The following post is from Lisa of The Pennington Point:
When people come to visit me it’s important to me that they feel welcome. Little touches around the house help to say, “We are SO glad you’re here!” make it easy for me to show hospitality, even to someone just stopping by.
Starting with the outside, I try to create a welcoming first impression.
Table of Contents
1. Easy to Find Address
Out in the country where I live, it can be especially difficult to find an address. So I hung my address right at the edge of the driveway to make it easy for friends to find us! But even in the city it’s important to be sure your house is easy for guests to find. Don’t you hate pulling into a driveway and not being really sure if that’s the house you are visiting?
2. Welcoming Words
I watch for places to add phrases and verses of joy and welcome. My giant pumpkins that says, “Love Your Neighbor”, lets all of our guests know that we love them!
3. Candles Light the Way
I love the mood set by candles. I burn them inside and even on the front porch. It is a gentle, caring, easy way to let people know they are welcome in your home.
4. Candy in a Jar
It’s easy to treat your guests to a bit of seasonal candy. I keep a couple of mason jars on the coffee table always ready for friends that may pop by. It looks cute and I can easily open a jar and offer guests a fun snack. I change the candy out for each season.
5. Words of Relaxation
I love a monogram. This relaxed pillow helps our guests know that we want them to kick back and enjoy their time in our home. No formality here.
6. Chalkboard Messages
I use my framed chalkboard to write messages to my family and friends. Sometimes I’ll write a verse, sometimes a favorite quote, sometimes I’ll write a personal note to my guests. My friend Janel made her own whiteboard for the same thing. So cute!
7. Finding the Restroom
Now don’t laugh. I know it may seem obvious when you open a door and there’s a toilet in there, but I like to be sure my guests are comfortable. I put a restroom sign on the door so they will have no doubt which door to open when they need the facilities.
Using your decorating to make guests feel welcome is a great way to stay prepared for unexpected company. It also makes preparing for guests less work when you’re already focused on doing small things to keep your home welcoming.
What are some ways you use your decorating to welcome your guests?
| Lisa winds through her little Texas farm house every night, tucking in her nine homeschooled children and turning off lights. Then she scans the rooms & makes a mental list of what she wants to rearrange, restore or paint. Her husband of 25 years hangs on for the ride while she blogs about it over at The Pennington Point. | |
