It’s that special time of year when we’re all opening our homes to holiday guests. We’re buzzing around preparing holiday menus, setting the table and making sure the bathroom is well stocked with toilet paper (or maybe that’s just me)………and all too often we forget about the most important aspect of a holiday soiree – the entry foyer.
It’s where you open the door to guests and say, “Welcome, come on in!” But does your entry foyer match your hospitable greeting? It’s your home’s first impression, so while you’re prepping the buffet table and cooking dinner, don’t forget to spend a few minutes getting your entry ready to greet your guests. It won’t take too much time, and it will make all the difference in the world!
It all starts with a welcoming exterior. Here in the South we live by the mantra “put a monogram on it”, so I’m head over heels for Rachel’s moss covered monogram. This time of year is a great excuse to bust out the hot glue gun and get your craft on, and this wreath is so perfect because it’s not at all holiday specific so you can enjoy it way past the season!
Take a few minutes to organize the coat closet, like this one featured at I Heart Organizing, so that you have space for your guests’ coats, scarves and handbags. Adding hooks to the inside of the door is a simple and easy way to squeeze in just a bit more storage.
But never fear. Even a closet-less entry can be guest ready. I don’t have a closet in my entry foyer, but that hasn’t stopped me from creating what I loving call a “drop spot for guests”. Putting decorative knobs to use for coats and scarves and using an ottoman for handbags totally does the trick for us. On the other side of the door I have a traditional coat rack, so even without a closet to stash things, I don’t have coats thrown everywhere when we entertain.
It’s the holidays after all, so be sure to add in a few festive touches -even if it’s just one sweet little gold pumpkin.
I love this simple entry vignette from Centsational Girl. Nothing says welcome to the party like a mix of metallics!
The exterior of your door isn’t the only spot to hang something special. Think about adding something to the inside as well, like these glittered faux antlers from The Chronicles of Home. I’m a big time fan of non-specific seasonal decor, and this works from Thanksgiving to Valentine’s Day and well beyond!
Last but not least I love the idea of having a little treat bag for each guest to take home with them. A bowl or basket filled with goodies on a table in an entry foyer makes the perfect ending to an evening. I love these free printable gift tags from A Fabulous Fete!
Is your entry area guest ready? Show us how you prepare to receive guests on instagram and twitter with hashtag #TheChic.
