Holiday Tips for Entertaining in a Small Space
Hosting guests in a small home is not impossible - it just takes a little creativity. If the interior living spaces in your home tend to be short on square footage or if you have a small backyard, then you may want to consider a buffet style party. This way you only need a minimum of seating space and guests are more likely to socialize with each other.
There are ways to make entertaining in a small home run smoothly, and it all begins with decluttering and cleaning the space of unnecessary items on tables and in common areas. Temporarily removing most of your family's everyday items will go a long way in making a small space look larger. Here are more holiday tips for throwing an amazing party in a small space.
How to Throw a Party in a Small Space
Move Furniture to Create Gathering Spaces
If you have opted for a buffet style meal, then you should move sofas, tables, and chairs towards the walls which will create distinct areas for relaxing or moving around to socialize. Keep the seating places together to encourage conversation and interactions. Even the kitchen or dining room table can be shifted towards a corner, and serve as the party's eat and drink stations. Then use those dining room chairs around the perimeter of the room for guest seating.
Don't Overdo Holiday Decor
Keep your holiday decor simple, and if you are throwing a large party in a small space, then you may want to forgo setting up the Christmas tree until later. By all means, use your wall space to drape pine cones, hang wreaths on exterior doors, and consider some of these Gorgeous Christmas Garland Ideas along stairs or hanging from above! Keep your table centerpieces simple, so they don't hog the precious space needed by your guests.
Include the Kitchen for a Casual Area
Everyone wants to be in the kitchen with the cook, so why not open up your kitchen as part of your entertaining space. When you host a large party in a small space, you need to use all your available space. Consider speaking with a home improvement profession that can complete one of these small remodeling projects just in time for the holiday season:
- Open up a shared wall between the kitchen and living spaces
- Install a kitchen corner niche with bench seating and a small table
- Have a kitchen island counter installed to serve as a buffet space
- Add vertical shelving above counters and over appliances for storage
Increase the Light for an Open Air Feel
No matter what size home or apartment you have, interior designers know how to maximize space for a party with the illusion of light and mirrors. Plenty of natural lighting will create an airy and light feel to what is normally a small and cramped room. Also, hang large mirrors on the walls or even consider an entire mirrored wall to create the illusion of a larger space.
When natural lighting is limited, or you are hosting an evening event, use brighter light fixtures for serving areas and softer, incandescent lights for dancing and conversation. Use your table lamps, floor lamps, and wall sconces to separate spaces with light. And don't be afraid to go bold with a red or blue bulbs or even color-changing light bulbs to enhance the holiday festivities.
Take-Aways
- Begin with decluttering and cleaning your spaces of unnecessary items
- Move furniture to create gathering places and open floor space
- Consider a kitchen remodel that increases living and entertaining space
- Lights and mirrors can project the illusion of more space and create ambiance
Contact us at RWC Windows, Doors, and More, serving the West Caldwell, NJ communities with professional kitchen installations, bathroom remodeling, and replacement windows and doors. We've been relieving homeowners of the stress around home improvements since 1959. Talk with one of our design consultants about how we can help you with your home entertaining challenges through the holiday season.
Holiday Home Decor Ideas for 2019 [Infographic]
Home is where the heart is, and when the holidays roll around, it can also be where lots of family and friends come together. This year, put your creativity to the test by decking out your home with traditional Christmas decorating ideas—or those that are a little bit outside of the box. We've found a few ideas to help give you some inspiration.
Christmas Decorating Ideas 2019
Be Blue
Forego the traditional reds and greens of Christmas in favor of blues and silvers. This year, homes all over the world will look like their own winter wonderlands, with silvery flecks of shine that bounce off bluish backgrounds. Think midnight blues with aquamarine hues. Bring in a touch of the cool side of the crayon box, accented by whimsical shades of brilliant whites and silver-coated focal points.
