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Hosting Essentials: How to Set Up Your Home for Guests
So you’ve set a date and time for guests to come over, and the excitement is real. But then it hits you. ‘Eek!’ Hosting duties are all on you. You want your guests to have a blast, and let’s be honest, you want to enjoy yourself too. But fear not. With just a smidge of preparation and a sprinkle of charm, this guide will give you great guest room ideas and help you host like a pro in no time … without losing your sanity. Creating a Warm Welcome for your Guests When your guests first arrive, you’re setting the pace of their stay with that all-important first impression. And honestly, you only get one shot at it. Picture a clear, clutter-free entryway that doesn’t look like you moved in two weeks ago and soft lighting that says, ‘relaaax’. Throw in some handy hooks or a chic console table for quick bag and jacket drop-offs, and put on a welcoming scent. Just a hint of something calming will do the trick. And bam! You’ve earned your hosting stripes already, and they’ve barely walked through the door. Guest Room Setup: Bedding, Storage & Comfort Yes, you can muddle together a place for your guests to sleep. But how do you set up a guest room like the host (or hostess) with the most (or mostest) to make their stay amazing? Here are a few awesome bedroom ideas for your guest room: Start with the Bedding Let’s kick things off with the bedding. After all, the heart of any great hospitality experience is a bed that feels like a warm embrace. Picture fresh, layered bedding with breathable bed sheets, fresh quilts and duvet covers that just about whisper sweet nothings. Add in supportive pillows and a snuggly throw for extra flair. Your guests will be in sleepover heaven. Nu Edition Alec Duvet Cover Set, Mushroom Nu Edition Charlie Duvet Cover Set, Sand Storage That Feels Thoughtful You've worked hard to tidy up before your guests come over, so why not make it easy for them to keep things spick and span during their stay? Think thoughtful bedroom storage solutions starting with clear surfaces, including a cool bedside table, a small chic dresser or even a bed end bench. And while you’re at it, add in a cute basket for extra towels or stray belongings so nobody trips over a rogue sock. MODE Milo Boucle Bench Loft Japandi Bedside Table with 2 Drawers Loft Japandi Chest of 5 Drawers Create a Private, Calm Retreat Create a welcoming space for your guests, where they’ll feel right at home. Think curtains or blinds for privacy, a warm bedside lamp and a power outlet near the bed for all those all-important gadgets. Clear a little spot for their overnight bag, too, so they don’t feel as though they’re barging in. You’ve got this, and it's going to be wonderful. Living Room Comfort: Seating, Lounging & Gathering Now let’s tackle shared home spaces, making them as inviting as can be. Flexible Seating for Every Type of Hangout Get ready to transform your living space into the ultimate hangout zone. With sofa beds ready for surprise sleepovers, deep sofas just made for lazy lounging and movable ottomans or occasional chairs that can be shuffled around for extra seating, you'll have it all covered for any impromptu gathering. MODE Stella 4-Seater Sofa, Valley Fog Linspire Rilla 2-Seater Sofa Bed, Velvet-Like Fabric, Moss Green Linspire Rilla 1-Seater Sofa Bed, Linen-Look Fabric, Brown Create a Cosy Atmosphere To truly nail that cosy vibe, think cushions and throws galore. Toss in a snazzyrug for those dancing feet and remember layered lighting for game sessions, movie marathons or deep, soul-searching chats. It’s all about creating a snuggly atmosphere where laughter and stories flow like hot cocoa. DreamWeaver Savannah Scandinavian Jute Rug, Natural DreamWeaver Essence Rectangle Machine Washable Rug, Beige DreamWeaver Pure Scandinavian Plain Weave Rug, Grey Open Up the Room for Flow When you’re about to host, it’s time to zhuzh up your room layout. Pull your sofa away from the wall, create an intimate conversation circle, and toss in some side tables for snacks. You want your living room to be the ultimate hangout, so make it comfy and inviting for your guests. Dining & Kitchen Flow: Where Everyone Gathers Next, let’s bring in the ‘heart of the home’ energy into your dining space to make those shared meals and shared stories flow that much better with your guests. Choose a Table That Fits the Moment Be the ultimate host, ready to accommodate unexpected guests without a hitch by choosing a table that suits any occasion. Think extendable tables for larger gatherings or round tables that keep the conversation flowing as freely as the wine. Solidwood Santa Rosa Extendable Dining Table with Sintered Stone Top Loft Hansan Extendable Dining Table, Natural Wood Linspire Moti Dining Table with Sintered Stone Rotating Top Set Up Easy Entertaining Zones Get your home in party mode by crafting some entertaining zones. First, declutter