Melissa Michaels
About the Author

Melissa Michaels is the NY Times Bestselling author of Love The Home You Have andΒ The Inspired Room book. Her blog, The Inspired Room,Β was voted Better Homes & Gardens Readers' Favorite decorating blog in 2014 and 2015. Melissa is a church planter's wife and a mom to three human kids and...

(in)side DaySpring: things we love
& you will too!
Find more at DaySpring.com
(in)side DaySpring:
things we love
& you will too!
Find more at
DaySpring.com
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Comments

  1. I like the idea of allowing a buffer time. It gives us more time to bond, rather than being attacked when you walk through the door!

  2. We love music in our house. when things start to get crazy and out of hand with just too much sibling bickering, we quite often turn on some music. I love the idea of using music as a way of setting the tone for a relaxing evening….or a ‘dance party’ πŸ™‚

  3. I come home after my husband some nights and some nights I work after he is home. I like the idea of some of these though. Thanks Melissa and InCourage for the giveaway!

  4. I always do a quick cleanup of toys and whatever else has ended up on the floor in the last 10 min before my husband gets home. Just having the living room clean when he walks in makes him feel relaxed and he always compliments me on the fact that the “house looks so nice”.

    • That’s such a great idea, Beth. Walking into a clean house or clean room is so inviting and relaxing. The family will always look forward to coming home after being about their day ☺️

  5. A warm and inviting home is just that…warm, not cold. It’s a place you want to be. Cozy, snugly throw pillows and blankets on chairs or couches are some of my favorite ways to make my home warmer. It’s inviting to enter a home that is tidy but not to neat to prop your feet up. That’s the home that you kicked your shoes off in, and not because you “had to leave them by the door”. An inviting home is just that, inviting, not cold shouldered. One of my favorite ways to do this is by loving people. Greeting people with genuine care and eyes wide with wonder ready to hear about their days or learn something new. Love for others will be at the heart of a believers home and every person who enters feels like they are a VIP. And really, aren’t they all?

    • That’s a lovely principle to live by. Love others & make them feel like VIP when they come in/ visit

  6. Lamps on in our living area and flowers on the table help create a warm, loving atmosphere for me. I’m working on warming up the laundry room which is where everyone comes into the house. It’s the first thing they see! Not ideal, but I am working on making it beautiful.

  7. I discovered this book and blog just days after the book came out. I have a horrible tendency to let my mood be shaped by the lack of order and beauty I feel in my physical surroundings, and I have a lovely house. I’m looking to take my blinkers off and re-learn what made me fall in love with this place.

  8. I feel most relaxed when things are tidy in our main living area. Things don’t have to be perfect, but it feels most warm and inviting when it’s tidy. And when we have something yummy to offer!

  9. My favorite way to make my family’s home inviting is to have the rooms looking tidy, light a candle in each room, and have good smells coming from the kitchen. During Christmas we always have Christmas music playing in the background as well to increase that Holiday feel.

  10. It has always been about the lighting for me. Never even realized it was sending a message!

  11. With 2 teenagers, it’s hard to keep everything warm and confortable without it looking like a high school locker threw up in the livingroom. I love these ideas!!

  12. I highly need encouragement for our small and cluttered apartment. Thanks for the giveaway. I like lighting a candle and playing some nice music to make my home feel warm and inviting.

  13. I make sure I am home and not out with girlfriends when hubby comes home. We are both in our mid 50s but he hates coming home to an empty house.

  14. I’m not the best at this, but we don’t wear shoes in our house, so guests automatically feel they can curl up on the couch without their shoes on.

  15. I try to always have the living room area tidy and smelling good. That helps me feel better about having guests.

  16. Organization is the key to a warm & inviting home. We love candles, placing floral arrangements around the house, music, the smell of something delicious baking in the oven…all ways to a warm & inviting home. πŸ™‚

  17. I light candles, turn on music and offer a tasty appetizer like guacamole dip and chips!

  18. We will soon be moving into a new home and I want it to be a place where everyone feels welcomed, accepted and loved! I want it to be a haven for my husband and grown kids. I want Jesus to be made known through it!

  19. Music is always good, especially quiet and soothing instrumentals. I use a lot of little white lights here and there, too.

