Aesthetic beauty calms and soothes the soul. -unknown
Making your dwelling into a home is an art form. And making others feel welcome and comfortable is a talent that a true lady seeks to posses and master at each stage of her life. If etiquette is defined as: “the social actions which prefer others above ourselves,” then it seems we are all in need of a little refresher course in the ancient art of welcoming. Let’s look at a number of simple ways to be a more gracious hostess and bestow a sense of ease upon those who enter your door.
Enlighten the room: Light affects our mood and, therefore, the luminosity of your home will give it a decided feeling for your guests. Open your blinds or curtains to allow the beauty of daylight to illuminate all of the rooms in your home. When you find yourself entertaining in the evening, invest in warm overhead lights or lamps with full spectrum bulbs and consider amber or warm bulbs in cool corners.
Heaven scent: We are governed by our senses. As such, smell is an important part of our environmental experience and is very closely linked with memories. Providing a pleasant aroma with scented candles will help to make you and your guests remember the joys of life and friendship within your walls.
Bring the outside in: Being surrounded by living things brings more life and energy into your four walls. Having a number of houseplants will not only brighten your home, but also, the extra oxygen released just may improve your state of health. If potted plants don’t suit your space, a fresh bouquet can provide the same beautifying effect.
Clean the latrine: The one place that your guests are most likely to be found alone is the restroom. When decorating the other rooms in our house, don’t skimp on the bathroom. Instead, remember to tie your decorating theme in here as well. A tidy and well-coordinated restroom will help your guests to feel at ease, knowing that you took the time to address the small details.
Lead with a smile: In receiving anyone into your home, your first priority is to make the other person feel initially welcome, and a smile is the first cue that they are. Emily Post, in her book Etiquette, relates the importance of a smiling reception: “A woman of charm always smiles…. a ready smile is more valuable in life than a ready wit.”
Reach out: Research shows that the experience of human touch releases endorphins, the hormones known for causing a feeling of elation. Hence, the power of a simple hug. Put this positive force to work as a hostess and welcome your guests with a handshake, a touch on the arm or embrace, while also being mindful of your guests’ desired level of physical contact.
Provide refreshment: Preparing a pitcher of refreshing water, with ice, cucumbers, lemon, berries, or the like will give you an opportunity to offer your guests immediate refreshment and will show you have been joyfully anticipating their arrival.
Show your interest: Anyone can start a conversation with her own personal concerns as the topic, but it takes a truly skilled hostess to invite her guests to lead the way. Take a moment to reflect on your day and assess your feelings before guests arrive. After acknowledging the validity of those feelings, you can determine to direct the conversation first to your guests without centering the attention on yourself, thus creating a mutually encouraging environment.
Happy Welcoming!
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