Create an inviting space.
The holidays may be the busiest time of year for entertaining guests and if you’ve opened your door to host this season, we have a few tips that will help make the most of your space. Keep in mind that the ultimate goal is to create an ambiance that is comfortable and stimulates conversation and interaction among your guests.
Creating an open space upon walking into your home is key. It is the first impression your guests have upon arrival so clear the way and remove any extra clutter. If you have a coat closet, encourage guests to leave coats or handbags at the door. If you don’t have a coat closet, consider getting a coat rack, using a bench or designating a room in the house for coats.
If your entry way overlooks the living room, be sure that the back of furniture isn’t facing people as they walk in. Instead, create a walk through or pathway by splitting two seating areas. If you have a large living room, placing couches or sofas back to back. This can also create two different seating areas similar to that of a hotel lobby or lounge. Place smaller furniture around larger pieces, just be sure not to set them too far apart so people can hear each other comfortably.
It’s possible you might not have more than one coffee table or side tables to accommodate the extra seating you’re creating. Sufficient side tables or coffee tables are important for communal seating and eating. Consider using a trunk as a makeshift coffee table or covering a sturdy stool or box with festive linens for additional table tops.
If you’re hosting more guests than you have place settings at your dinner table, consider setting up a buffet instead. Remove chairs and add them to other areas of your home, like the additional seating areas we mentioned earlier. Move your table closer to a wall to open up the space but also providing enough space to walk around so your guests have more access to the buffet. Providing small plates in combination of communal seating are also good ways to keep the commiserating going.
Don’t underestimate your space, get creative and experiment with it. You’d be surprised with how many different ways you can arrange your furniture and the difference it makes when entertaining.
Just another Shop RTO holiday and lifestyle tip.
ShopRTO provides consumers home decorating and living tips and promotes rent to own as a shopping option for affordable home furnishings.
