Yesterday we were lucky enough to get some nice company come visit, it was nice to see Stacy and Aiden, while Stacy was here she commented that it always feels warm and cozy here, and honestly, I don't think there could be a better compliment! Of course I made a smart comment like "of course it's warm in here it's wood heat, it's so hot i'm dying!" lol! Which was true it was really hot, but not what she was getting at and it got me thinking, it really doesn't take much to make your house to go from "non-warm & cozy" to "warm and cozy" here are a few things we do to try and keep our home feel welcoming! First of all those of you who have not yet decorated for Christmas, do it! I know right now it feels like a huge job and burden, but once you get started you can see all the beautiful things you have, and those ornaments remind you of special people, some who have passed and others who were just thoughtful enough to think of you, maybe some home made items from your kids or their kids, that kind of stuff warms your heart, so while it will be work to decorate the house, do it, the rewards for your heart and home are worth it! I always like to have something that smells nice in the air, whether that be a Oil burner or wax burner, or a yummy home made potpourri simmering on the stove, or something yummy baking in the oven, either way it is all good and adds to the coziness of your home! Next we almost always have a home made treat to offer our company, while this task would be very hard for you folks who work outside the home, you should offer your company something, anything is appreciated and of course a drink :) I am terrible to remember this one so I leave our goodies in a glass display on the counter so people can grab something themselves and usually my mom or Joe will remind me to offer a drink. Having some "tunes" on is always a plus, and at this time of year we have beautiful Christmas music to listen to, check out http://www.jango.com/profiles/50262626?l=0 it has free music with no commercials you can click on Christmas music and then the type of Christmas music you like, we only get to listen to this music once a year, so abuse it, and lastly find something to entertain your company, if it is a man, give him your husband to play with lol or at least his tool shed if your hubby isn't home! If your company has kids provide them with something to play with, anything, pencils and paper, tupperware, toys, tv, anything, it allows the parents to have a more relaxed visit, and of course your self and your wonderful witty conversation! Try not to be distracted, stay involved in the conversation, if you follow all these tips i would think all your company would leave feeling truly welcomed, on the other hand if you don't like company, do none of this, lock the door, make sure your guest waiting at the door sees that you are in house, but that you are not answering the door, this is a sure way to make them feel unwelcomed and hopefully they wont come back LOL! Hope you are all enjoying this blog and all the build up to Christmas!!