Get Ready for Guests

Tips to prepare your home for summer entertaining

(Family Features) Summer entertaining season brings joy, laughter and plenty of ways to create special memories. From a fresh coat of paint to some simple sprucing up, you can ensure your home is poised to be the perfect backdrop to a fun-filled summer.

Color can have an enormous effect on a room’s overall atmosphere, so bringing out your home’s unique charm can be as simple as a quick change of wall color. Change up the feel of your space and make each room warm and welcoming with these tips from Valspar Paint and HGTV HOME by Sherwin-Williams’ Senior Color Designers, Sue Kim and Ashley Banbury.

Clean and clear. Warmer weather is the perfect opportunity to throw open the windows to help lighten and brighten your home. Give every nook and cranny a thorough scrub and organize areas that have grown messy. Try taking on one room at a time to make the job more manageable, and before you know it, you can have the whole house sparkling clean. Take it one step further by adding a clean and refreshing shade of paint to your space. Consider an option like the Quiet Comfort Color Collection from HGTV HOME by Sherwin-Williams, which is a palette of 20 hushed hues that, when used in any combination, can cultivate a neat and tidy vibe throughout your home. 

Uncover a creative focal point. During your cleaning, you may uncover open wall space or find an overlooked corner that is now visible. Change newfound free space into a family gallery wall. Paint it with a deep accent color like Valspar Favorite Green and create texture by adding open shelving to display important family mementos or experiences.

Switch up your motif. You may wish to update the decor of an entire room, but simple swaps can make a big difference. Try introducing more lively, summery textiles with fresh window coverings, area rugs and throw pillows. Swap some of your darker, heavier accent pieces in favor of bright, inviting decorative pieces that do dual-duty, such as colorful coasters that add whimsy while giving guests a place to rest their drinks.

Change your kitchen into a hub for entertaining. Bring a breath of fresh air into your kitchen by creating a pleasing, relaxing environment fit for entertaining with a blend of bright and bold colors like Valspar Emerald Ice and Indigo Cloth. Try the reassuring indigo for the base of the island, a central hub, and the light and airy emerald green as a backdrop for a stylish gathering spot that can get guests feeling instantly at ease.

Make it feel like home. Part of making your house as inviting as possible is ensuring that guests feel comfortable and welcome. Creating a guest suite that feels inviting can help make guests feel at home during their visit. While you can do this by stocking up on cozy blankets and towels, you shouldn’t underestimate the power of a warm, nurturing wall color. For example, the Timeless Beauty Color Collection from HGTV HOME by Sherwin-Williams, instilled with a sense of classic coziness, is full of pleasant shades that can be mixed and matched to create your perfectly coordinated, desired vibe.

Find more ideas to get your home ready for this summer’s guests at Lowes.com/Paint.

Effortless Spring Entertaining

(Family Features) Spring brings plenty of reasons to celebrate, from holidays to weddings to baby showers. Even a just-because al fresco brunch is a great way to share time with family and friends while taking advantage of a beautiful day.

Make hosting your next spring gathering a breeze with these entertaining tips for organizing an effortless event:

Set the stage for a beautiful table. Dress up the table with a dainty lace tablecloth for a sweet, traditional spring look. If your approach is more modern, try using a simple runner in a complementary color. Then turn your attention to the style of the rest of the table. Special touches like flowers, place cards and linens with napkin ring holders can add a touch of elegance in an instant.

Blend function with style. Appearance aside, each table provides an essential function to your event. Incorporate details like salt and pepper shakers and condiment dishes within easy reach. When it comes to the tableware, you can add a touch of functional style with Chinet Cut Crystal plates, cups, cutlery and wineglasses. As a fully coordinated line of disposable tableware, the products match nearly any decor, allowing you to create the perfect tablespace. Remember to carefully consider each aspect of your menu to ensure the proper tableware is provided.

Work ahead to ease the weight. One failsafe way to cut stress and ensure you get to actually enjoy the party: plan ahead. Do as much food prep as you can the day before and set up tables and other decorations ahead of time. Finish your housework well before the event date so all that’s left is quick touch-ups. Remember details like serving spoons and other tableware; setting these out the night before can trim precious minutes when guests are on their way, and using disposable options can help save time during cleanup.

Borrow inspiration from nature.  The vivid greens and vibrant hues of fresh flowers during spring can help provide a fresh, inviting look. Depending on your seating arrangements, it may be appropriate to use a single large vase or a series of smaller vessels scattered around the room. Using basic, clear glass, or an option like Chinet Cut Crystal wineglasses as vases for smaller buds, lets the focus stay on the flowers, but you can also bring your theme to the table with vases in coordinated colors, textures and styles. If you’ll serve from a buffet or offer a dessert table, try adding a bouquet to that table, as well.

Add a signature touch. Make it easy for guests to leave your event with a lasting impression. Individually wrapped desserts or other small edible favors are always a hit. Or simply offer small bud vases and invite guests to take a piece of the party decor home.

Find more ideas for easy entertaining this spring at MyChinet.com.