Hosting Guests in Your Home: 5 Tips from Home Décor Experts

La-Z-Boy Southeast | November 27, 2024

Hosting guests in your home is an opportunity to create memorable experiences, but it also takes thoughtful planning to ensure your space is welcoming, functional, and stress-free.

At La-Z-Boy Home Furnishings & Décor, our home design experts specialize in helping customers create spaces that blend comfort, style, and practicality.

Drawing from their experiences with customers, our experts have compiled five essential tips to help you prepare your home for hosting.

Whether you’re welcoming extended family for the holidays or hosting an intimate dinner party with friends, these tips will help you consider everything you’ll need to create a space that is ready for hosting guests year-round.

Hosting Guests Tip #1: Consider Heavy Traffic Areas

When preparing to host guests, start by assessing your home’s traffic flow.

Keep Pathways Clear

Ensure that areas prone to heavy traffic, such as entryways, hallways, and around the dining table, are free of clutter. Narrow spaces can become bottlenecks, especially if multiple people are moving through them. Rearrange furniture, remove bulky items, and tuck away unnecessary decorations to create an open and inviting flow.

Pro Tip:

Incorporate slim furniture like the Hammary Wedge Chairside Table or hall consoles to maximize walking space without compromising functionality.

Hosting Guests Tip #2: Have a Place for Things

Guests appreciate having designated spots for their belongings.

Create Landing Zones

Provide baskets, hooks, or benches where guests can conveniently stash shoes, coats, and bags upon arrival. A small bench with storage in the entryway offers a dual-purpose solution, keeping clutter out of sight while adding to your décor.

Stylish Storage Ideas:

• Baskets: Perfect for adding to your décor style while keeping smaller items neatly contained.
• Customizable Shelves: The Hammary Structures collection offers a chic, adaptable solution with options for doors or baskets, allowing you to tailor storage to your space and keep clutter out of sight.
• Multi-Functional Ottomans: Pieces like the Tahoe Ottoman not only provide extra comfortable seating but serve as a place to house all your hidden storage.

This attention to detail not only keeps your space organized but also makes guests feel like you’ve thought of their needs.

Hosting Guests Tip #3: Assure You Have Seating for Gathering

Comfortable seating is essential for any gathering. Whether your gathering is intimate or large, it’s important to consider how your seating arrangements will accommodate everyone.

Elevate Your Seating Choices with La-Z-Boy

When it comes to hosting, having the right seating can make all the difference. At La-Z-Boy, we offer a wide range of customizable furniture designed to suit every room and style. From plush sofas, loveseats, and recliners to versatile dining room furniture, our pieces are crafted to provide comfort and style for any gathering.

Furniture Designed for Hosting

• Sofas and Sectionals: Perfect for larger gatherings, our modular sectionals can be arranged to fit your space and guest list.
• Chairs and Recliners: Choose from stationary or swivel chairs that allow guests to pivot easily for more engaging conversations, even in tighter spaces.
• Dining Room Tables: Many of our dining tables come with extendable leaves, making it simple to accommodate extra seating during dinner parties or holiday feasts.

Hosting Guests Tip #4: Have a Plan for Multi-Functional Use Areas

Your home should adapt to fit the needs of your event.

Think Beyond Traditional Layouts

Transform your living room into a multi-functional space with convertible furniture like sleeper sofas or extendable tables. This is especially helpful for overnight guests or during large dinner parties when extra surfaces and sleeping arrangements are needed.

Smart Solutions for Hosting:

• Sleeper Sofas: Offer a cozy spot for daytime lounging and an instant bed for overnight guests.
• Sofa Tables: These compact, stackable tables provide extra surface space when required.
• Multi-Functional Ottomans: Pieces like the Leo Ottoman provide three-in-one versatility: comfortable seating, hidden storage, and lids that flip to create flat table surfaces for added functionality.

If you know that hosting guests is going to be part of your lifestyle, investing in multi-functional furniture ensures your home is always ready to accommodate.

Hosting Guests Tip #5: Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff

No matter the size, appearance, or quality of your home, remember, perfection isn’t the goal—hospitality is.

It’s easy to stress over spotless floors or perfectly arranged throw pillows. While a tidy home can have an array of benefits, it’s your guests’ comfort that matters most.

Our number one tip is to welcome them warmly and focus on creating an atmosphere that feels relaxed and inviting.

Remember, the memories you create together will outshine any minor imperfections in your home.

Additional Thoughtful Touches to Delight Your Guests

Here are a few additions that will ensure your guests feel appreciated and enhance their overall experience in your home:

• Incorporate lamps and subtle lighting into your space for a cozy ambiance.
• Utilize soft throws and cozy pillows for guests to make themselves comfortable.
• Fragrance can set the mood for your gathering. Use lightly scented candles, diffusers, or simmer pots with natural ingredients like cinnamon sticks and citrus. Be mindful of strong scents that might overwhelm guests—opt for soft, neutral aromas like lavender, vanilla, or fresh linen.
• Add Fresh Flowers or Greenery. A simple vase of flowers or a potted plant can add life and elegance to your space while subtly contributing to a fresh scent.
• Offer a Welcome Snack or Drink. Greeting guests with a small snack or signature drink can immediately make them feel cared for and at ease.
• Create a Personalized Touch: Leave a small note or a welcome card for overnight guests, or set up a “help yourself” area with beverages or snacks.

Prepare Your Home with the Help of La-Z-Boy Interior Designers

Hosting doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By focusing on comfort, functionality, and thoughtful details, you can create a space where your guests feel truly at home.

At La-Z-Boy Home Furnishings & Décor, we specialize in helping you bring your vision to life with customizable furniture tailored to your style and needs. From statement chairs for your living room to expandable dining sets perfect for hosting, our expertly crafted pieces combine timeless design with everyday practicality.

Ready to take the next step? Our team of expert consultants and degreed interior designers are here to guide you through every detail of creating a home that’s beautiful, functional, and ready to host unforgettable gatherings. Visit one of our eight convenient locations in South Carolina, North Carolina, or Georgia to explore our collection and start designing your dream space today.

Let’s make your home the perfect place to welcome guests all year round!