters and tabletops, and straighten up any piles of mail or magazines.
Additionally, you’ll want to make sure there’s plenty of seating for your guests. This means clearing out any extra furniture or clutter that might be taking up space. In the living room, for example, you might want to move coffee tables and end tables to the side to create more walking space.
Not only will this help your home look neater, but it will also give you some extra space to entertain.
3. Spruce up your seating area.
If you’re spending time chatting with guests in your living room or family room, make sure your seating area is comfortable and inviting. Add some colorful pillows for a pop of color, and consider lighting a scented candle to set the mood.
Plump up couch cushions and straighten throw blankets. If you haven’t had these laundered recently, now is the time to do it. Dry cleaning services can help with this as they specialize in refreshing and restoring different types of fabrics. Ideal materials to include are cotton, leather, linen, and microfiber.
You might also want to consider adding a few fresh flowers or greenery to your living space. This will help give the room a brighter, more welcoming feel.
4. Freshen up the bathroom.
There’s nothing worse than a dirty bathroom, so take some time to give yours a thorough cleaning before your guests arrive. Scrub the toilet bowl, shower/tub, and sink with the right solutions until they sparkle. Be sure to sweep and mop the floor as well—no one wants to see dust bunnies lurking in the corners!
Another way to ensure your guests have a good visit is to stock the bathroom for them. This means having plenty of toilet paper, paper towels, and soap on hand. You might also want to put out a fresh towel or two. If you have extra space in your bathroom, you can also consider storing some travel-sized toiletries like shampoo, conditioner, and body wash.
Last but not least, don’t forget to take care of the little details. This means ensuring there’s a toilet plunger within reach and the trash can is empty. You should also put away any personal items like razors and toothbrushes.
5. Put out some snacks and drinks.
No matter how short their visit may be, most people appreciate having something to eat and drink when they come over to your house. Set out a plate of cookies or fruit, along with some coffee, tea, or soda, for your guests to enjoy while they’re there.
If you are entertaining for an extended period, you may want to prepare something more substantial, like finger sandwiches or appetizers. For example, you could put out a veggie tray with dip, some cheese, and crackers, or a plate of mini quiches.
Whatever you do, make sure you have enough to go around. Nothing is worse than running out of food or drink when you have guests!
Taking the time to prepare your home before visitors arrive shows that you’re welcoming and hospitable. By following these simple tips, you can be confident that your home will make a great impression on everyone who comes through your door.