Go Au Naturale
Bring shabby chic into your Christmas decor by inviting the outside into your home. Utilize pine cones, bark, feathers, moss, and other elements Mother Nature already provides. You can find plenty of DIY tutorials online to help bolster your inspiration, or if you're feeling crafty, you can go it alone and create your own innovating decorations.
Don't Skimp on the Lights
Lights are a magical part of the Christmas season, and this year, people will expect to see them just as much inside your house as they would outside. Light up your home with candles, Christmas tree lights, and glittering messages that make people feel welcome as soon as they walk in the door.
Christmas Window Decoration Ideas
Whether you're saying hello to passersby, or giving your guests something to look at when they're looking outside, your windows offer a great opportunity to spread a little Christmas cheer. Here are a few window decorating ideas you might not have thought of:
Put Up the Plaid
Plaid curtains offer a fun, spirited approach to everyday living spaces. Red, green, and gold plaid plays well against the traditional colors of the season. However, if you're opting for the blue Christmas we noted above, consider going for blue and silver plaid curtains to draw out the whimsy of this magical season.
Place Poinsettias on the Sills
Poinsettias are a quintessential Christmas item. You're probably used to seeing them as centerpieces on tables, but if you give them the responsibility of showcasing their beauty from the comfort of their own window sills, your home will be instantly filled with Christmas delight.
Make Miniature Presents
Wrap tiny boxes in an assortment of wrapping paper and bows, piling them into the window when you're done decorating them. You can use all sorts of household items to hold the shape so your window sill holds a bit of intrigue and excitement when people pass by. You can wrap empty toilet paper rolls, empty juice boxes, and plenty of other items you'd otherwise toss or recycle.
Outdoor Holiday Decorating Ideas
The outside of your home is just as important as the inside, especially when this special time of year arrives.
Create Lantern Garland
Lantern garland is a fun way to illuminate your outdoor space in a way that doesn't detract from the other decorations you might have around the house.
Bring Rudolph Along
A chalkboard buck head might seem silly at first, but think about the conversations it'll start when someone walks up to your door. Since it's a chalkboard, it's super simple to change the messaging depending on your mood or the events you have going on at the moment.
Make Faux Moss be Boss
Use fake moss to spread a message of joy or kindness across your front door.
At RWC Windows, Doors & More, we want to see your holidays succeed. Reach out to us if you need to spruce up your doors or windows before the busy holiday season gets under way!
How to Get Your Home Ready for Holiday Entertaining
Introduction
The holiday season is a natural time for entertaining. People like to exchange gifts, return to their hometown to visit with family and friends, or attend neighborhood parties. No matter how you celebrate, all of these events entail hosting a party or holiday gathering. The most important aspect of holiday entertaining is friendly companionship, but having festive home decor adds a seasonal touch. Whether you entertain friends regularly or for the first time, here are a few considerations to make your home ready. 
The Entry Door
The entry door is the first impression your guests have upon arrival. Adding holiday decorations are a simple way to spruce up the door. Dressing up the front door with wreath or other holiday decorations, lets friends know you look forward to their visit.
Another consideration is to make sure the door is in good repair and working order. A fresh coat of paint can beautify an older door, but if it doesn't open and close smoothly it may be time for a new one. There are many options available, so take the time to choose one you really like and have always wanted.
Welcoming Windows
Windows can also be decorated for the season. Window candles are a standard holiday favorite, as are stained glass hanging ornaments. Removable stickers and window clings are also simple, inexpensive touches to add.
Just like with your doors, you want your windows to function properly. You may want to open them for fresh air when a large group is assembled inside, and you don't want an uncomfortable draft coming in when they are closed. Relative to the cost of a house, new windows are inexpensive and provide a great return on investment and a warmer home.
A New Kitchen
Regardless of what you have planned for the evening, guests are nearly always going to spend at least some time in the kitchen. It's simple to add a holiday themed centerpiece to the table. You may want a few decorations on the countertops, but not so many as to be in the way of food preparation. Having the kitchen clean and ready to present drinks and snacks is arguably the most important aspect of preparing it for company.
