Are Your Stockings Hung from the Chimney with Care?

The holidays really are the most wonderful time of the year. Even in the cold of winter when the sun sets so early the holidays bring warmth and a glow to your home. It is a time that most people welcome guests into their homes for fun, food, and fellowship. Here are a few simple and affordable ideas to make your home the place that everyone will want to gather for years to come.

Making Your Home Festive
When decorating your home remember to include something for each of the five senses.

Visual - To spruce up your home - fresh greenery always works great and is very cost effective. You can simply cut branches off of magnolia, pine, or holly trees to place around a candle or in a glass vase. Use a large vase and put in cranberries that you buy in a bag at the store and stick the branches in the cranberries. This nice complement of color can brighten any table. Also, use candles or soft lighting instead of overhead lights to make the home seem cozier.

Touch - Mix the different types of textures around your home by adding a throw to hard chairs; clothe napkins to the table, or ribbons around your vases. Also, small touches like making sure your napkins and table clothes are pressed make a big difference in the overall look and feel of your home.

Smell & Taste - At the holidays, smell and taste are especially important. You can easily light a good smelling candle but simmering hot cider with mulling spices is not only a wonderful treat for your guest but will make your home smell fantastic. Another simple trick is to simmer water on your stove with cinnamon sticks, cloves, and orange slices. As the water boils down just add more. It will last for days and smells great!

Sound - There are tons of choices when it comes to holiday music but remember that when entertaining that your guests might not enjoy the same music as you do. So find something that is simple and soft to play in the background.

Sometimes less is more at the holidays. It's easy to go overboard with too many decorations and knick knacks - so rotate your items year after year so that your decorations are always something new but not over bearing.

Making Your Guests Comfortable
For overnight guests - Leave out a basket with small toiletries they may have forgotten, include items like toothpaste, aspirin, lotion, tissue, bottled water, and even a few chocolates. Make sure they are comfortable in your house by giving them a quick overview of where they can find towels, glasses, and drinks. Before they arrive ask if they have anything special they might need that you can grab at the store to make their trip more enjoyable.

For dinner guests - Include them in your preparations by inviting them to bring something specific or by getting them involved once they arrive by putting out silverware or some other task. This simple idea makes them feel welcome, helpful, and a part of the activities. Put out simple place cards such as a candy cane with a ribbon and card with their name attached. It eliminates question and gives guest a small take home gift.

These are just a few ways to fill your home with the holiday spirit while also making your guests feel right at home.