your counters, so you’re not navigating through a sea of mail. Create a snazzy drink station that says, ‘Help yourself,’ and add in some scrumptious platters or grazing boards, because good snacks and good friends go hand in hand. Make Seating Comfortable & Social Transform your dining experience into a snug social affair. Opt for sturdy chairs that hug your back just right during long dinners. Include cushioned seats to keep everyone comfy during marathon chats. Check out our chairs,benches and dining room sets for inspo. Bathroom Essentials That Feel Hotel-Level When you're hosting, you want your bathroom to be at its best. Make sure your sink looks tidier than your last wardrobe clean-out. As for bathroom essentials for your guests, stock up on fresh towels and pop in some spare toiletries for an obviously organised vibe. Include a cute basket for used towels and maybe some soft lighting or a candle for a spa-like ambience. Simple touches, big impact. The Little Things Guests Always Notice When your guests arrive, it’s the little touches that make them feel at home. Spare phone chargers save the day, a ‘help yourself’ snack tray quells midnight munchies and a jug of water with glasses keeps hydration up. Toss in a small guest kit with tissues, toothbrushes and cotton pads, and have extra blankets within arm’s reach. Seasonal & Holiday Hosting Ideas And finally, here are some quick-fire ideas for seasonal hosting occasions: Festive Gatherings (Christmas, Friendmas) Yay for those festive gatherings! Keep the Christmas cheer and Friendmas vibes flowing with Christmassy table styling, snuggly throws, and cheesy Chrissie playlists to set the fun mood. Easter or Spring Get-Togethers Easter or spring get-togethers are great to celebrate with picnic setups. For either indoor or outdoor gatherings, use pastel accents and fresh flowers. Plus, toss in some simple crafts to keep the kids occupied. They'll love it. Final Thoughts Getting your home guest-ready doesn’t have to feel like preparing for a royal visit. Knowing how to be a good host for house guests needn’t stress you out. Just remember to focus on comfort, clear spaces, inviting bedding and some flexible seating options. Sprinkle in some thoughtful lighting and a few fun, welcoming touches, and you’ll be all set. Need some pro inspo? Take a look through our Urban Sales collections and make your place guest-ready, pronto.
How to Style a Modern Combined Living and Dining Room
Styling a combined living and dining room can (at first) feel like Mission Impossible. You know you want to create a space that packs a punch in the style stakes while being functional and easy to live in. But getting everything to work in harmony can feel like it’s all too much to juggle. Fear not, our fellow home design aficionado. We’re on a quest to tackle these challenges together. This guide is your roadmap, filled with living and dining room ideas to create a comfy, functional design you’ll click with. So grab your matcha latte (or wine) and let’s tackle that living room and dining combo head-on. We’ll chat about layout, furniture, colour coordination, lighting and those all-important personal touches that make your house feel homey and unquestionably ‘yours’. MODE Hans Wegner Shell Chair CH07 Replica, Ivory & Natural Wood MODE Osten Bookcase, Large Solidwood Miaco Adjustable Entertainment Unit with Sintered Stone Top Create a Seamless Open-Plan Layout Between Lounging & Meal Times First things first, let’s talk about flow. When you’re dealing with an open-plan space, you have to think of it as one big happy family rather than two separate rooms trying to ignore each other at the dinner table. Your goal? Achieve the right balance where the living and dining areas coexist like besties rather than awkward acquaintances. Begin by zoning your space without putting up any imaginary walls. Plan where each area begins and ends, keeping the flow in mind. You’ll want enough room for movement so no one has to perform contortions just to get a snack. Think of your layout like a dance floor, with smooth transitions between the two areas to keep the vibe alive and make you actually want to use it. Linspire Vivid Electric 4-Seater Recliner Sofa Hjem Design Vega Round Coffee Table, Latte Brown Linspire Cocoa Bookcase with Glass Door Linspire Matrix Solid Wood Bookshelf Hjem Design Oakfield Lounge Chair Linspire Ursula Nesting Coffee Table Set with Drawer and Glass Top Plan Your Layout for A Smooth Transition & Flow Between Living & Dining So, how do you pull off this miraculous feat of spatial planning? It’s all about getting the arrangement right. Case in point: You don’t want to have your sofa facing away from the action like a wallflower at a party. Instead, position your furniture to create natural pathways that guide your family, roomies or guests from the living area to the dining table like a well-choreographed dance routine (minus stepping on toes). Consider your seating arrangement