When you have people visit your home, whether it's for a casual dinner or they're staying the weekend, you want your place to make a good impression. There are several simple ways you can ensure that your home impresses your guests, no matter its size or your budget.
1. Make Your Porch Presentable
The porch, or your entryway if you live in an apartment building, is the first thing guests see. Make sure that the first impression is a good one by sweeping up in front of the door and putting down a welcome mat. A piece of décor can also be a nice touch, especially during the holidays when you can hang a wreath.
2. Keep Everything Clean and Neat
A home that isclean and free of clutter will always look better than one that's dirty or has items strewn about on the floor. When it comes to cleaning, it's best to do a little each day so that your home never gets too messy. Double check every room in the house before your guests arrive to see that it looks good and isn't missing anything – for example, you don't want your guests searching for hand towels in your bathroom.
3. Have a Hangout Area
There should be a place in your home for you and your guests to socialize when they arrive. The living room or dining room are both good options. Put some air fresheners or candles there to give the area a nice scent, and make sure that there's enough seating for everyone. A bit of background music at a low volume is great for adding ambiance.
4. Prepare the Food Ahead of Time
It's an awkward situation for your guests when they visit you and you need to spend all your time in the kitchen preparing a meal. That's why it's wise to handle as much of the preparations as possible before they arrive. Look for meals that don't require constant monitoring or meals you can cook and keep warm.
5. Make a Signature Drink
Craft co*cktails are a huge movement today in the restaurant world and have made their way into the household setting as well causing a big desire for copper bar supplies says Jamil Bouchareb, CEO ofRestaurantware. Asignature drink is perfect for theme parties, but it's also nice to have whenever people are visiting. It makes the get together feel more like a special occasion, and it's an excellent conversation starter. It's also something your guests will remember from their visit. If you have friends that don't drink, you'll want to have a non-alcoholic version of the drink, too, so that nobody is left out.
6. Set a Beautiful Table
A dining table is a natural centerpiece, but if you don't put anything on it, it could look a bit bland. A vase full of fresh flowers or an antique bowl are both good options to decorate your table, and a tablecloth also works well. Don't forget the place settings, either. Tableware that matches your table's style will enhance its appearance, and with all the elegant disposable tableware available, you can also find options to match the theme of a party.
7. Serve Snacks
Your guests will appreciate having some snacks to munch on before and after dinner. A bowl full of chips or chocolates are both traditional options that almost any guest will enjoy, and they don't require any work on your part. You could also try crackers with meats and cheeses, pieces of fruit or anything else you think your guests would like.
8. Put up Decorations
You don't need to add all kinds of new decorations to your home to impress your guests, but you also don't want it to look lifeless and boring. Look for décor that matches the style of your home, whether that's a modern painting,an antique mirror or a piece of sports memorabilia. Decorating your home to match the season is another popular option. Even if your home doesn't have much, remember that you don't need to overdo it. One or two great pieces that your guests notice is better than a wall full of cheap décor.
With a little preparation, it's easy to impress your guests and make sure that they have a great time visiting your home. And you benefit just as much from those preparations because the qualities that make visitors enjoy your home will also make you enjoy living there.
