I love to have company over during Christmastime. As a bonus, it has a way of making my house look better in a hurry. . . I’ve learned over time that nobody looks at my home as closely as I do. (Have you ever examined someone else’s floors for crumbs? Me neither.) It’s more about a feeling when you walk through someone’s door and less about the tiny details we tend to fret over. Here are a few easy ways to cozy up your home for holiday entertaining.
Christmas music! It’s easy enough and instantly makes your home feel festive. I like to stick this small bluetooth speaker in the corner of the kitchen and play Pandora. (A few of my favorite stations: Audrey Assad Holiday, The Christmas Song radio, Holiday Instrumentals, Jadon Lavik Holiday, and Michael Buble Holiday.)
Votive candles. They’re inexpensive and add a warm glow all around. (See more of how I used them in our living room here.) Buy the unscented so you don’t overwhelm your guests.
If you have the time or inclination to shop for a few new things, my top five would be: a small lamp (so versatile–the mantel, a entryway table, or even a bathroom), fresh pillows with down inserts, a cozy throw blanket (HomeGoods is a great source), new hand towels, and a yummy candle for the powder room.
An easy powder room update: add a patterned hand towel, soap in a pretty dispenser and a good candle. (I’ve found a lot of cute hand towels at H&M home lately.)
Fresh greenery with battery-powered fairy lights. Easy, fragrant and festive. I did this in our powder room since there was no place to plug in a lamp or Christmas lights.
Make coffee. The easiest way to make your home smell warm and cozy when guests walk through the door.
If you have the space, set up a separate beverage station in a room besides the kitchen. It’s nice when guests can help themselves to drinks, and it’s fun to spread the joy around the house!
What are you easiest entertaining tips?
These are very good ideas. The one thing I would say is about the music. I have always loved Christmas music and would start playing it in September. However, when I lost so much of my hearing I couldn’t hear people as well when music was playing. I am 69 so if your guests are older like me and are hearing impaired sometimes music is a deterrent to conversation. I do love your posts and you have a warm and inviting home. Also, your kids are pretty darn cute as well. Thank you for all the time you spend on your blog.
LOVE the Audrey Assad and Jadon Levik stations! Have never heard of these artists…Enjoyed the new sounds! May your holiday season be filled with Joy, Peace, and Wonder that only Jesus Christ, the Savior, can bring!
Music is the best way to cozy up your home and also you can cozy up your home by keeping a pair of slippers by your main entrance to change into as soon as you cross the threshold, so that you feel comfortable when you get home from work.
I 100% agree that a candle in the bathroom cozies up a house, and it shows that you went to a little effort for your guests. But I never do it because I’m always SO afraid of leaving it lit when no one is in there 😬 Tips???
Use battery powered votives that flicker. Crate and Barrel has some that are economical and pretty.