As with window and door home renovations, if you've always wanted new counters, cabinetry, floors, or even paint, it might be a good time to consider having the work done before the holidays. Your guests will be impressed, plus it’s a chance to show off your new kitchen!
Additional Considerations
The most important aspect of holiday entertaining is just to present a clean home in which you clearly thought about your guests and their comfort. Whether they are visiting for an afternoon, evening, or staying overnight you want them to feel welcome.
- Do make sure doors and windows function properly and look nice.
- Add flowers and small decorations to make the house inviting.
- Don't worry about making everything absolutely “perfect” as your guests won't notice something out of place the way you do.
- Stock the kitchen with food and drink for guests
- Refer to an online holiday entertaining guide for ideas about decorations.
What to Do Next
If you need work done to prepare your home for company, call RWC to have a representative come by and discuss your needs.
Transform Your Home With A Fall-Inspired Look
The fall season is a period of transition from summer to winter. Gone are the fast-paced days of summer and the extreme temperatures of winter yet await us. At the onset of fall, Mother Nature brings forth a wealth of earthy colors and cool temperatures that set the stage for a shift in the atmosphere.
The atmospheric shift boasts an array of colorful foliage, crisp, fresh air, and a sense of tranquility outdoors. When you consider all the characteristics of fall, you have the perfect background for a change in your home’s curb appeal.
Fall-Inspired Curb Appeal Tips
Fall is a cozy time of year that evokes a sense of peace. As such, your home’s curb appeal should do the same. To capture the essence of fall in your home decor, employ these five curb appeal tips:
1. Decorate Your Home and Lawn in Fall Colors
Highlight the uniqueness of your home’s structure by decorating your home in various shades of orange, brown, green, and blue.
One of the most important elements to emphasize is your entry door. With the right decor, you’ll welcome guests and family members without saying a word.
If you need a new entry door, consider contacting our team at RWC. We are the go-to source for home improvement in New Jersey.
2. Transform Your Lawn Into a Cornucopia
Fall, which is also known as the season of harvest, is the perfect time for your lawn to embody the sense of abundance and nourishment; make your lawn a cornucopia.
Strategically place an assortment of fall flowers, fruits, vegetables, and leaves around your porch and lawn. Remember, a little goes a long way. Your fall decor shouldn’t be overbearing. Less is more with fall decor.
3. Incorporate Halloween Decor
Beyond being a time of harvest, fall is also a time for ghosts and ghouls. Your home’s curb appeal should incorporate Halloween decor to show your festive spirit. Carved pumpkins with spider webs and other fun decorations will make your theme pop.
4. Illuminate Your Lawn
During fall, the days shorten and the nights grow longer. To ensure your home gets the visibility it deserves, highlight your outdoor decor with solar lights. Place your lights in key areas of your lawn to maximize your curb appeal. Focus on spotlighting the following areas:
- Entry doors
- Flowers
- Halloween decor
- Walkways
The location of your lights should be functional as well. With shorter days, it’s important to use your lights to enhance visibility so children and guests can safely make their way to your door while trick-or-treating or coming to say hi.
5. Maintain Your Lawn
Another important aspect of your curb appeal is lawn maintenance. It’s imperative you rake your leaves regularly during fall. In fact, with an appropriate fall-inspired theme, you can incorporate the gathered leaves into your decor.
The following are more lawn maintenance tips that will help you keep your lawn fresh and inviting.
- Continue to mow your lawn.
- Water your grass.
- Fertilize your grass.
- Aerate your soil.
- Remove weeds.
Keep in mind, the best way to ensure that your lawn reflects the beauty of fall is to maintain a lawn maintenance schedule.
Renew Your Home with Home Improvement Projects
In addition to improving the decor of your home, fall is the perfect time of year to make home improvements. With mild temperatures and a sense of renewal, you can update your entry doors and windows.
The outdoors aren’t the only area of your home that matters. You can bring the tranquility of fall indoors by renovating your kitchen and bathrooms. Transform the look of your interiors and enhance functionality by incorporating the latest in kitchen and bathroom trends, including open floor plans and energy-efficient appliances.