    Lovely and inspiring read and a generous giveaway. Thanks so much for the opportunity!

  20. Good reminders. I try to make our house inviting and real! I don’t overly apologize if its messy or you have to sit in the chair beside three loads of laundry. It happens and I think in the past it has relaxed my friends to feel comfortable in our home.

  21. I am definitely a believer of warm light and good smells – turn on that fireplace, light a candle, or best of all, get a batch of cookies in the oven! That says “come on in, relax, and stay awhile” to me…

  22. I have found that while all these ideas are great, if you have the time and energy. A huge smile and sincere I’m so happy you are here welcomes guests immediately.

  23. I am so excited to read this book! In two weeks I am moving into my first house! I have been renting for years and I am so blessed to finally have a place to call my own. I am so excited to be at liberty to create an environment that truly reflects my family and feels like home. In our current place I rarely entertained guests for lack of feeling that the space was really “us” or welcoming. I am thrilled to read this book and be inspired to make my new house a loving, welcoming, inspiring home!

  24. I really like having candles and tea lights around my living room to light and create a warm and inviting space for my family. We also have an “art wall” for the kids to display their artwork from school. I love all 5 of my kids being involved in decorating and making the space their own. It shows an actual family lives here πŸ™‚

  25. I enjoy making our home more inviting and comforting for our family by hanging or displaying special photos of our family throughout the home, having comfortable throw pillows, blankets and candles in our living room (the area we spend the most amount of time) and keeping my toddler’s toys and books picked up when he’s not playing with them so the room is not cluttered. I also enjoy lighting candles or using warmers in the kitchen to make the area more inviting.

  26. Music! We play it all the time. During the day it’s a stress break breaker when the day has become overwhelming. We crank of the music and dance. In the evenings and on weekends, it fills the background. Worship music is always inviting God into our days.

  27. I try to always clean the front room before my husband comes home from work. Even if the rest of the house is a disaster at least he doesn’t see it first thing!

  28. Making the entry way tidy and welcoming is important to me. I can think of three things I could do today to act on that. Thank you!

  29. I think the smells of a delicious home cooked meal make such a warm and inviting home.

  30. When I was a stay at home mom, my husband and I agreed to the buffer time. The last thing he wanted to do when he walked in the door was to tell me about his day. He had a very stressful job and if I started in on how bad my day was with the kids, etc it only added to his stress. I found that when I was allowed him that time he was very open to sharing his day and to hearing about mine. – Candles are my way of having a nice inviting atmosphere in my home.

  31. Having a fire in the fireplace when it’s cold and sitting outside on the deck with stinged lights when it’s warmer. Opening the door and letting your spouse and children and others know that you are glad they are home/here.

  32. I am terrible at creating a warm & inviting home – hoping this book can help that. Does shoving all the junk into a drawer or another room count?! πŸ™

  33. A clean, tidy entryway and living room is welcoming at our house. Also something wonderful cooking in the kitchen!

  34. I love the idea of buffer time. My grandson and I have a routine before he heads off to preschool “bye Grandma, bye Brandon have a good day, okay Grandma you too, I love you, I love you too!

  35. I love candles! I have the good old fashioned ones, battery operated and timers. Warm and welcoming πŸ™‚

  36. This book is so timely! Working on some decluttering (aka “this stuff is stressing me out, so we should use it to bless someone else instead!”)

  37. I love making sure I have a candle burning and my disorganization put somewhat away before guests come over!

  38. Sounds like a wonderful book to help create a warm, relaxing environment. Would love to win.

  39. I love the concept of the buffer time too – I live with a roommate and her children – the kids are very enthusiastic some days and I do feel attacked when I walk in πŸ™‚ I am just not sure the littles would get this concept – but hopefully its something I can teach them πŸ™‚

  40. I like to diffuse essential oil in the kitchen, the heart of the home and where we spend most of our time hanging out. My favorite essential oil to diffuse is Young Living Joy. I also like to play contemporary christian music. I think it helps calm my 2 little boys!

  41. My favorite way is to have a non-cluttered home. I think people can relax easier if there isn’t so much competing for their attention.

  42. I like things to be in order for when someone comes in the door. If the rest of the house is a disaster at least they come into some order!!

