If you’re having friends and family over at Christmas time you really want you home to warm feel inviting. I’m planning a small Christmas party at my studio (if I ever get it tidy again!) and it’s going to be a hard task to make it cosy and welcoming. The space is beautiful, but those big windows let in a cold draught.
I want to make it warm and welcoming so I’m using the entrance as this is going to be the first thing everyone gets to see! I don’t have a lot of spare time for making this happen, but focusing on this area will hopefully get everyone in the mood from the moment they step through the doors.
It’s a busy time for us all so you might feel overwhelmed by all the decorating. Here are some simple ideas I’ve used to give my guests a warm welcome that you can easily try in your own home.
Candles
First impressions are everything and that counts for all the senses. Lighting scented candles in the entrance to your home will subtly help your guests feel at home straight away. It especially helps when they come as cute winter woodland creatures! (These are on sale right now so get them while you can!)
I love picking out sweet, spicy scents at this time of year. Basically anything that reminds me of something mulling.. anything mulling! Check out all the West Elm candles here
Go Green
After coming in from the cold nothing is more inviting that lush, green plants. It reminds us of warmer times. I love to add eucalyptus branches to just about everything. I’ve added some to the wall around my mirror just by taping the branches to the wall. It also makes a great cloche filler as an accent piece and if all else fails, find a basket and fill it up.
And of course no Christmas party is complete without a wreath. Inside or out this boxwood light up wreath makes our hearts sing all the Christmas songs!
Lighting
Ideally you want to keep the lighting soft and inviting. Fairy lights are the universal sign for Christmas and well, are expected (at least by me) for any festive party. The more the better! I love bright white LEDs that just seem to twinkle anywhere you place them but it’s also nice to have warmer lights add more of a glow, especially when they come in these diamond, geometric cages.
Welcome Drinks
After heading out into the cold in order to travel to your party, make it immediately worth their while with a warm mulled wine the second they get in the door. I know this is all I need! In fact, I just went to a friends party in which she kept mulled wine warm in her slow cooker to serve as we arrived. Definitely the best winter welcome to a party.
Keep the wine warm in these copper Moscow Mule mugs. You can even create a mulled wine station and let you guests add fruit and spices to their own drinks!
Additional products:
Honeycomb Vase (on sale) | Faux Palm Leaf | DIY Box Side Table | DIY Cork Bench | DIY Paint Printed Gift Bags | DIY Paper Sacks | DIY Clay and Driftwood Spoons
This post was written in collaboration with West Elm. Thank you for supporting the brands that support Fall For DIY
What a beautiful setup x
Jessica — NinetyCo
Beautiful! I love the eucalyptus around the mirror. What a neat way to add greenery. Definitely need to get some of those copper mugs, too! They are fabulous. Thanks for the inspiration!
Thank you Megan! The copper mugs are my favourite too :)
So gorgeous. The mirror is dreamy! x
Thanks for these great tips! This beautiful set up is really inspiring.
I loved the entrance ideas.
That mirror , Simply Amazing!!
Wow nice tips !! thanks for sharing
Where is this bench from?
Hey Rachael, it’s a DIY!! You can see it right here: http://fallfordiy.com/blog/2016/11/15/diy-cork-bench/
Your picture are really beautiful! i love your DIY with the mirror! I have to make it!
Hi! Love the mirror!! How many eucalyptus branches did you use and where do you get them? Thank you!
well-written post!
Interesting stuff. Even when guests come to visit, don’t just throw their coats onto the bed or the back of the sofa. A cute area rug can add cheer to any space, and it’s practical, too!
Connect the entry with the rest of your home’s exterior by repeating elements to create a cohesive look.
I’m totally amaze in these decoration ideas, its so cool. it would be great if you can add the links where you buy it. Thanks….
I don’t like much, but it could be better, and I suggest you to for security reason you should use CCTV camera to look after your house when you are not at home.
If your front door has ornate decorative panels or rustic embellishments, the door itself makes a statement. In that case, your best front door decoration may be nothing at all.
I Found this article helpfull and informative, will recommend it to others, keep sharing more amazing artices.
A great blog. That looks really great, thanks for the great insights and inspiration.
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