The pouf is popular again, popping up in magazine spreads and blogs for months now. I wasn’t sure where to buy them until the interior design gods shined down upon me and I came across the website for Scandinavian retailer Huset. (Norse gods I assume.) And because of my love for you, our Design Happens’ readers, I knew I had to get a Huset pouf for a Freebie Friday.
Featured blogger Erinn Valencich’s inaugural post noted the the knit pouf trend. And Huset wants to make sure you start the new year with extra seating in the form of a free coral Pouf Pouf by Danish-design brand Ferm Living. Just answer this week’s question before 12/11c Monday, Dec. 26 for your chance at this comfy, cozy, dual-functioning footrest/stool.
This week’s question: What’s that special something you do to prepare your home for holiday guests?
Keep your Christmas and New Year’s visitors happy (and keep yourself sane!) with holiday organization tips and hosting tricks from HGTV.com.
I make sure that I have a festive candle lit and the Christmas music blaring on the surround sound. Feeding them is always a must:)
I try to bake cookies and pies. these are things my husband and I don't typically eat (not sweet- tooths). But I love the smell of baking apple pie and serving it to guests. I also try to calm my mind and heart. This is such a busy time of year and its meaning can get lost. Time for meditation and contemplation are a must. In future years, I hope to meditate on a pouf . . .
We pulled out some furry throws to add a little texture and color to the sofa and chairs this season. It definitely makes things a little more cozy.
I always have fudge and cookies nearby on a Christmas platter. Even if my home isn't ready for them, I can feed them and that makes everyone happy.
Colorful throw pillows!
Cleaning the house is a big step for us! Our kitty cat leaves hair everywhere, and it's not until someone comes over that it really sinks in that the couch needs a good vacuuming!! Making sure the litter box is hidden somewhere else than the half bath is always good too.
Dim the lights, put on some Nat King Cole, light a soy based holiday scented candle and hand them a glass of wine. But most important is making sure our puppy is occupied otherwise no one will be able to relax!
Hosting Christmas Eve dinner for my immediate family (and this year my first grandchild) before doing our traditional visit to life-long friend's home for 'Christmas Breakfast' (when little it was after midnight Mass) is the thing I do to make my family feel comfortable as we start our holiday festivities!
I make sure to have some mulling spices brewing on the stove to make the whole house smell like Christmas, the faux fireplace DVD playing (you have to work with what you've got), and all the Christmas lights on!
Through the years people have handmade a number of holiday things for me. I try to find a way to incorporate it into my decorating somewhere in my house. Some are more obvious than others or used in a different way than you might think. Then when that person comes by I show it to them and thank them once again. It is a compliment to our friendship and their generosity. It makes them feel the same way your child does when they bring you home their artwork and display it. We never grow out of that need deep in our heart to feel someone treasures what we add to their life.
This year I made a very special Christmas banner to hang over the fireplace and once the stockings are in place it officially feels like Christmas.
Lots of hot drinks, snacks, and a warm cozy fire greet my guests during the holidays. Christmas lights in every window, all surrounded with classic Christmas music, and we enjoy the laugher of new and old friends along with family.
I play George Winston's album "December" and set out bowls filled with red and green candies. We have our tree lit from the moment we wake up to when we go to bed, so even if the house isn't perfect our guests will instantly receive the holiday spirit.
Clean until I cannot stand it, load up the fridge with drinks and fruit, and light all of my Christmas candles.
Grandchildren bouncing off the walls in excitement; my home is like a mad house on Christmas Eve. I'm in the kitchen doing my prep-work & baking, still have Santa gifts to wrap ( which will probably be done after midnight), LOTS of activity going on, no peace & quiet around here !!!!
I bake and bake. And then I bake some more. There is nothing better than walking into a house that smells of warm, delicious treats!
I clean, clean, clean and then bake something that smells good! I also make sure to out out little snacks around the house, like chocolates, nuts, dried fruit.
I prepare my home for my guest with
1.- a quart of love
2.- a cup of Happiness
3.- 2 spoonfuls of Kisses
4.- a gallon of Christmas spirit.
[...] and relaxation, good food, and great times. But, don’t forget it is Friday which means it is Freebie Friday over at HGTV. What’s up for grabs this holiday week you ask? This great pouf by brand Ferm Living from [...]
i love to light candles and put out candy and fruit for my guests.
I clean like crazy, make some cocktail finger foods like grissini wrapped in proscuitto crudo and tied with a sprig of rosemary, figs wrapped in salami piccante etc and have a bottle of champagne chilling for when they arrive! It is always special to invite people to our home, so I like to make them feel welcome and special!
Apart from covering the house in festive decorations and setting out seasonal candles and poutporries, I make sure there are plenty of snacks and treats set over the house. I also like to put Christmas towels and soaps in the bathroom for our overnight guests.
i have a question we purchased our new home in 2004 2 bedroom ranch i had one daughter and my husband . I told my husband that we should get a three bedroom what if i get pregnant my husband said we have tried for 5 years and nothing so why bother with another bedroom. three months after that i got pregnant. i found out that the house we live in was a garage so no wander the house is so cold in the winter time … the first year that i found out i was pregnant i wrote to home extreme makeover on abc i guess they were scared to touch this place as well they never got back and i never watched them again. we cant afford to move so my question is how do i now this place is really insulated all around? thank you
My husband has a deer skull with the antlers and a mounted deer. Any ideas of how I can use them as decor and still look elegant?
Fresh sheets and towels and I refresh the toiletries drawer in the guest bathroom – stocked with everything a guest may need.