  43. I struggle with this. I want to make my home warm & inviting – first to my family, and then to our friends & guests. I like the idea of playing music – I think that does help shape our moods & emotions. I am working on getting our entry way tide & keeping it that way!!!

  44. Having an empty sink is always something that makes me feel good about when entering my house after a long day of work! I love some of the other ideas though, especially things like having music playing and a candle burning. A scented wax warmer is always a nice touch too!

  45. My husband works from home and I am a stay at home mom so this is a good challenge for me to come up with some ways we can start and end our “work day” even though no one is coming or going.

  46. Kitchen Dance Parties & Family Fun Nights! Also, always trying to do, speak, interact and bless the way I ask and direct everyone else to. i.e. Please(s), thank-you(s), excuse me(s), etc…

  47. my daughter and I always take time after school to sit together and have a snack before she heads outside to play. This gives us a chance to reconnect.

  48. We used to do “couch time” which was 15 minutes of mom and dad sitting on the couch and talking with out the kids interrupting. My husband also really likes to be greeted when he comes home.

  49. We definitely employ the buffer zone at our house. It gives everyone time to catch their breath and make the transition from work or school to home.

  50. I love the idea of starting rituals to make leaving and coming home a happy experience!! I am going to try a couple of these out!

  51. One piece of advice that was given to me before I even established my own home was that it should be evident when people come into your home that you love the Lord. My favorite way to do that is through scripture art and small chalkboards with memory verses. It can be such an encouragement as you are reminded of God’s promises often.

  52. I like to light a candle and play soft/happy music when my husband gets home and at breakfast. This book looks right up my alley! Can’t wait to read it.

  53. We all gather int he living room and dance, make sofa pillow forts, read, play with puzzles. the living room is where it’s at.

  54. Fresh flowers! They make an immediate difference, making a room feel light, airy, and spring-y.

  55. What wonderful ideas! Home is truly where the heart is and making sure we don’t allow daily stress and busyness to take over is perfect. We should always remember to go slowly and ENJOY our life – not rush through it trying to get things done! We should never forget that family and home comes first!

  56. I try to pick things up throughout the day, so the house is generally neat. For my husband, I try to have dinner ready too. It might be 1950s advice, but I find it still is applicable. πŸ™‚ Mainly though, greeting with a smile (wherever I am) is the best thing I can do.

  57. I love putting on music, I don’t do it nearly often enough though. My brother in law gave us a Bluetooth receiver for the stereo so I can play Spotify or Pandora or any of my playlists. It makes the house feel so relaxing (Nat King Cole anyone?)

  58. I do a quick clean up of toys and dishes before my older kids and husband get home. Putting things away and playing music does help create a more peaceful environment in our home.

  59. When guests come over, I like to make them feel special and important by doing little things like lighting a candle in the bathroom, using the good china, and having food and drink available.

  60. I like to have a “cozy” scent burning. Also flowers always add SO much.

  61. I left up a bunch of white Christmas lights after the holidays this year. I like to turn them on in the evenings to create a soft glow for dinner and relaxing.

  62. I like to light a nicely scented candle so others are greeted by a nice scent when they come to our home..

  63. I love the idea of lighting a candle! One time my husband was coming home from a long trip and the kiddos and I ran to target to get a candle to light before he got home- but he beat us home! ( target is way distracting for the whole family!) but we laughed about it welcomed him home while we lit the candle!

  64. Thank you for this! It’s so encouraging! I set a timer to remind the kids and I to do a quick pick up before the Boss gets home. We return books to the shelf, put away schoolwork, and make sure the toys are in the right spot. I love the idea of music and candles. They would help all of us!

  65. Candles and lamps all lit for the guests πŸ™‚ I like good smells and lots of light!

  66. Keeping my home organized is one way to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. We have lots of natural light and comfy places to relax and have good conversations.

  67. I love having fresh flowers and candles or the melting wax to scent the air with relaxing smells. It creates such a comfortable and inviting environment.

  68. Everything in its place, plenty of lighting, fireplace, and warm-colored paint on the walls

  69. Music playing. Don’t worry about every last Lego or army man being put away. Candles lit and drinks and snacks easily accessible. That’s how we welcome people!

