Many of us do a lot more entertaining over the holidays. Whether we invite our neighbors over for dessert or we’re hosting the family festivities, we want our homes to be a place where our friends and family feel ‘at home.’ I always feel like a million bucks when a neighbor stops by and says that my home is so warm and inviting. I’m no minimalist, that’s for sure. I like to fill the space with decor and often sentimental pieces — year round. {hee-hee}
Today I thought thought I would share a few ways to make your home warm and inviting for the holidays! Most of them are free, inexpensive or you might already have on hand. From candy to Glade® candles, let the festivities begin!
Bring the outdoors inside with pine cones, cranberries, and fresh garland or greenery. I have baskets and bowls of pine cones around the house, along with poinsettias, and I often use fresh cranberries as vase fillers as well.
Candy dishes. I always have dishes filled with holiday candy and/or pistachios placed strategically around the house as well. I think a guest feels right at home when they help themselves too. I remember when growing up how my mom always had a big bowl of holiday nuts with nut crackers setting out. I always went in for the walnuts! Those traditions are near and dear to my heart.
Mix the old with the new. I love buying new things to add to my holiday décor; however, some of those ‘new’ things are vintage. I have lots of vintage ornaments that I set out along side some of the new and sparkly décor. It usually is a conversation starter too. I love sharing that some of my old ornaments were passed down from my Grandmothers. Incorporate old books and kraft paper into the mix as well. It’s eclectic and brings some of the past together with the present. I’m a bit sentimental like that.
Photos and Holiday Cards. Display lots of photos and your holiday cards. When I go to someones home, I’m usually drawn to the pictures — they tell a story of sorts. So during the holiday, display those family photos, the kids playing in the snow, the dog with a frosty nose from playing ball in the back yard. I’ve even started keeping baskets of Christmas cards out, they provide some décor but are a welcomed treat to browse through and read each year. Guests love it too! When you have mutual friends, the conversations are light and easy when you recognize photos and similar holiday wishes. Often you’ll hear, “Can you believe how big their kids are getting?”
Candles, Candles and more Candles. I love burning candles and do it much more during the holiday for some reason! This year I’m trying out some of the scents in The Glade® Winter Collection. Have you smelled Sweet Holiday Treat™? Oh my goodness. This one will have my guests ready for dessert before dinner {hee-hee}. Other scents include Sparkling Spruce™, Frosted Berry Kiss™ and more!
A Christmas Eve tradition for our family is that we light all the candles around the house (and turn off the lights), then at midnight we toast eggnog in the glow of the candle light and Christmas tree lights. It’s pure bliss! When we were younger, our dad would read the Christmas story from the Bible each year too. Precious memories.
Get festive this holiday season with the Glade® Limited Edition Winter Collection available exclusively at Target. Inspired by the best feelings of the season, the Glade® Sweet Holiday Treat™ scent lets you indulge in the irresistible scent of rich cocoa, toasted nuts, and creamy caramel. The 2013 Glade® Limited Edition Winter Collection was inspired by the nostalgic, spontaneous, snowy, moments that build up to the holidays. Creating memories with loved ones defines the season and the holiday lineup from Glade® is just as memorable.
There you have it! A few basic and simple ways to make your home warm and inviting for the holidays! Care to join me for dinner in the next few weeks? You can put me and my home to the test! Happy holidays.
Sharing here: Between Naps on the Front Porch
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Pat says
Sounds wonderful to me! I’m a candleholic so I have them burning all the time. I think the holiday scents are so inviting.
xo
Pat
paperworx4seniors2 says
One of first things I get when holidays start is my candles, love lots of candles, smell great and look fantastic. Your decorations and traditions are very sweet, it’s great to remember those things.
I can still close my eyes and remember when I’d come downstairs in our house in Cleveland to find the tree all decorated and gifts under the tree. That was long time ago but it’s incredible how those things stay with a person. After raising 4 kids and getting gifts wrapped and everything set up for Christmas a.m. I can appreciate what my parents did for my brother and I. Wishing you and yours a happy and healthy Christmas.
I’ll have to check out that winter Glade candle collection.