Posted on: Monday, December 13, 2004
Make home inviting for holiday gatherings
By Catherine Murrell
Gannett News Service
More than half of American families plan to entertain in their homes during the holidays, according to a survey by the American Home Furnishings Alliance. The survey also found that 62 percent of those who planned on entertaining expected to hold informal get-togethers, while about 5 percent were planning formal gatherings.
Q. Where should holiday sprucing up begin?
A. Probably the smartest place to start is in the entrance of your home. That's the place that your guests visit first. It doesn't hurt to start with a bright wreath at the door. And when you throw open the doors to welcome them in, they form their first impression of your home. Whether you have an entrance hallway or go right into a room, you want to make sure that it is a welcoming sight.
I recommend flanking the entrance with functional furnishings. That could mean an umbrella stand, or a console that provides people with a place to set their car keys. Placing a mirror over the console will give the impression of a larger space.
I also recommend putting down a floor covering, even if the foyer is carpeted. An accent rug is artistic as well as practical. You can lift it up and clean it easily. A colorful accent rug is also a reflection of your personal style. Maybe it's in your favorite color or in a favorite pattern. It could feature seasonal colors or designs. It's a reflection of who you are.
The next spot to think about would be the living room or family room — the area where you tend to entertain the most. Pay attention to your seating in this area. Is your upholstery worn? Are cushions sagging? Make sure the area offers guests the most comfortable seating in the house.
Large, oversized upholstered ottomans have been a real trend over the last year.
An ottoman can be used both as a piece of furniture you can rest your feet on and, if it's large enough, as a space where you can rest a tray of refreshments. An ottoman can serve almost as a coffee table.
Q. What comes next?
A. When you have all these basics covered, then it's time to update your decorative accessories. The right kind of lighting makes an incredible difference. Table lamps and floor lamps create light that's low, warm and inviting.
To make the environment more personal, toss decorative pillows in contrasting colors — not in the same color as your upholstery — on your sofa. You also can add a textured throw for a soft touch.
Fresh flowers and greenery are fabulous all year round. You can also get permanent florals that resemble a fresh bouquet ... as well as every kind of plant and arrangement imaginable. There is a tremendous range.
Wall mirrors are becoming more and more popular — from the ones that you hang above a mantel or foyer table to these large overscaled floor mirrors that you tip against the wall. No matter what size mirror you choose, it's going to bounce light and give the illusion of a larger space.
Jackie Hirschhaut, the alliance's vice president of public relations and marketing, has advice for preparing a home for holiday entertaining:
After you pay attention to your seating, you may want to turn your attention to the spaces where you plan on serving food to your guests. If you're serving a conventional meal, you can check out your dining room table to see if it's going to be adequate. If you're serving food in a less formal setting — perhaps just finger foods — check out your coffee table, your sofa table and other accent tables where the food will go.
