Ho Ho Home For The Holidays

During the holiday season, you may be hosting relatives or throwing a festive party. Does your home need any upgrades to comfortably accommodate family and friends? Here are some remodeling and design ideas to help make the most of your space during this—and every— season.

The best way to welcome guests is with an inviting entry. As design consultant Karen Richmond shares, “One of my favorite spaces is the entry. When the front porch is clean with an attractive front door, I always know I’ll be met with care and graciousness. I also like to help clients create a welcoming and uncrowded entry with space for stowing coats, shoes and packages.”

5 Key Entertaining Areas

As any host knows, most parties start (or end) in the kitchen! If you love to entertain, here are some spaces you might consider updating or refreshing.

Above: This entry, bathed in light by giant windows and a grand chandelier, makes an impression on guests and gives them space to mingle before entering or exiting.

Entry

“There’s nothing like a pleasing aroma to pique interest in what lies beyond,” shares Richmond.

• Keep it clean and inviting on both the inside and outside
• Create the space to greet, mill around and send off guests

Above: A stylish guest bath adds impact – and keeps people where you want them.

Guest / Powder Bath

• This is an easy place to make a big impression. Bonus: creating a show-stopping guest powder room keeps other baths private.
• Select high impact materials that show style and creativity. This is a room to have fun with — let your style shine!
• Pull style and theme ideas from rest of home
• Add a diffuser or scented candle

Kitchen

There are many ways to make your guests feel right at home.

Open plan

• Plan for traffic to travel away and around the cook
• Add prep stations (for those who wish to help)
• Plan an area for serving whether it’s a buffet, desert bar or drink station

Great lighting

• Bright for food prep / tasks
• Dimmer option for entertaining

Point of service appliances (consider if needed and if so, plan the location carefully)

• Ice
• Coffee
• Warming drawer
• Separate mini fridge

Island seating (guests like to visit with the cook, plan for it!)

Banquette

Above: Cheers! A dedicated bar or drink station within easy reach is a refreshing addition to any entertainment space.

Bar / Beverage Service

Like fine wine or artisan cocktails? Raise your glass to dedicated beverage spaces!

• Dedicated area or integrated with kitchen
• Ice maker or separate mini fridge
• Custom drink stations
• Wine storage

Rec / Family Room

Great for all ages and a place to go for the kids. Especially popular for teens and those seeking more independence. Consider finishing space in a basement, garage or attic for a game/TV room.

• Flexible
• Plenty of seating—comfortable and inviting is key
• Keeps TV off in main area of house

READ MORE: Remodel Your Home For Entertaining

Ready to create your own entertainer’s paradise? Get in touch with Neil Kelly today.