as well. Does the sofa look too stiff and lonely, staring blankly at the TV? Why not angle it so it faces both the dining area and your entertainment unit? It'll create a sense of community, inviting everyone to mingle without anyone having to twist 180 degrees to see each other. Pick Multi-Functional Furniture That Serves Both Spaces Let’s welcome the champions of furniture. Enter multi-functional furniture pieces. These bad boys are the heroes of the open-plan world. And truly, who doesn’t want to save space AND make it look great at the same time? We’re talking about things like sofas with storage and extendable dining tables that can accommodate a feast for friends or an intimate dinner for two (whichever vibe you’re going for). An ottoman with built-in storage can hold all those cosy throws for winter and extra chair cushions for comfier dinner marathons. A bench can give extra seating at the dining table and a casual flair to your living room. Or you could pick chairs that can hop from dining to lounging without being confused about their identity. The possibilities are endless, and the fewer pieces you have to buy, the better for your purse. Coordinate Colours and Materials Now here’s where we can turn things up a notch. Colour coordination. You wouldn’t want to walk into a room where the colours clash so violently you’d think they were in a brawl. Not ideal. Choosing a complementary colour palette sets the tone and lets you up your creativity game. If you can’t remember the colour wheel from high school art class, look it up. The best colour pairings are those that are opposite on the colour wheel, e.g. green and red (the colour smarts of Christmas). When selecting shades for your walls, furniture and décor, think about something that connects the areas while adding personality. Get stuck into mixing textures, with maybe a plush velvet sofa coupled with a chic wooden dining table. And don’t shy away from subtle patterns or accent colours, because a well-placed pop of colour in cushions or artwork can tie both spaces together like magic. Depending on your style, you might lean towards a light palette with darker wood, classic modernism (we see you, MCM fans), the cosiness of Scandinavian simplicity or even the boldness of maximalism. Just remember, a cohesive palette doesn’t mean boring. Pick Light Fixtures that Bring Focus to The Space Lighting can make or break a space, especially in an open-plan area. It’s the icing on the cake, bringing everything together and setting the mood. You’d want to layer your lighting, with ceiling lights for their sculptural shape, task lighting for when you need to focus, and ambient sources to set that relaxing evening vibe. You can even go for different shapes of light fixtures to emphasise particular areas. A cool pendant light over your dining table, for one, can lift the eyes upwards, drawing attention from the floor you haven’t yet gotten round to sweeping. And don’t forget about natural light, either. Make the most of windows by using sheer curtains that let sunlight filter through while giving you privacy from any nosy neighbours. Use Rugs to Define Each Area to Create a Cohesive Yet Intentional Space And then there’s the magical world of rugs. As well as keeping your bare feet cosy, they create zones in your open space, a gentle boundary line that basically tells your mind, ‘the lounge is over here, and the dining zone is there’. But don’t fall into that common faux pas of going too small. Your rug should be anchored by your furniture, big enough to have the front legs of your sofa and armchairs on it, while the dining table is fully covered, including the back legs of the chairs, so they don’t snag when you’re whizzing in and out of sitting at the table. Shape matters too. Round rugs can soften sharp angles, while rectangular rugs align with standard furniture shapes. Whichever works for you. Linspire Cocoa Bookcase with Glass Door MODE Osten Bookcase Solidwood Santa Rosa Sideboard with Sintered Stone Top & Hutch Add Your Personality with Finishing Touches Last but not least, sprinkle in some of your personality. This is where the space transforms from ‘good’ to ‘that’s so me’ with those little finishing touches. Think cushions, artwork, photos, vases, home decor and quirky things like travel mementos that reflect who you are and what you love. Your space should be a canvas of your life, so use it to let guests know more about you just by stepping into your house. Ready to Transform Your Space? So, are you ready to roll up your sleeves and design a living and dining room combo that’ll have you (and your guests) swoon? Apply these tips, let your creativity run wild, and soon enough, you’ll be the proud owner of a beautifully blended space. And hey, if you’re on the lookout for some beautiful and functional living and dining furniture, take a look-see at our Urban Sales collection. We know you’ll find just the right pieces to create your masterpiece.
