Small Touches That Make Guests Feel at Home

A group of friends enjoying a meal at home, stock image from Canva Pro

Discover the key to helping your guests feel at home

Collaborative post by another author.

Making someone feel at home; not just at ease, but genuinely welcomed, is a subtle art. I've always thought that entertaining is about establishing a relaxed mood rather than flaunting your place. The kind where visitors can unwind, take off their shoes and feel like they belong, even if it's only for a single night.

I've thrown countless little get togethers throughout the years, ranging from spontaneous Sunday brunches to warm winter dinners. Some went flawlessly. Others? I mean, I've burned a good amount of toast. However, the small things, the considerate touches, were what made people stay a little longer, grin a bit more broadly, and remark, "This feels so nice," regardless of what went wrong.

Start with the Atmosphere

"Setting the mood" sounded pretentious to me at first, but now I see how important it is. Before you even speak, the appropriate ambiance lets your guests know how you want them to feel.

Warm, gentle lighting quickly calms people. Instead of using harsh overhead lights, I like to use lamps and candles or string lights. Then there is music, which is soft and inconspicuous yet has enough individuality to occupy calm areas. Jazz or acoustic music is excellent.

And lastly, scent. Something delicate, like a lavender scent in the summer or a cinnamon candle in the winter. You want your house to feel inviting and lived in, but you don't want to overwhelm them.

Offer a Warm Welcome

Receiving a warm beverage as a greeting has a timeless quality. Perhaps it is a human tendency that comfort is comparable to warmth. I always offer tea, coffee or cocoa to guests first when they enter, especially on a cool evening.

Purchasing a variety of Celtic mugs from ShamrockGift was one of my favorite hosting upgrades this past year. I had no intention of doing it; I simply happened upon them when browsing the internet for Irish presents and was enamored with their workmanship.

You want to put both hands around each mug because of its cozy, substantial feel. Before they even take a sip, my guests always have something to say about them. Even though it's just a small thing, it establishes a connection right away.

Keep It Real

Admittedly, I used to worry about keeping my house immaculate before visitors visited. Every counter gleamed, every pillow fluffed. However, the truth is that people are more interested in the atmosphere they experience in your home than in how flawless it is.

These days, I'm more concerned with comfort than perfection. I don't worry about using dishes that don't match. If there is an unevenly burned candle or a pile of books on the coffee table, I don't apologize. In fact, when visitors notice a little flaw, they frequently appear to relax more.

I once read that the greatest hosts make you feel at home rather than like you've walked into a showroom. That perfectly sums up my opinion these days.

Create Spaces for Conversation

I consider how people will connect with others, as well as where they will sit when I arrange my living area before guests arrive.

It makes a big difference to pull chairs a bit closer together, add a little table for snacks or mugs, and make sure there is enough lighting for faces to glow naturally. I like round tables or family-style spreads where guests can lean in and tell stories over long, formal table arrangements when I'm hosting dinner.

And I've discovered that some of the most meaningful conversations take place during those peaceful, late night hours when everyone is sipping their second or third cup of tea, usually still in their favorite mugs, and half the candles have melted.

Personal Touches

Every host adds something special to the experience and every home has its own vibe. Perhaps it's the playlist that's "so you," or the aroma of a certain dish you usually prepare.

For me it's in the little things, like personalised place cards, a rosemary sprig on a napkin, or a small treat left by the door for visitors to take home. These details leave the message, "I thought of you."

It doesn't need to be elaborate. I occasionally send leftover baked goodies wrapped in parchment paper or even a little jar of jam from the local market home with my guests. Memory, not excess, is the key. You're providing them with something cozy, recognisable and intimate to take away from the evening.

Feed Their Senses, Not Just Their Stomachs

Food is only one aspect of hosting; another is the experience. Yes, a delicious dinner serves as the evening's focal point, but what visitors remember most is the sound of laughter, the clinking of cups and the glow of candles.

I make an effort to serve handmade food when I host, even if it's only a straightforward stew or some fresh bread. Sharing something you've created yourself creates intimacy. However, I also make sure I have fruit, cheese or other nibbles on hand in case of nighttime munchies.