A Warm Welcome

Hello Readers,

Having guests in your home can be so much fun, but it can also be tedious and stressful too, depending on who your guests are, of course. People never get a second chance at making a good, first impression.  Saying ‘welcome’ with a lovely smile, a happy face and greeted like a best friend will immediately put your visitor at ease.  Always introduce yourself and remember to ask your visitor their name.  One of the little touches to make your home more welcoming is to try to make the entry of your home, both inside and out, as attractive as possible.  Beautiful outdoor potted plants, a clean pathway and front door and a beautiful entrance area is easy on the eye and creates a good first impression.  After your initial greeting, offer your guests a drink of tea, coffee, water or something stronger perhaps, but be mindful that they may have travelled quite a way to visit you and feel tired, parched and ready to just sit down and relax for a few moments.  You be the one to start a conversation and preferably ask questions about your guest.  Its good manners to show an interest in them rather than you go on and on about what a rubbish life you are leading and all your moans and groans, because that is sure to put people off.  Also make an effort to look presentable.  It takes just as long to dress up really smart as it does to look like an old ‘sack of potatoes’.  No one likes to be in a stranger’s house in an awkward silence.  Its uncomfortable and can be unnerving.  If you can’t think of anything to say, compliment them on their clothes and at least ask them if they had a good journey getting to you.  One really tasty and simple way of making your guests feel welcome is to feed them a meal, or offer light snacks, pretty cakes or a plate of fruit for them to nibble at.  This often eases tension.  What is off putting is bad smells, untidiness and a place that has not seen a duster and polish for months.  Invest in some gorgeous smelling candles and or a can of air freshener.  If you like flowers, arrange a delightful floral arrangement that is pleasing to the eye and makes a room look happy and well cared for. Remember, your home is your domain and a true reflection of your personality.  The last thing you want is for your guest to feel as though they want to make a fast exit because they feel so ill at ease.  It’s always nice to send you guest home with a ‘treat’, whether it’s a small bunch of flowers, a cake or other little gift that will enable them to remember their visit to your home.  Sending guests home with treats lets them know that you are glad they came and that they are always welcome to visit you again another time.

‘Respect yourself and others will respect you’.

Until Next Week,

Love and Light,

Linda and The Lulas xxx