  70. I find a lot of it is all in my attitude – though I try to keep a tidy home, a cheerful, welcoming presence can go a long way in overcoming a bit of clutter or dust in the corners! πŸ™‚

  71. I like the idea of turning on the porch light and entry lamps! Such a small yet big thing… I would have never thought of it. You’re such a thoughtful person, Melissa!

  72. I love to have a fire going, and low-lighting during the evenings to make my home cozy, and of course–reading to my kids every night!

  73. My husband loves lit candles, and we usually light them before guests come over so I need to start doing that for him as well

  74. I like to keep one light on at home so when I get home from work, its not dark and unwelcoming for me. I also like to try and always give my hubs a big kiss on the lips so he knows I’m happy to see him. All four of us go our separate ways during the day with work and school. I love for all of us to congregate back at “home base” together at the end of the day for a meal and snuggles. Pizza and a movie on Fridays is a family favorite!

  75. I like having food available, whether it’s dinner or easy to make meals in the refrigerator. It’s the Filipino culture πŸ™‚ The first question guests are asked is usually, “Do you want to eat?” and it’s really an invitation, not an inquiry.

  76. A clean, tidy home with candles and blinds open with sunlight shining through that offers that sense of “welcome”.

  77. One of my favorite things to do to create a welcoming home is to wipe down the table with lemon oil, it’s just such a nice refreshing smell.

  78. I like to sit with each family member for a few minutes and discuss their day, and have the orders of dinner cooking smelling up the house.

  79. Oh now I would love to win this book, I have purchased already but would LOVE to win one so I can share with a friend and have her join in the book study. I already have a place for that mirror now I just have to win it….LOL Thanks so much for sharing with us and so enjoy your website. πŸ™‚

  80. I like to keep the house neat, so if someone stops by unexpectedly, I’m not focused on how embarrassed I am about the state of my house and can focus on them.

  81. Give the children a small snack so they can calm down and discuss their, day while supper is finishing cooking both. That way Mom and Dad can hear about any school news. Soft music in background.

  82. We enjoy playing light music in the background as we enjoy a meal together. We enjoy having one meal together as a family daily. We, like others have already said, often have dance parties to some rockin music. We enjoy game and movie nights as well.

  83. We love listening to favorite Pandora stations to set the mood for the day/evening in the house. I also try to buy fresh flowers each week or two to add some color to the kitchen and living room where we spend most of our time!

  84. I can relate. My husband doesn’t remember any details if I don’t give him some down time before engaging after he comes home. We always greet with a kiss, though. That’s our goodbye in the morning and our hello when he comes home. πŸ™‚

  85. Our house is old and far too small for our growing family. I don’t have a dishwasher, the laundry area is inconvenient, only one bathroom and even when my stove is clean you can’t tell. When I dwell on what my house looks like my HOME suffers. I believe that my home is far more than what my house looks like. However with this small space it is very hard to keep order and organization, but I’m trying.

  86. Thanks Melissa. Lots of good idea. I like the name of your book…sounds like ‘being content’ with what we have. That’s scriptural – and that’s always good. πŸ™‚
    Blessings!

  87. This sounds so lovely! My Mama always makes sure the house is ‘picked up’ before my Daddy gets home.

  88. My home is inviting with warm colors & blankets on the couch. It’s always clean because that’s me, hot tea & enjoying quiet time or movie time with friends or family in our cozy living room.

  89. I can’t wait to read this book, I try to make sure I have my Scentsy burning to make my home feel a little more welcoming.

  90. I love to briefly straighten up and try to have a clean and organized dinette table- our family drop everything place. This says we are ready for you and you are welcome.

  91. I really enjoy my flameless candles! They fill the house with such a welcoming & pleasant scent. Our furniture is also very comfy with a throw & a fun pillow on each piece.

    Thanks for sharing! rw620 at aol dot com

  92. I love to have homemade chocolate chip cookie dough in the freezer so I can make cookies at a moment’s notice. I also like to scent my house with orange essential oil.

  93. A clean house with food to share and plenty of comfy places to sit. I want people to feel comfy and at home when at my home!

  94. Taking away the day’s clutter would be a wonderful way to welcome others. It’s not important to be minimalist or hospital clean, but a tidy room gives space to breath a little.