With nearly 60 years of experience, our team at RWC has helped many customers in New Jersey realize their goals of transforming their homes into a true oasis. We encourage you to call us today to make your home the embodiment of your dream home, both indoors and outdoors. See what we can do for you today.
You can read the full story at RWC NJ Transform Your Home With A Fall-Inspired Look
7 Ideas to Decorate Your Home for the Holidays
The holidays are fast approaching, and what better way to bring in the cheer than by making your home a fun and festive place? Decorating, along with many of the other things that come with the holidays, can be a lot of fun. Here, we will give you seven awesome yet simple DIY decorating ideas that are perfect for adding a bit of magic to your bathroom, kitchen, doors, and windows.
1. Table Centerpiece
Start by taking a trip to your backyard or a nearby park. Gather branches that are not too long or wide. While you are at it, see if you can collect pinecones to bring inside. On their own, pinecones make a great decoration for your home, but you can also jazz these up a bit. Bring your branches and pinecones home and prepare your workspace for spray paint. Cover anything that you do not want to get paint on, and it may be best just to do this outside.
When you are ready, coat your branches and cones in gold and silver spray paint. You can even use glitter spray paint to add some sparkle to your project. Once you have covered the entire surface with paint, let your branches and cones dry. When everything is ready to go, arrange your pinecones in a clear glass vase on your kitchen table. Add the branches to the vase and hang lightweight ornaments on them. This rustic DIY decor will make the perfect centerpiece for your table!
2. Holiday Felt
Use felt to give your bathroom some holiday cheer. First, you want to find a sheet of felt that is big enough to fit as a rug on the floor in front of your toilet. Decorate the felt in holiday colors, or even make it look like Santa before placing it in front of the toilet. If you would like, you can even make a seat cover to match.
3. DIY Snowflakes
Also appropriate for your bathroom, or anywhere else in your home, you can make some DIY snowflakes using white paper. We all remember this one from elementary school. Simply fold your paper in half, and then fold it in half again. Cut whatever geometrical shapes you like, and unfold! Now repeat the process with several sheets of paper, making sure to cut different shapes out of each one.
When you are finished, you can poke a hole in the top of each snowflake and tie strings on each to hang them from your ceiling. You can also opt to tape these to the windows for a festive look that can be seen from the outside.
4. Ornament Wreath
Decorate your door with a DIY holiday wreath. For this project, you will need lots of ornaments, one wire hanger, and some pliers. At the dollar store, you can get packs of ornaments for 99 cents. Once you have your supplies ready, it is time to start. For the wreath shape, you want to take your wire hanger and bend it into a circle, but leave the hanger part intact and do not connect your circle ends yet. Use pliers to help you along.
Once you have your desired shape, you are ready to start stringing ornaments until you get to the end. Once your wire is completely strung with ornaments, you want to use your pliers to twist the circle closed. Your ornament wreath is now ready to hang!
5. Wine Bottle Decor
If you never knew what to do with those wine bottles you have yet to get rid of, this fun project just might be for you! You can paint your old wine bottles with acrylic paint, then decorate them and put them on your kitchen counter tops for a festive look. You can paint your bottles to look like Santa with red paint and a black horizontal stripe in the middle. You can also make Frosty the Snowman with white paint, three black buttons down the front, and a tiny scarf cut from felt.
6. Lights
Lights are always a great way to add some excitement to your interior. Try stringing lights along your windows to brighten up your home, or you could even add them around the perimeter of your door.
7. Paper Christmas Trees
This project is super easy and so fast that you can make tons of these in just a bit of time. To make these Christmas trees, simply form cones out of card stock circles and secure them with glue. You can decorate these cones by painting them with acrylic paint. They will be perfect to place anywhere in your home - once they have dried.
Decorating for the holidays is a fun, exciting project that is sure to add some happiness to your space. Take advantage of these seven projects for a fun, festive home this season.