There are moments in our lives, despite all our efforts, things happen, and we need to be able to make the best decisions. If you’re anything like me, nothing will eat away at your budget as inviting guests, especially during the holiday season. It’s like the money you’d set aside for that brand new rug, throw pillows, or artwork is drained, and you’re left feeling uneasy about the look of your house even before guests are due to arrive. I’ve been there, and I think that way. When you look around, instead of seeing the thoughtfully designed dining room and living space, it’s the exact things that you do each day. It doesn’t make you feel like the superhero host you’d like to be.
Don’t be afraid. There are several simple tips that will cost you nothing (or close to zero) dollars but can help to turn your house into something you’ll be able to be proud of once holiday guests begin arriving.
Here are my six zero-cost tips for a more beautiful Home
1. Edit, Edit, Edit.
Simple and elegant is the ideal goal for every space of your home. Remove items that you don’t need to prepare for the occasion ahead. Bags, boxes and piles of everything should be cleared off the floor. Table tops should not hold more than three ornaments, and furnishings (legged chair, stool, and ottomans, except to provide seating) should be moved to the basement, attic or garage.
2. Clean and tidy.
No matter what your budget or lack of it, there is no reason to live in a messy home. Make time, and get all the able-bodied at home to clean and vacuum, then finish every inch. This won’t go unnoticed, and it will tell a lot about your host’s ability and expertise.
3. Make a welcoming impression.
Enter your front door and note the things you’re looking at as you enter. Are you looking at an empty wall or an empty table, perhaps a small bookcase, and an outdated coat hanger? Begin with the things you have, and then think creatively about ways to make the moment as warm as it can be. If you have a blank wall (and you don’t have anything to fill it), make an art-making time for the children at home (or adults, for that matter) and decorate the wall with art that you created yourself. If you’re not artistically inclined, get the printer and digital camera and take candid photos of the people who enter the home. Put twine across the wall in a unique pattern and attach your digital photos (I’ve used old Polaroid cameras back in the day) on the cord with clips from gators that you can buy at Office Depot. If you have a table needing attention, send your family out to the countryside and collect branches, pine cones and leaves and create a stunning still-life that will impress your guests. There’s no cost involved, and it’s an enjoyable project for the whole family.
4. Give them something to smile about.
Aroma is a potent instrument that can create an atmosphere and enriches experiences. This shouldn’t be overlooked when deciding how to impress your guests for minimal or no cost. If you have candles with aromatic scents within the home (matching scents are recommended), place them in each room and then light them up at least an hour prior to the time guests arrive. If you don’t have the money for candles, then go to the supermarket and buy five pounds of navel oranges, as well as the container of cinnamon and/or the spice nutmeg. Fill a large pan with water, cut four oranges into segments (leave the peel on) and then drop them into the water. Include a tablespoon of nutmeg or cinnamon, and bring it to an unbeatable boil for two hours prior to guests’ arrival. Bring the heat down to a simmer and keep an eye on the mixture periodically. If needed, you can add more oranges, water and spices. Enjoy this delicious mix and the scent it creates. It’s much more pleasant to greet your guests with this mix than soiled gym socks and litter for cats, don’t you think?
5. De-clutter Everything.
These are some of the ideas mentioned earlier in Idea #1 above… however, it emphasizes the importance placed on the notion of less being more. You’ve reduced and streamlined your home until you start asking yourself whether this space is too empty. Although it might seem like it at first when you invite guests (always ensure that you have seating for each guest), food, drink and music, I’m sure things will feel perfectly.
6. Music playing in the background.
Nothing is more uncomfortable for guests who are arriving than walking into a secluded home. You should have soft, appropriate for the occasion music is playing prior to when guests arrive. Control the volume gently (raising it as guests arrive and lowering it when guests leave) and provide a stylish background so that your guests can relax and enjoy their stay at home.
