Things will happen and you-know-what will hit the fan with or without the arrival of company, as that is what life and its challenges are all about. Arriving guests guarantee that affairs will take on a hectic pace, but surely there must be some things that can be done to ease tension and dispel anxiety.
Here are a few thoughts about that.
1. Put away fragile antiques if at all possible.
Why ask for trouble? If you can store these things away, guests won’t ever break anything precious and no host or hostess need freak over minor mishaps. (The other solution, which entails not inviting any bulls into your china shop, is impossible to uphold.)
2. Throw formality out the window (along with whoever else has been over-staying their welcome).
Choose function and ease over formality. Sturdy and practical is so much more comfortable than stiff and formal. Look for muted almost faded-looking fabrics if you will, for furnishings and windows. (If you can pick guests that look that way as well, all the better for the grand scheme of things.) They will not only make things look more comfortable but they will also age better than clear, bright colors.
3. Collect books.
Many books are a comforting sight even if they are not about comfortable subjects. A wall full of worn books creates a reassuring quality, and even if you collect volumes about serial killers or unusual poisons, the sight of them crowded in a wooden bookcase is as soothing as a roaring fire. (Go figure.) To counteract serious book collections, keep a few fun publications on hand for guests to thumb through. Some ideas might include: The Far Side Series or The Encyclopedia of Bad Taste.
4. Pillows
When choosing pillows, do not go overboard with either cute or chic. Think of their purpose when selecting them rather than their effect. You don’t want guests to have to negotiate with them every time they try to snuggle into a sofa or chair.
5. The Thermostat
By all means, turn it down. Warm bodies heat up a room quickly and much more efficiently.
Remember these details and you and your guests are sure to have a good time. Do YOU have any tips to add to this list? Please share.
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“Expecting Company? No? Well, They’re Here!”
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