Tuesday, 29 June 2021
The time has finally come to welcome guests back into your home after lockdown.
It’s totally understandable if you feel a little out of practice when it comes to entertaining. As the humble home re-emerges after being changed into an impromptu work setting, we can now toast our family and friends in person instead of using Zoom.
Whether you’ve made use of the recent easing of restrictions, or you’ve been waiting for ‘freedom day’ (21 June), you’ll want your home to be as welcoming as possible. So, we thought we’d share some practical yet stylish tips on how you can make your home into a safe entertaining environment for your long-awaited guests:
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Hello, dining room!
Your guests are due at the weekend, so make sure you relegate your laptop to a nearby cupboard or bedroom. Swap your mouse mat for a placemat. Give your table a good polish and add a complementary table runner for extra pizazz. Add some flourishes like quirky napkin holders or some fun favours, which could just be some edible treats in organza bags. It’s time to remember that your dining room is for eating not working! -
Goodbye, clutter!
Let’s face it, most of us have been spending every waking (and sleeping) hour in our homes for well over a year. Some of us may have not had a single night away. And as a result, things can get pretty untidy without you even noticing. Why not hide pens and stationery items in a gorgeous multipurpose storage stool? Not only will this help you get rid of any clutter, but it’ll also give you an extra (socially distanced) seat for guests too. -
Round or square?
If you have an extendable table, then this will always give you more versatility for varying guest numbers visiting your home. Round tables are perfect for group conversations and are definitely the most sociable option. Oval tables are good space-savers, due to the absence of corners. Long, rectangular tables can create problems if you have bickering family members sat face to face, so split them up by adding names to place settings. -
Mismatch in style
There are some bold interior design trends in full flow this year, including mismatched dining chairs. Swap a couple of boring dining chairs for bright and beautiful accent chairs. If you have mismatching crockery, alternate these across your place settings. Or tap into any latent creative skills to give old plates a new lease of life with ceramic paint. If anything, it’ll create a real talking point when everyone’s too full of food to speak. -
Be confident with colour
Make a statement in your home. Turn your dining room into a gastro-style eatery by giving tired walls a lick of paint and refresh your furnishings. Add a few accessories to offset the colours in your room. Choose dark and moody shades to create stimulating after-dinner conversations or bright and bold hues as a backdrop for lively party games. Murder mysteries are making a real comeback right now, so get your guests involved. -
Chill out in comfort
You’re planning ahead, which is great, but you’ve realised you don’t have enough seats for everyone in your living room. Well, if you’ve been thinking of upgrading your sofa, now’s your chance. With an amazing selection available, including reclining sofas with matching recliner chairs, you’ll be spoilt for choice! Although you might have to create a rota because once your guests are chilling in your recliners, they won’t want to move.
As front doors start to open across the UK, a few flourishes here and there will all add up to create an inviting and stylish space to entertain your friends and family. Whether you decide to give your home the bistro touch or a night-time bar appeal, add a few personal touches around your home to express your personality. With a little bit of planning, you can create a safe and sociable environment for everyone to catch up and reconnect in style.
Check out Furniture Online’s extensive range of sofas and chairs. Our friendly customer service team are on hand to advise if you need any help or have any queries. Contact us by using our online web chat tool.
