Why is it that, no matter the potential, a new home often feels cold and uninviting? To warm it up, it takes life—people, excitement, conversation, dinners! And to achieve all of these things, your home has to be a place where your friends and family want to congregate. Luckily, we’ve got a great list of brilliant ideas, all of which say “come on in and stay awhile” without saying anything at all.
A Well-Stocked Bar Cart—One of the things that makes guests feel welcome in any home is a beverage. Having a well-stocked bar cart—complete with lots of wine, of course—signifies to them that you’re happy to whip up a special drink to make them feel welcome. You don’t have to invest in anything too expensive, just make sure you have the basics, like vodka, gin, tequila, rum and whiskey plus a few good mixers.
A Personalized Welcome Sign—What better way to literally make your home more inviting than to hang a sign that says, “Come on in!” right at the door? Whether with a personalized address sign or front door plaque with your name on it, this is an awesome way to add some personalized pizzazz to the casa so everyone feels warmly welcomed.
Great-Smelling Candles—We don’t know the exact science behind it, but there’s something really real about the way certain smells make you feel. For whatever reason, lighting candles or burning aromatic oils can immediately elicit strong feelings of comfort and coziness. Go for spicy, sweet and seasonal scents—anything that warms you to the core! Clean smells of cotton and linen can also encourage a fresh start.
Some Kind of Fire Element—In the way that candles warm you up psychologically, fires do so physically. You don’t have to have a raging wood-burning fireplace to achieve that delightful fireside feel. You can recreate it with the help of a tabletop electronic fireplace (yes, these are real and they are actually amazing) or, if you’re looking for something easy and free, play a full HD fireplace YouTube video on the TV.
Lots of Cozy Blankets—The last thing you’d want is for your guests to enter your home and be overcome with a stiff, cold or formal vibe. Peppering some super-soft wool blankets around the living area is an awesome way to encourage guests to kick their shoes off, get comfy and hang out. This one is crucial if you plan on hosting any binge-watching get-togethers.
A Nice Set of Drinkware—We’re not saying you have to roll out the red carpet for your guests, but there is something sweet about serving them with some nice glasses and dishes. We hate to say it, but it may be time to upgrade from your mismatched glasses from college and invest in some pieces that actually go together. Don’t worry though, you don’t need to spend an arm and a leg on fancy new glassware and dishes. You can get some really nice stuff on sale or second hand at the thrift store or flea market.
A Personalized Cheese Tray or Cutting Board—There’s something so sweet about kitchen decor that is practical and meaningful. Take the personalized cheese tray or cutting board, for example. These accouterments add a personalized touch to the kitchen while setting you up to create amazing charcuteries and appetizer spreads for your grazing guests. Give one as a housewarming gift to yourself!
Plush Rugs and Furniture—As crazy as we are about minimalist, modern and industrial design styles, they just don’t scream comfy. You can still get the ultra-chic and mod vibe if you go with upholstered furniture featuring contemporary silhouettes and soft, shag rugs with a high pile. If you’ve got the room, select oversized, overstuffed furniture in soft materials. Few things are more welcoming than a big, comfy couch!
Music That Sets a Chill Vibe—One of the first things you’re going to want to do when you move into your new home is to set up those Bluetooth speakers in all the primary living areas. Make sure you’ve got one anywhere guests tend to congregate, including the living room and kitchen. Just make sure to choose tunes that are relaxing and welcoming, and play them at a lower volume. Jazz and lo-fi hip-hop are two of the best options.
Lots of Personal Photos and Knickknacks—You know how they say to de-personalize the house when you’re selling it? Now’s the time to re-personalize it with your most cherished photos and mementos. Get creative about hanging your favorite photos. Consider having those photos printed on home décor items like throw blankets and pillows or spend an afternoon designing and creating a show-stopping gallery wall.
A Stash of Snacks—Don’t ever let your guests go hungry! Make sure to keep some easy snacks and finger foods on hand at all times to ensure that you’ve got something to offer whoever comes through the door. Create a snack basket that you can bust out anytime you or your guests feel their bellies rumbling. Stock it with crackers, nuts, dips and a few sweet treats.
Good Lighting—Do not overlook the power of good lighting! Nothing makes a space feel colder or more sterile than too-bright lights. Make sure to swap out all those old, energy-hogging incandescents for warm-toned (2,500 to 3,000 Kelvins) LED bulbs. If you’re making any upgrades, consider installing dimmers on your lights so you can control light levels at all times and create warm, cozy or romantic environments on-demand.
Bonus: Friends and Family
The most important thing you need to warm up your new place is loved ones to share it with! Whether you host a big housewarming party, invite your closest friends over for game night or go all-out with a meticulously themed dinner party, it’s the love and joy from those around you that will make the space feel special and warm. Happy hosting!
Author Bio: Ashley Peterson is the Director of Marketing at GiftsForYouNow. Her favorite part of her job is connecting others with sentimental and personalized gifts that foster lifelong memories. Ashley is also a mother of 2 and enjoys spending time with her family exploring the outdoors.
