Photo by Element5 Digital on Unsplash
The holiday season is fast approaching, and before you know it, we’ll be saying goodbye to 2021. As the year draws to a close, we cannot help but reflect on the many things we have to be grateful for. Our team has always loved meeting and collaborating with our clients. From commercial remodels and full home transformations to kitchen and bathroom updates, getting to continue to do what we love has truly been a blessing. With that in mind, we want to say thank you to our amazing clients, past and present, who have chosen to partner with the Andrus team.
While we’re looking forward to all that’s to come in 2022, we’re excited to slow down and enjoy the holidays with loved ones. With those special days just around the corner, we’ve been thinking of all the ways we can make our homes warm and inviting for our guests. So, we thought we’d share them with you! Get the details below!
Think Cozy
Holidays in the midwest are synonymous with cold and snow. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to up the cozy factor in your home during the holiday season. One of the easiest is to swap out lightweight throw blankets for warm and cuddly options and mix them with pillows in various sizes and textures. If you plan to host guests overnight, change guest room bedding to flannel sheets topped with a thicker comforter or duvet. For bedrooms that tend to get extra chilly, consider incorporating a heated blanket or fluffy robes for your guests to wear.
Make It Scent-Sational
We all want our homes to smell good, and there’s never a more crucial time than when we’re hosting friends and family. However, it’s more than just having a good-smelling home. Scent has the power to evoke memories and feelings. When selecting candles, essential oils, or wax melts, consider how you want your guests to feel and the memories you want your guests to think of when they smell it.
Extend a Warm Welcome
When it comes to holiday hosting, it’s important that your guests feel welcome and comfortable in your home — and it all starts with your entryway! Your entryway is one of the first things your guests see and taking extra time to decorate it can help make a memorable first impression. Before you get to the holiday decor, start with the basics; add a rug or welcome mat, a console table topped with a decorative lamp, and a bench if space allows. Then incorporate holiday items like festive greenery, a wreath for the door, accent pillows for the bench, and other decor.
Set Out Snacks & Drinks
Having snacks and beverages at the ready can help put guests at ease and encourage conversation as they mingle. Whatever you choose to set up is totally up to you. Keep it simple with a charcuterie board, mixed nuts, and a plate of holiday cookies. For a fancier option, consider circulating with a tray of your favorite holiday party appetizers. You can even offer festive drinks and mocktails to help get guests into the holiday spirit.
Don’t Forget to Have Fun
As the host, your time and attention are likely focused on ensuring things go off without a hitch, and your guests enjoy themself. With so many things to manage, it can be easy to forget to have fun yourself. Focus less on hosting the perfect party and more on being present with your friends and family. When it’s all said and done, it’s the memories you make that matter the most.