  95. I like to make sure things are picked up and the counter top looks pretty with fresh flowers.

  96. I love keeping main spaces fairly clean. Then it looks neat and calm even if there are toys about or a bag or coat lying out. I also like turning on lamps and not the overhead lights.

  97. I love to light candles and have inspiring music playing when my family arrives home each day!

  98. My favorite way to create a warm & inviting home is to have fresh flowers and candles for a yummy smell but most importantly a calm & relaxed heart πŸ™‚

  99. I love to layer in my home…heavy quilts and throws and candles for the cool weather seasons and lots of light coverlets, fruits, flowers and soft lights for these warmer months..I always try to greet my guests with BIG hugs and something to refresh them {food & drink} and aim to fill up their love tanks before they head home…and I am so blessed in return! xoxo

  100. I love candles and soft lighting most of the time. However, summer nights I enjoy lively classical guitar music while I cook. I guess it depends on how tired I am after work?

  101. Candles, lights, something baking, have something fun out for people to do or read or play with (like slinkies or a cartoon book).

  102. Candles and cookies help, but what really makes home feel warm and inviting is if the hosts are relaxed and encourage their guests to relax, too.

  103. I always try to make sure the house is picked up & I usually have dinner on the table when my husband walks in from work. He loves this!

  104. Some great tips! I put a soft lamp that is by the front window on a timer, so I won’t forget to turn it on in the evening. I have it go on in the early morning, too, so when my husband goes into the living room in the early morning (way earlier than I do), there is a soft welcoming light.

  105. I am so interested in this book. Would like to make my home more inviting and hospitable, but with working nights and being on the road a lot, the ideas have to be simple and not take a lot of time. I’m sure there are a wide range of them in the book. What a blessing it is to walk into a home and feel one’s blood pressure calm, the tension in shoulders release, to feel the uptight slide right out the end of one’s toes. That is the atmosphere I’d like to make with the “home I have”.

  106. Ooops, I commented before I read the question πŸ˜€ I think soft quiet music and the scent of warm candles are my favorite warm and inviting things right now. It would be nice to expand my repertoire.

  107. I turn our Sonos onto HIllsong Live and let the music set the warm tone for my husband and our guests when they first enter the house. A little of God’s word in worship song goes a long way.

  108. My husband and I make sure to have dinner together with our kids (even though still very little) every night and we each share what the low spot and the high spot of our day was. It helps us to connect through more than the normal “how was your day?”

  109. I like to make the house inviting by cleaning it and making sure their is something to offer as far as a snack, and it helps if it is fragrant. πŸ™‚

  110. My mother and grandmother taught me how to decorate a home. I inherited the “country” look from my mother. I love lamps and ceiling fans. I love roosters and apples. I love spiritual and inspirational decorations. I like photos of my family on the wall. I love books. And in just a couple of weeks, I will be in a townhome, living by myself as a single, independent Christian woman! This apartment has been my home for 1 year, 3 months, and my daughter lived with me for a while with her newborn son, and then I got involved in a relationship at about the time my daughter moved out, which really should have never happened like it has. So, this home hasn’t seemed like my home, even though I did rearranging after the New Year and Spring cleaning. I am looking forward to “Love the Home I Have” with all the suggestions and ideas from everyone. I like “home sweet home” and “happily ever after” in Jesus’ name!

  111. I love soy candles (French pear is especially refreshing without being overly sweet), keeping the main areas generally picked up, and having a clean guest bathroom. As long as those things are in order, I don’t feel unpleasantly surprised by unexpected company.

  112. Copious amounts of yummies [and sometimes adult beverages] along with lots of laughter and conversation.

  113. I love to have yummy smelling wax melts warming throughout the house. I usually have a fragrance of vanilla or something similar to make the house smell sweet and like home baked cookies.

  114. Candles, especially Yankee candles. They make it smell really inviting and are pretty, too.

  115. I like the idea of setting timers for when you come home. Not coming into a dark quiet house anymore πŸ™‚

  116. Buffer time is a great idea…though a bit of a challenge to convey it to toddlers! πŸ™‚

  117. I like to light a scented candle, and greet my guests with a hug and smile. That always sets the tone by saying “you’re safe and welcome here!” πŸ™‚

  118. Diffusing oils and playing my favorite music. It makes my less than perfect old home seam a little nicer.

  119. This article and her book are just what I need these days, really hits one of my biggest struggles as a wife and mother that I have been praying about lately as a new mom and new home owner.

