(WJBK) -- There's no better way to celebrate the holiday season than by surrounding yourself with friends and family. Stressed out about getting your house in order before guests arrive? IKEA has some easy tips for how to improve small, key areas of your home in a high-impact way, so you can be focus your energy on enjoying time with your loved ones.
SEASONS' GREETINGS: Let the holiday spirit greet your loved ones at the front door. Pick a seasonal color scheme and decorate the entryway table with small touches, like a group of candles or a bowl of potpourri. Keep guests' coats out of the way with a rolling storage rack that can be used to house off-season clothes once your guests depart.
MERRY MEALTIME: Family meals are easiest served buffet style, so make your buffet table something to behold. IKEA has a range of beautiful serving pieces at affordable prices that will leave a big impression on your guests.
IT'S THE LITTLE THINGS: Your bathroom is a space that is going to see more traffic than usual with a full house of guests, so give it a little extra love! For example, organize a collection of scented lotions, mints, extra bobby pins and hand towels for your guests to use to freshen up mid-party.
GOOD WILL TO ALL: Have your linen closet fully-stocked in case you need to extend the invitation for guests to stay over after a full night of celebrating. Make sure to have extra pillows and fresh bedding at the ready. Sleeper chairs are a great way to keep guests comfortable, while not taking up too much extra room in the house.
A GRACIOUS GUEST: Not entertaining at your home this year? IKEA has some great options for host and hostess gifts, too! Bring along a bottle of mulled wine, a candle in your host's favorite scent or a picture frame filled with a cherished snapshot as thoughtful leave-behind.
Friday, May 17 2013 10:07 AM EDT2013-05-17 14:07:17 GMT
A touching moment on the mound in Tampa Bay. A military father fresh home from Afghanistan surprised his daughter during the first pitch of Thursday night's Red Sox vs. Rays game.
A touching moment on the mound in Tampa Bay. A military father fresh home from Afghanistan surprised his daughter during the first pitch of Thursday night's Red Sox vs. Rays game.
Friday, May 17 2013 9:17 AM EDT2013-05-17 13:17:09 GMT
Motor City Comic Con gathers comic book and multi-media dealers from across the country, along with some of the biggest names of the industry May 17-19 at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi.
Motor City Comic Con gathers comic book and multi-media dealers from across the country, along with some of the biggest names of the industry May 17-19 at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi.
Friday, May 17 2013 8:58 AM EDT2013-05-17 12:58:06 GMT
Gallery on the Boulevard is now open to the public. The restored 1918 residence, located in the Historic District of Pontiac's West End, is now home to wonderful works of art.
Gallery on the Boulevard is now open to the public. The restored 1918 residence, located in the Historic District of Pontiac's West End, is now home to wonderful works of art.
Friday, May 17 2013 8:33 AM EDT2013-05-17 12:33:57 GMT
The third time's the charm for Candice Glover on "American Idol. The booming 23-year-old R&B vocalist won the Fox singing competition after auditioning a trio of times and making it to the finals this year.
The third time's the charm for Candice Glover on "American Idol. The booming 23-year-old R&B vocalist won the Fox singing competition after auditioning a trio of times and making it to the finals this year.
