With November, the election, Thanksgiving and Autumn behind us, we are looking forward to having friends and family into our home for the Christmas season. One of the first things I do when preparing for guests begins with the curb appeal. Just like when someone is looking to buy your house, the front is the first thing your guests will see and it will set the tone for what to expect. I like to have a seasonal wreath on the door and seasonal plants/flowers in pots on the porch. This time of year, be sure to remove the dead mums from autumn and replace them with evergreens, or a rosemary plant shaped like a Christmas tree. First impressions make a difference.
Next is greeting your guests at the door and welcoming them into a place of peace and beauty. This lets them know you have prepared for them and they are worth the time and effort you put in. Dave and I have bluetooth speakers throughout our house because music is a big part of setting an atmosphere (even without guests). We like coffeehouse jazz playing, because it sets the expectation for an easy, low-key time of enjoying each other’s company around the fire. Now if you ramp up the music to bebop through Jingle Bells and Frosty the Snowman, the expectations are going to be a bit rowdier—like games and sing-a-longs.
As always for me, when setting expectations, a fireplace crackling is definitely my favorite holiday sound. Hint: if you don’t have a fireplace there are apps that display a beautiful fireplace on your television screen with fire sound effects and some apps even have music with the fire. The cozy glow of candles in groupings throughout the house (you know how much I love candles) gives a feeling of peace and contentment. A scented candle (one is all you need) for the season touches your sense of smell with an expectation of delight. And finally comes the gathering around food, whether it is a full meal, just snacks, or a charcuterie board—which is halfway between—not a meal, but more than snacks.
I have some super fun holiday hints for decor, atmosphere and beauty on my YouTube channel and in my 7 Seconds book. Check them out. The book would be a great Christmas gift for a friend who loves DIY.
Loving the holidays!
Karen Conrad Metcalfe