  120. I always try to have the house at least semi-picked up by the time everyone else comes home, makes it so much more inviting than controlled chaos

  121. Music! We are a dancing family and yes music can put us all into a great mood! Putting it on when my kids get home from school or my husband from work is an awesome idea!

  122. I love using scented candles to create an inviting atmosphere and the warm glow of a candle is always welcoming. Love all the great, practical ideas!

  123. Big fan of background music, along with great smelling seasonal candles and open windows and patio doors (weather permitting, of course!). The music usually leads to our kids having a dance party πŸ™‚

  124. “Establish an evening ritual for meaningful conversation and
    reconnection. Before discussing any negatives, encourage your family to
    talk about the best part of their day.” <— Love this!!!! Will need to start doing this!!!!

  125. We always eat dinner at the table together, with just my husband and me, or with our kids and family and friends too.

  126. These are really good tips esp for how to greet your husband when he arrives. I need to do better with that.

  127. These are some fabulous ideas that I look forward to trying!! Thanks for the suggestions. Hoping to get the book soon to read!!

  128. I love the idea of a time to just BE when everyone gets home. For me, it would a time when everyone gets home from school to just talk about what went right during the day, have a snack, and just enjoy each other.

  129. Beautifully written,we are creating a new space and these are great ideas for making it feel like home

  130. I love the simply beautiful… A candle, fresh flowers… What my husband and children will notice as they enter, without fail… Yummy smells of freshly prepared food!

  131. I like putting fresh flowers & having candles going in my home. Also, I don’t like to have my house messy but…I like a “comfortable” house, one that guests can hang in and not feel like that will “mess” things up or relax & enjoy themselves!!

  132. I love te time spent eating breakfast with my littles before they are out the door, so we dour best to have everything for school prepped the night before to have this stress free time in the morning!

  133. Light a candle, have some music on in the background, some freshly baked cookies making the house smell good and a nice treat for the family and any guest that stops by, and comfy places to sit and relax.

  134. I like the idea of turning on the front porch light and some indoor lights. It sets the stage for a happy homecoming no matter the chaos that has happened that day.

  135. I think that a smile and a hug or handshake at the door is the way to always welcome everyone into your house.

  136. I enjoy light background music and the idea of stopping dinner prep to give a genuine welcome – eye contact, a kiss or hug.

  137. I love to light candles & use lamps instead of overhead lighting to create a homey environment.

  138. When most people enter our home it is through the garage entrance, which comes right into our kitchen area. I always like to make sure the room is picked up and tidy (which is sometimes challenging because this is the room where a good deal of time is spent by everyone). It’s so nice coming home after a long day to a clean home.

  139. I like to have fresh flowers somewhere in my home and the floor free from clutter. We also have music playing most evenings while I prepare supper.

  140. My goal is always to have supper ready or nearly ready by the time my hubby walks in the door. It’s amazing how much more relaxing the evenings are when supper is on time! When I’m behind on supper, bathtime and bedtime get shoved back too and that isn’t usually a very peaceful combination!

  141. I would love to learn more about making our home a welcoming place. We are about to host a group from South America, and I want our home to be a reflection of Christ’s love. I can’t wait to read this book!

  142. I love to have something tasty to offer my family or guests–we have a comforting home cooked meal every evening! And it is always a goal to have the main living areas tidy–shoes seem to pile at our entrance. Nothing says “welcome home” like actually being able to make it through the front door. ;o)

  143. I love to bake. Walking into a house that smells like cinnamon, or baked apples, or cookies is always so nice and my family loves the treats.

  144. I like to make my home feel welcoming to my kids and husband when they get home by having things as picked up as I can get them. Walking into a mess is stressful! I also like to have special snacks for the kids every now and then. We always greet my husband with hugs when he gets home <3

  145. We try to have our meals at the dinning room table – just a time for connecting & sharing the latest news…. We do give lots of hugs. When people leave, we tend to go to the front porch to wave goodbye ( with a smile ).

  146. Candles are very inviting I always love to smell one burning when I go to someone else’s home. So I light one whenever I know someone is coming to mine.

