The fabulous Richella at Imparting Grace hosted a Those Special Touches party where we share the little things we do to make our guests and loved ones feel welcomed in our home. I am horribly late to this party (and not in a fashionably-late-cool-sense but more of a so-late-it’s-rude sense). But let me explain why…
Right now, if you were to walk up to my home you would be greeted by previously gorgeous flowers (I just planted) now looking wilted, half-dead and so sad due to an aphid attack on my hanging baskets and a squirrel attack on my window boxes. Gah! Walk through the front door and breathe in the inviting aroma of eua-de-doggie and dirty little kid. Double gah! Try and make yourself at home amongst the dust bunnies, clutter, and toys you are now sitting upon. Need to use the bathroom? Just be sure to watch out for some misfired little boy business on the seat first. Okay, ew. So yeah. My home is not so inviting today and is horribly lacking in special touches. But if it were looking special for you today it would include the following:
Welcome? Humor, chatter and a great big smile, all of which is in your blog.
I always like the white rooms I see in magazines, but I have to live with color. My little house is painted the same yellow in every room and much of the furniture (both fabric and wood) is red. It makes me happy to walk in after a long day at work. Everyone comments on how welcoming my house is.
I always like the white rooms I see in magazines, but I have to live with color. My little house is painted the same yellow in every room and much of the furniture (both fabric and wood) is red. It makes me happy to walk in after a long day at work. Everyone comments on how welcoming my house is.
LOVE this post! Just found your blog this morning, and I'm so glad! Hi!
Beth – Sounds to me that a lotta love lives at your house !!!!! 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 =:o) {:o) -MIL
Love these dreamy photos! Candles and fresh flowers…I am ready for guests as long as I have those two things….and a clean bathroom.
Holly
http://www.504main.com
Great post, Beth! I think we can all relate to having days when our homes aren't very welcoming (mine right now, for instance–ha).
I'm linking to this in my Saturday roundup! 🙂
I'm remodeling, so guests are lucky I let them in… I was inspired by this post… hopefully when my house is a little less construction zone and a little more home, I'll incorporate some of these ideas in my new space! 😉
i have been gone too long, and i miss your writing so– i love the 2nd paragraph! maybe when i have a break from school in 4 weeks i can make my house nice again. 🙂 hope you've been well, friend.
Great list! Flowers in the guest bath are a nice surprise!
That second pic under color, is so me!
I'm visiting from Richella's. What a fun post, Beth. Perhaps someone should start a 'If Money and Time Were No Object, My House Would Look Like This' party. 🙂 Thanks for sharing! Blessings ~
Ha…you should have seen what i linked up to her party. 😉 She saw the Polly Pockets in all their glory. 😉
What a lovely post Beth, very wonderful tips and ideas, I picture your home like your blog, a place that says we're friends, take off your shoes and have a glass of sweet tea and stay awhile! Always feel welcomed.
Beth,
Thank you sooo much for posting this! Your comments at the start were so helpful! It is nice to know that others are "living" in their homes too:)
Ooooh such wonderful tips! I feel right at home just reading. One thing that makes me love living in my little apartment is mood music. Just some soft, soothing music in the background always relaxes me and makes me feel at home. Of course I'll kick it up a notch if I'm throwin' a party : ) Thanks for the fun tips and inspiration! You do a great job!
-Courtney
I hope you had a wonderful Mother's Day Beth…
Kathy 🙂
Beth! Thank you so much for linking to my party. You're so kind. I don't think that anyone has ever before used both "fabulous" and my name in the same sentence!
Actually, your tips are fabulous, as are the photos you included. These are all wonderful touches that are very practical as well as welcoming. I'm with you on the leather furniture. With three teenage boys and two dogs, I'd be a basket case if I needed to keep white slipcovers clean. I know they're washable and all, but I need that just won't show the dirt in the first place. And it is nice that my kids' friends can join the party without having to worry about protecting the furniture!
Thanks again for joining the party. I really appreciate it!
great list, i love candles in the bathroom, too!
I feel right at home here…thank you 🙂
Lovely tips and pics. What makes me feel welcome is knowing by looking around that I can sit down anywhere I like and put my feet up.
Once you've mailed those napkin rings, please email me your address and the total cost and I'll get a check out to you just that quick.
Lovely photos! I adore fresh flowers more than anything.
Your commentary cracks me up! I just have to say… do you think the doilies in those hurricane vases go up in flames???? 🙂
I totally agree that these things say "Welcome!". I hosted a baby shower here this weekend and people just complimented my house like crazy which makes me a happy camper! I used fake flowers, but saw several people feeling them to see if they were real!
I hope you had a wonderful Mother's Day. I sure did since I ended up falling on my batookas, twisting my ankle and laying on the couch all afternoon! Jemma did make my day special starting with muffins and special presents first thing in the morning! Hope yours was blessed and wonderful!
Such great inspiration here Beth, gave me a few new ideas too! Hope you had a lovely Mothers day!~
These are great! I just love the picture of the yellow room. It look so inviting. oooo, and the vase/faucet … so fresh! Thanks for this lovely post 🙂
~Sarah