3+ day, 1+ hour ago (210+ words) Round tables may have a social advantage over rectangular ones The Knights of the Round Table were on to something when it comes to lively gatherings, experts say " and it's a trick that could ease your potentially fraught family Thanksgiving. While guests to a shared meal could bring a card game or a bottle of wine to keep conversation flowing, social psychology says that your dining room furniture might also seal the deal. A round dining room table can create a welcoming and comfortable environment that invites people to relax and connect with their supper companions. So instead of being trapped at a long table between your drunk uncle and the dry turkey your mom is worrying over " or getting roped into shouting across the table about politics or whether or not you want kids " you could instead take a…...

3+ day, 18+ hour ago (246+ words) See how this host is decorating for the holiday. Cyndi Monaghan / Getty Images As the saying goes, you eat with your eyes first. Which is why how you serve your Thanksgiving feast is just as important as the food on the table. Whether you're using brand-new seasonal plates or everyday dinnerware, decking out the table to fit all the fixings is a key part of the celebration. California-based digital creator Corre Larkin recently shared a video on Instagram of her Thanksgiving tablescape. The beautiful, eclectic outdoor setup for 17 guests included Blue Willow dinnerware, silver napkin rings and cups, classic glassware, and floral arrangements accented with seasonal pumpkins and gourds. But as she explains in the post, the table setting is really a treasure hunt. That's because almost all of the items on the table were either thrifted, found, or gifted....

3+ day, 19+ hour ago (374+ words) We eat first with our eyes, and many of us now remember with our phones. Hosting parties with this in mind requires creativity and effort that your guests will appreciate. A fancy tablescape is a surefire way to get their cameras out and shooting. Fortunately, inspiration is easier than ever to find. Open Instagram, type in #TablescapeDesign, and prepare to be deluged with examples presented by influencers like RachelRSimon, TheSpilledSugar, UneTableByTania and countless others. Many offer products, like theJoyfulDecorator, who would like you to purchase a curtain rod for dangling items over your table. Buyer beware! Denver philanthropist Dr. Mary Rossick Kern has hosted countless parties, large and small, like the Western Fantasy Gala for Volunteers of America and the annual Colorado Symphony Gala, as well as homey family celebrations. She agrees that fomenting conversation is important, but her top…...

3+ day, 20+ hour ago (792+ words) These touch-ups will make everyone feel comfortable. Even people who love hosting friends and family can get a little stressed about the pre-party clean. That's why we've rounded up this list of things to clean before guests arrive, according to experts. These tips ensure that everyone " including you "can feel comfortable and relaxed in your space. According to the cleaning pros at the Good Housekeeping Institute, the pre-guest clean doesn't need to be a deep clean. You basically want to make sure your spaces are decluttered, not visibly dirty, and stocked with essentials. After all, your guests don't want to sheepishly ask you for more toilet paper or hand soap! Here's how to do a quick clean of all your spaces before guests arrive. Your entryway sets the tone the moment guests walk in. Clear clutter like shoes, backpacks and…...

4+ day, 3+ hour ago (535+ words) The holiday season is fast approaching, and our thoughts begin to turn to decorating for the seasons. This year, instead of " or along with " premade purchased decorations, you might consider using natural materials found in and around your property. The decorations can be as simple as cutting some evergreen branches and collecting pine cones to use indoors and outdoors. Whatever you opt to do, there are many choices available. Be sure not to collect materials on public lands, ask permission before you collect on privately owned property, and make sure you're not collecting or using anything threatened or endangered. Some natural material you might find easily available include: " Fragrant herbs such as rosemary can be added to wreaths, swags, window box arrangements, and are especially nice used indoors where the fragrance will be more noticeable. " Dried grass plumes snipped from…...

4+ day, 19+ hour ago (227+ words) (Family Features) Whether you're planning a cozy dinner with friends or a full-blown holiday gathering, preparing your home for guests doesn't have to be stressful. With a little organization and a few simple steps, you can create a space that feels warm and welcoming, allowing you to focus on what really matters: spending time together. Declutter and Deep CleanStart by refreshing high-traffic areas, including the living room, kitchen and bathrooms. Clear off counters and coffee tables, dust surfaces, vacuum carpet, mop tile or hardwood and wipe down glass or mirrors. Refresh Guest SpacesIf visitors will be staying overnight, prep sleeping areas by changing the sheets, fluffing the pillows and stocking extra blankets. Thoughtful touches like fresh towels, water bottles and a charging station can make guests feel at home. Create a Functional FlowThink about how guests will move through your…...

4+ day, 23+ hour ago (557+ words) Hosting overnight guests can be such a joyful experience that provides more quality time opportunities, like sharing a cup of morning coffee or staying up a bit late catching up over board games. If you're someone who loves providing company with a place to stay, you'll want to make sure your home is more cozy, accommodating and appealing than other lodging options. We asked three extra hospitable Southern designers to share a few factors that could be making your home feel unwelcoming to overnight guests. Use this list as a little auditing tool as your prepare your home for company. We're all at least a little nose-blind to the scent of our own homes, but guests typically pick up on it from the moment they enter the door. Homes that smell a bit stale or even overly fragrant don't set…...

5+ day, 7+ hour ago (19+ words) Party planning and hosting pros weigh in on why you should never use scented candles in your holiday tablescape....

5+ day, 10+ hour ago (351+ words) Buffy is a writer for Static Media who has published articles on brand sites like Mashed, Foodie, The Takeout, Chowhound, and now, House Digest. She has worked in the media industry since 1999, contributing to outlets like Der Spiegel Online (Berlin, Germany), USA Today Travel, AZ Central, CBS Radio, and more. The Genius Wrapping Paper Hack That Makes Any Tablescape Look Professionally Designed We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. Wrapping paper hacks are everywhere come the holiday season. Usually, they offer you Instagram-worthy tips on making your wrapped gifts look like they came straight from Santa's workshop. Or they attempt to teach you all the ways you can shred your old wrapping paper to turn it into packing grass for fragile gifts next season. But come the 12 days of Christmas dinner, it's likely that the wrapping paper…...

6+ day, 17+ hour ago (759+ words) Southern interior designers share how to instantly make a small dining space appear larger. Stuck with a small dining space? There's no need to fret'with these helpful designer tips, you'll be well on your way to designing a more spacious looking room in no time. Here, Southern experts weigh in with useful insights regarding furniture shape, wall color, and much more. You want whatever furniture you choose for your dining room to allow for easy movement within the space, which is key when hosting, and will ensure that your space doesn't seem too cramped. "It is very important in a small dining room to select furniture that is proportionate to the room and not to overcrowd the space, allowing for comfortable circulation," says Aileen Warren, the founder of Jackson Warren Interiors in Fairhope, Alabama. "You want to think about flow…...