The Perfect Guest Room Setup (Even If You Don’t Have a Spare Room)
Hosting guests is one of life’s joys that you shouldn’t have to forego just because you don’t happen to have a dedicated guest room. It’s not about giving your guests a five-star hotel suite experience with room enough to do cartwheels. It’s more about turning your sofa and whatever available nook you have in your home into the hottest accommodations in town. Just sprinkle a bit of creativity here and there and voilà! You’re performing a hosting spectacle that’ll have your guests wondering if they stumbled into the best-kept secret hideaway there is. So, let’s ditch the “no guest room” excuses and turn your living space into the ultimate destination, even if it means shooing away the cat from the best chair. This guest room furniture idea guide will have you hosting like a boss in no time. Guest Room Essentials Let’s get right down to guest room essentials. We’ll start from the basics and build our way to greatness from there. Firstly, your guest room, or guest room space (think the glam version of couch-surfing for friends who refuse to pay for a hotel) needs a comfy sleeping spot. Let’s look into this and other elements to wow your guests with your hosting prowess, no matter how small or big your space is. Pick the Right Furniture and Consider Your Layout for Comfort Your guest room setup starts with a smart approach to your furniture. Visitors will need a super comfy bed. You want them to feel like they’re sleeping on a cloud. But those makeshift beds hardly ever cut the mustard on the comfort front. So think about incorporating permanent furniture, a sofa bed, that can do double-duty as your everyday couch, and convert into a comfy bed in a jiffy. Shuffle that side table over and make it a handy bedside surface where guests can put their glasses, phones, a glass of water or a little nightlight, torch or lamp. Or better still, use a bedside table as your side table day to day, so when you have guests over, they can use the drawers to put away their things, keeping things looking spic and span. Make guests feel right at home with hidden storage for all the extras. Your bedside essential that moves with your space. Bedding, Lighting, and Cosy Textiles Nothing beckons, ‘warm and welcoming’ like beautiful fresh bedding. Think lush duvets topped with cosy blankets and throws. Your room may be lacking in square metres, but it can compensate in cosiness and beauty factors instead. Lighting is all about setting mood and atmosphere, and if you have a surface to put it on, add a table lamp within easy reach of your guest. If not, shift the floor lamp over. Low, dim lighting for the sleeping spot will make it feel more defined and look like the real-deal retreat it is. Fresh bedding that makes every guest feel welcome. Soft comfort your guests will love. Thoughtful Extras: Toiletries, Snacks, and Personal Touches Here’s the scoop on how to treat your guests like royalty without breaking the bank. For the ‘cherry on top’ of your guest bedroom styling, think about putting together a little care package, like small bottles of shampoo and conditioner. And throw in some lotion for that ultra-luxe touch (and to avoid the dry skin dilemma while they’re away from home). And since midnight munchie attacks are a thing, why not toss in some fresh fruit as snacks? That way, they can indulge without having to raid your fridge and unearth that mystery leftover from three weeks ago. Your guests will feel like ‘numero uno’, and you’ll come off as the polished host who thinks of everything. Creating a Guest Room in Limited Space Even if you’re living in a little shoebox, when guests come to crash, the saying “if there’s a will, there’s a way” kicks into high gear. Think of it as a game of Tetris. Shuffle, stack, and make it work. These guest room ideas for small spaces will have you transforming your space into a deluxe setup. The more creative the solution, the better your guests will be at pretending they don’t notice they're actually camping in your living room. Multi-Functional Spaces: Living Rooms, Offices, and Nooks It’s time to transform that little nook, office or living room into the ultimate guest retreat at the drop of a hat. When you’re creating your everyday layout, think about how the furniture can be best positioned (or easily shuffled) to give overnight guests the best experience, and limit your effort. This might mean having some furniture, like your office nook desk, on wheels so you can easily move it away to make room for bedding. If you have a sofa bed, pick a spot where it’s easy to position a