Guest Proof Your Living Space for Entertainment

Are you ready for your guest?

Does the gathering room provide sociable seating areas?

Is the gathering room spacious and functional?

Does the gathering room have a defined entrance?

Glad you are here today. Always enjoy the visit. Wishing all a Merry Christmas...

Can't you tell, I get so excited this time of the year?  It's another reason to spend time with family and friends.

I am also excited to share what works for me during the holiday!

as

entertaining can be very stressful

but,

on the other hand,
it is an enjoyable occasion as quality time is spent together.

Let's begin!

with the WOW Factor

I just want to "WOW" each guest with a festive and  welcoming entryway,

as

the foyer serves as a pass through,

and

an easy access to the living area, which is crucial at this point.

Merry Factor

So happy when my guest mingle,  navigating freely around the room

just

because of the layout
(the heaviest piece of furnishings anchored along the longest wall),

but

not against the wall,
small- scale furniture mixed with big furnishings creating a balance for the room
and
less is more

Joy factor

I love the joyful noise

as conversations are engaged simply because of proper furnishing placement.
(sofa and small chairs facing each other creating a 1-on -1 conversation or a group conversation).

and

ample seating (an ottoman can serving double duty: seating, and a place to rest your glass.


How do I know my home is guest-friendly?

...the guest definitely 

not rushed to leave....

 Thanks for stopping by the Houz.

Happy Holidays!

Susan @ MiMI's Houz

images via pinterest

Celebrating the season

Christmas greetings from the Houz...

So glad you are here as we celebrate the holiday with our white tree  adorned with white lights and snowy pine cones. The holiday excitement begins with a trimmed tree and ALL the gifts under and around  it. 

Oh what fun it is as we anticipate the joy of family members gathering to celebrate the birth of Christ.

Here it is.. trimmed and I'm loving it.

Colorful and shimmering ornaments purchased at the end of the season. 

Couple of years ago, I decorated a birthday party in January and used these pine cones to reflect a wintry scene.  This year I decided to adorn my tree with the pine cones .. a little natural look. Surprised at how they attach to the branches without ornament hangers.

I have a passion for my birds.  They really compliment the ornaments. At least two birds on the tree.

I added my white roped ornaments and poinsettia clips creating a little inspiration.  Another sale at the end of the season.  Best time to add to your collection.

White bird definitely makes a statement.

Eye catching white feather wreath displayed on a ladder. A target find last year. Target is a great place to shop after Christmas. Check out the reindeer.

Sharing also a festive vignette on my beverage cart.  Snow flurries and ornaments demonstrate winter wonderland.

Thanks for stopping by the Houz and hope you were inspired.

Susan @  MiMi'z Houz

holiday table setting

Happy holidays!

Oh what fun it is to decorate for the holiday.

It's so rewarding to take the old and the new and create a perfect design, one you love and  an inspiration to others.
Most of my decorations are from previous years. I am loving my holiday table as it's a reflection of me.

Take a look...

Simple but yet festive.

 Not sure how long the reindeers have been around but so precious.   Always part of my annual decor.

Sometimes it's using what you have. Instead of hanging my wreath, I placed it on the table creating a stunning centerpiece.  The glittering wreath helps set the mood for the holiday.

Peacock, pine cone and a frosted
ornament top the winter white plate and charger. Love the peacocks I purchased at the end of the season....soo pretty.

Each year I find new ways to display my decorations. I love the many ways ornaments can be used.

From my home to your home, 

Merry Christmas.

Susan @ the Houz

deck the mantle

Tis the season to be  jolly!

Christmastime at the Houz... 
Just like a child in a candy store this time of the year, especially when I pull out my Christmas bins and visit my favorite stores: so many choices, so many pretty displays and sometimes I am just overwhelmed,

but

I enjoy the moments humming carols as I decorate. Are you one that sing or listen to carols while decorating?  What's your favorite Christmas song?

Let's go caroling as you take a look at my Christmas Mantle!

Ready?

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

 

Silver bells...

Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas...

Let it snow, Let it snow, Let it snow...

Do you see what I see?

Oh Holy Night! The stars are brightly shinning...

It's the most wonderful time of the year...

Silent Night, Holy Night...

The first Noel...

Joy to the World...

Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer...

It came upon a midnight clear...

Away in a manger...

 

Christ the Saviour is Born ...

 I wish you a Merry Christmas

Susan @ MiMi'z Houz