Making your home feel more welcoming for family is an art that requires thoughtfulness and attention to detail. It’s not just about having a clean house or serving great food, but also creating an atmosphere of warmth and love. It’s about making family members feel relaxed, comfortable and truly at home. Here, I am sharing 15 ways I make my home feel more welcoming for my family. These ideas are simple, practical, and most importantly, they are expressions of love and care.
1. Keep the House Clean
A tidy and clean home is the first step to making it feel welcoming. I always make sure to tidy up before my family comes over. The sight of a clutter-free environment is immediately calming and inviting.
I try to clean every nook and corner, and make sure there’s no dust or dirt anywhere. I also make sure that the bathrooms are spotless and well-stocked with toiletries. Cleanliness not only makes the house look good, but it also shows that you put in effort to prepare for their visit.
2. Add Personal Touches
I believe that personal touches make a house feel more like a home. I display family photos and keepsakes that tell our family’s story.
In the living room, I have a wall dedicated to framed photos of our best family moments. In the guest room, I keep books that my siblings or parents love to read. These personal touches remind them of shared memories and make them feel more connected to my home.
3. A Warm Welcome
I believe in the power of a warm welcome. I make it a point to greet my family at the door with a smile and a hug. This instantly makes them feel loved and valued.
I also prepare a small welcome basket for them. It includes essentials like towels, toiletries, and a note telling them how much I’m glad they’re here. This small gesture goes a long way in making them feel special and welcomed.
4. Keep it Comfortable
Comfort is key when it comes to making a home feel welcoming. I ensure that the temperature is just right – not too hot, not too cold. I also make sure there are plenty of comfortable seating options available.
In the guest room, I invest in good quality bedding and pillows to make sure my family gets a good night’s sleep. I also leave out extra blankets and pillows just in case they need them.
5. Cook Their Favorite Meals
Food is a universal language of love. I make sure to cook my family’s favorite meals when they visit. This shows that I know what they like and that I’ve made an effort to make them happy.
Whether it’s my mom’s favorite pasta dish, or my sister’s much-loved chocolate cake, I take joy in cooking these for them. Their smiles when they taste these dishes is absolutely priceless.
6. Fresh Flowers
Fresh flowers can instantly brighten up a space and make it feel more welcoming. I always make sure to have fresh flowers in the living room and the guest room.
I usually go for flowers that have a pleasant, subtle scent. Not only do they add color and life to the room, but they also make the house smell wonderful.
7. Keep Their Preferences in Mind
I always keep my family’s preferences in mind when preparing my home for their visit. For example, if I know my brother loves to have a cup of coffee first thing in the morning, I make sure to stock up on his favorite coffee brand.
This not only shows that I care about their likes and dislikes, but also that I’ve put thought into making their stay comfortable.
8. Create a Relaxing Atmosphere
I believe that a relaxing atmosphere can make anyone feel at home. I achieve this by playing soft music in the background and using scented candles or diffusers.I also make sure the lighting is soft and warm. This creates a cozy and peaceful environment that my family can unwind in.
9. Have Plenty of Entertainment Options
I make sure to have plenty of entertainment options available for my family. This includes books, board games, and a good movie collection.
This ensures that they never get bored and always have something to do. It also encourages spending quality time together.
10. Be a Good Listener
One of the best ways I make my family feel welcome is by being a good listener. I make sure to give them my undivided attention when they’re talking.
This shows that I value their thoughts and opinions. It also encourages open communication and strengthens our bond.
11. Have a Flexible Schedule
When my family visits, I make sure to have a flexible schedule. This allows them to do what they want to do, when they want to do it.
Whether they want to sleep in late, or go out for a spontaneous outing, I’m always game. This flexibility makes them feel more at ease and less like they’re imposing.
12. Include Them in Activities
Including my family in activities, whether it’s cooking dinner together or decorating the house, makes them feel part of the home.
It’s a great way to spend quality time together and create new memories. It also gives them a sense of belonging and makes them feel more connected to my home.
13. Encourage Them to Make Themselves at Home
I always encourage my family to make themselves at home. I let them know that they’re free to use the kitchen, change the TV channel, or rearrange the cushions if they want to.
This makes them feel more comfortable and less like guests. It shows that I trust them and consider them part of my home.
14. Show Appreciation
I make sure to express my gratitude to my family for visiting me. I tell them how much I appreciate their company and how happy I am to have them in my home.
This makes them feel valued and loved. It also strengthens our bond and makes them look forward to visiting again.
15. Send Them Off with a Gift
Lastly, I like to send my family off with a small gift. It could be a jar of homemade jam, a book they enjoyed reading during their stay, or some baked goods for the road.
This leaves them with a sweet reminder of their stay at my home. It’s a small gesture, but it shows my love and appreciation for them.