privacy screen when needed for your guests. Space-Saving Beds: Sofa Beds, Fold-Outs, and Murphy Options When it comes to space-saving beds, it's a real jungle out there. You've got your fold-out beds, which are great when your guests want to crash, but it takes up all your space when they're not sleeping over. Then there are Murphy beds, great ‘bed in a cupboard’ solutions but tricky to secure safely to the wall. Then there’s the sofa bed, which is pretty much the hero of the furniture world, ready to swoop in and save the day with a quick flip, ticking lots of boxes. Comfy, convenient and on-trend. Daytime lounge, nighttime comfort for guests. Compact comfort that’s always guest-ready. Pro Tips for a Cosy and Memorable Stay For a sprinkling of magic, these guest room decorating ideas will give your guests that cosy warm-fuzzies vibe. Bring in a touch of humour here, a splash of colour there. With a few clever twists, you’ll have your guests feeling like VIPs, even if it's just for a night. Loft Hampton Wardrobe Linspire Aura Foldable Lounge Chair DreamWeaver Savannah Scandinavian Jute Rug MODE Milo Boucle Armchair DreamWeaver Essence Rectangle Machine Washable Rug Loft Ensio Bedside Table, White & Natural Wood Personalising the Space for Warmth and Comfort When you jazz up the space for your guests with your unique flair and a touch of their favourites, you're getting what hospitality is all about. Toss in some chic décor, maybe a few books they can't put down, and those little lifestyle nods that whisper “I get you.” What you’re really saying is, “Welcome to my humble abode. This stay will be awesome”. It’s all in those thoughtful details. Making Every Visit Unforgettable with The People You Love Being a great host and providing comfy digs is within your reach, even if your place competes in size with a shoebox. With our tips and a creative, ‘can-do’ mindset, you can consistently and easily give your guests an amazing stayover experience. So, get ready to impress. With a little creativity, you can turn an average stay into “Remember that time when…” stories for years to come.
Design a Dining Area Made for Hosting
To create the ultimate dining experience, you need furniture that's as flexible as your guests' taste in food. Start with an adaptable dining table, one that can handle everything from formal dinners to last-minute pizza parties. Extendable dining tables are especially designed to move with your needs. Add in some comfy chairs, because nobody wants to be that person who's squirming in an uncomfortable seat during dessert. Sideboards are great for stashing away ‘the good china’ and all the random tableware you’ve collected over the years. By incorporating some easy dining room design ideas, your interiors flair will shine brightly (even if your cooking skills are lacking). Start with a Dining Table That Adapts to Your Guest List Imagine your dining table chilling in the epicentre of your hosting space, right where all the magic happens. It’s the ultimate life setting, where delicious meals meet unforgettable memories. You may be having a romantic dinner for two or trying to fit your entire friend group in one place (good luck with that). Whatever your need, your table has to be as flexible as your hosting skills. Enter the Loft Hansan Extendable Table, the undercover superhero of dining tables. It can extend to accommodate your random plus-ones and their insatiable appetites. For those of us with tighter spaces (or just a love of adjustable furniture), the Loft Nordic Gateleg Table and Solidwood Norway Folding Round Table are your changeable sidekicks, ready to swoop in whenever you need more room for that last-minute taco night. If you're feeling extra fancy and want a ‘big deal’ kind of table, check out the grand Solidwood Hemura Dining Table. It brings elegance to the table (literally so) and can host gatherings and family feuds over dessert like a pro. Loft Hansan Extendable Dining Table, Natural Wood, 120/150 Loft Nordic Gateleg Table, Natural Wood Solidwood Hemura Dining Table With Trestle Base, Natural Wood Solidwood Norway Folding Dining Table, Round, Natural Wood Choose Dining Chairs That Mix Comfort and Flexibility When it comes to dining chairs, comfort is the name of the game. Because let’s face it, nobody wants to be trapped in a rigid chair during a four-hour dinner. And you can still keep your dining room interior design on point, even if you need a bit of adaptability. So, for chairs that have storage flexibility, check out the Linspire Yumi foldable chairs. Pop them up when you need and tuck them away when you don’t. And when you