Inspired Feng Shui Life

With the holiday season quickly approaching, many of you are likely preparing your homes for entertaining guests.  When adding extra items for  guests along with your holiday decor, you want to take a quick check and make sure you are not overdoing things.  It is easy to clutter things up which can end up making you feel frustrated and frazzled by the time guests actually arrive rather than prepared and relaxed.

Here is an easy list of things to consider when dressing your home for holiday guests:

• If you have a proper guest room for them to sleep in-perfect!  Even if  you do not, you can make them comfortable by making sure there is a practical place to store their suitcases and hang their clothing.  A special set of towels, a carafe and water glass and even a small gift of welcome waiting for them at their resting place in your home will tell them they are special and welcome.
• Make sure there is enough room for them in the space they will be staying in.  You may need to remove a few of your own decorative items so they do not need to worry about moving them or breaking them. 
• If your guests are going to be using a bedroom that is usually inhabited by a family member, be sure to make a little room in the closet for the guest and add a few empty hangers.  The generous host of the room needs some extra pampering too for sharing their space, so be sure to remember to lovingly thank the one who is temporarily giving up their space. 
• Ensure the linens are fresh and fragrant using a lavender spray that will help them get a great night of sleep.  If you are not already using these for yourself, indulge in some today.  A little treat that can make your dreams just that much sweeter.
• Be sure you have plenty of towels in supply.  Every last member of the household needs to feel remembered so when there is a houseful, make sure you stay on top of the little details.
• You need plenty of seating for your guests, but you do not want clogged rooms.  A great way to add extra seating is with stackable chairs that can be used outside or stored away when not in use.  There are so many cool options available now, you are not limited to those standard folding chairs of yesteryear.  A quick trip to your local store will supply you with a variety of styles, something sure to suit your home.  Extra pillows are great and can be used as floor cushions, just be sure your guests understand your sofa is made to seat people rather than to serve as a showpiece for pillow fashion.
• Make sure you have enough seating at your dining table.  If the dining room is crowded, you may need to remove some furniture pieces so there is enough comfortable seating for everyone.
• When adding holiday decor items, pack up and store your year round decorative pieces. 
• Enjoy your guests while they are there and allow them a bit of free time too.  Everyone loves to visit, but time alone is important too.  Plan something special for just  yourself, even if it is just a half an hour private time for a soak in the tub or to read a book.
• After your guests have gone and you have returned your home to normal, do a simple space clearing ritual.  You can burn sage sticks or incense or you can do a more formal ceremony.  Clearing the energy in your home will restore the balance in the space and help you center yourself.

Having guests come to visit the holidays is a long standing and beloved tradition.  I hope that you find this year to be one of the most joyous years you have enjoyed yet!

Nickie is available for on-site and telephone consultations, call 818-383-7502 or 661-505-5301 to schedule your consultation.

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