want to channel your inner home décor guru, you can’t go wrong with classic natural wood chairs like the Loft Hansan Dining Chairs or the Solidwood Kano. They have so much design impact that even eating jam toast becomes a style-filled experience. In the mood for something ultra-modern? The Hans Wegner Wishbone Replica chairs are the show-stoppers of the dining chair world. Pairing them with other styles is like mixing up your playlist. Just toss in a little variety for that hip vibe. So, go ahead, mix and match. Your guests will thank you, and their comfy bottoms will agree. Linspire Yumi Solid Wood Foldable Dining Chair, Natural Wood, Set of 2 Solidwood Kano Dining Chair, Set of 2 MODE Hans Wegner Wishbone Dining Chair CH24 Replica, Natural Wood, Set of 2 Add Benches for Casual, Space-Saving Seating Benches aren’t just for parks or waiting for your ride to the beach. Picture this: you throw a dinner party, and instead of squishing everyone around traditional chairs, you have these sleek benches. Hello, more room for pizza night! Solid wood benches like the Solidwood Amber Rope Bench and Solidwood Amber Rope ones are the way to go. They’re great for giving off those rustic yet modern vibes. Plus, they slide right under the table when you're done pretending to be a master chef. Talk about a space-saving genius move. Complete the Look with Sideboards and Storage Sideboards are the hidden gems of dining areas, aren’t they? It’s like having a dependable friend who serves up the snacks and keeps everything looking chic and organised. Think of pieces like the Loft Nora, Solidwood Santa Rosa and Hjem Design Colima sideboards. These beauties don’t just sit pretty. They’re your hosting besties, stashing away your dinnerware so well that your guests will think you’re a neat-freak genius. When it’s time to eat, it’s like having a personal butler, with everything you need at your fingertips. Sideboards make being organised look amazing. Loft Nora Sideboard Solidwood Santa Rosa Sideboard with Sintered Stone Top, 150x42x81cm, Natural Wood Hjem Design Colima Sideboard Create a Flow with a Kitchen Island or Bar Stools Ah, the kitchen island. It’s the ultimate hangout spot that beckons guests to come on over, grab a beverage and have a relaxed chat while you’re sprucing up the meal with some finishing touches. It’s awesome for those lazy brunches where drinks flow and snacks disappear without a trace in between fun and banter. If you’re on the hunt for something chic, the Loft Hansan or Loft Japandi Kitchen Islands are just what you need. And let’s zero in on the seating situation. Pair those beauties with some snazzy bar stools like the Solidwood Santa Rosa,MODE Bowa, or the classic Hans Wegner Replica, and you’ll have an inviting setting that beckons for chips and dips and a tall glass of something good to drink. Linspire Yumi Kitchen islands Solidwood Santa Rosa Rattan Bar Stool MODE Bowa Bar Stool, 65cm Hosting Extras to Make Entertaining Easier Ready to level up your hosting game? Say goodbye to the awkward ‘pass-the-snacks’ shuffle and hello to your new hosting helpers, the Joe Colombo Replica, the Rosa Rotatable, and the fabulous Luxembourg Glass Top Trolley. These portable bar carts are like your party's quiet powerhouse, letting you effortlessly glide around with drinks, snacks, or dinnerware, like you’re in Grand Hotel Central. Gone are the days of playing hide and seek with serving dishes. Just roll out the good stuff and make entertaining look easy breezy. MODE Joe Colombo 3 Tier Boby Storage Trolley Cart Replica, Yellow MODE Rosa Rotatable Trolley Cart, White Solidwood Luxembourg Storage Trolley with Glass Top Shelf Your Dining Space, Ready for Every Gathering Want to turn your dining space into the ultimate gathering hotspot? It’s all about the right furnishings. Think adaptable dining tables that can accommodate everything from a casual brunch to a feast fit for royalty, comfy chairs that make your guests want to sit and chat all night, and stylish sideboards that look amazing, hide clutter and keep everything within arm’s reach. Mix a little versatility with a splash of style, and voilà! With these dining room design ideas, you've got an ambience that’ll make every meal feel like a party and every gathering unforgettable, no matter what your style. Choose your pieces wisely, and you’ll up your hosting game and give your home a makeover that’ll have your friends asking for the secret sauce. So go ahead, make your dining area the go-to spot not only for meals but for all those priceless moments of fun and connection. After all, memories are made at the table.