  147. I always try to have dinner at least PLANNED when he gets home. And I try to tidy up the living room before he walks in. I know the stress I feel when I come in and see stuff everywhere, so I try not to let that happen with him!

  148. Thrifty finds that have a back-story make my space warm and inviting and personable.

  149. Great post..welcoming ideas that are so simple. While my kids were growing up, I would make cookies several nites a week. There’s nothing like coming home from school to warm-from-the-oven cookies and a glass of cold milk.

  150. I love to use scented candles that I change with seasonal scents. I love using ocean scents for summer, flower scents for Spring

  151. I like to cook and bake. Having dinners planned ahead make evenings easier for our family and we can relax at the end of the day. A bed made first thing in the morning, a Sunday cake, Friday evening family dance parties are part of the little things we do…

  152. If I can’t greet my hubby at the door after work, I at least make sure it’s unlocked and I yell “Hi Babe!” from the kitchen when I hear him come in πŸ™‚

  153. I love the idea of music to help create a calm mood. I already do most of the other suggestions, minus candles, so I may try to do that as well.

  154. I like to have seasonal decor and a relaxed feeling in my home so you feel comfortable coming in and taking your shoes off and getting comfy with a quilt on the couch or a glass of sweet tea at the kitchen table!

  155. I like to have enough comfy seating for everyone, as we are slowly furnishing our first home that has been a priority for me.

  156. Thank you for this reminder that we can create love and beauty wherever we are. Getting up and greeting with a genuine smile and a hug let’s my loved ones know I am happy they are here and worth my time. πŸ™‚

  157. Buffer time is key for me too! So I have the table set ahead of time and know which linens, serving platters, bowls, etc. that I’ll be using (“dressing” the table is my favorite part!). And fresh flowers in a vase or creative container always.

  158. I love to light candles and turn on my lamps. I love the atmosphere it creates!! I know my family appreciates the extras I do to my our home cozy and inviting!!

  159. My favorite way to create a warm and inviting atmosphere is to light candles! They instantly brighten a room and make it feel warm, inviting and peaceful. I also love to play uplifting music for a group of friends, or peaceful music when I want my family to wind down and de-stress after a long day.

  160. What a wonderful read. Thank you for all of the wonderful suggestions and perspective! It seems like it always a whirlwind when we leave and when we come home. After reading this i have encouragment to make some changes! Thank you.

  161. I often ask the kids to do a chore right when they come home from school because it is on MY mind that it needs to be done, not taking into account that THEY need to decompress after a day at school. Thank you, Melissa, for showing me that asking them to do a chore as soon as they walk through the door does not feel like “WELCOME HOME” to them. I will be changing that practice TODAY!

  162. When I walk in the door home from work, my kids always come running and give me huge hugs. It makes me so very happy.

  163. A warm and inviting home starts with you. You can have the most beautiful home, but unless you have love in your heart your guests won’t feel welcome. Thanks for the thoughtful reminders on how to show others that they are welcome.

  164. I love to light a candle and make sure there is music playing softly in the background.

  165. Music on in the background, a tidy house, and snacks ready. Thank you for the giveaway!

  166. I can completely identify with wanting to run out for some alone time as soon as my husband comes home from work. πŸ™‚ Melissa has inspired me to think about how HE feels when he comes in from a long day to three children and a (sometimes) disgruntled wife. Thank you! for the reminder that I can set a welcoming tone for my family on a daily basis, not only for our occasional guests.

  167. I find when the kitchen table is clear from clutter that it creates a peaceful atmosphere when my husband enters the house.

  168. My husband is always home before me and he (almost) always greats me at the back door or outside at my vehicle to help me inside. I LOVED the example of turning the light on outside at dusk. I had previously read that idea somewhere, and it meant “I love you” and care about your safety and glad you are home!! Love it and love my hubby and the little things we do for each other!! Nice giveaway!!

  169. I love having lots of throw blankets around to wrap up in, especially on our long, cold MN winter nights!

  170. I have read several books on love languages, his needs/her needs and these really gave me some insight to what each of my family members needed to feel loved and happy to be home. My husband was one that needed words of affirmation so I would greet him with a smile and be interested in his day. That didn’t mean having to greet him at the door every day because many times I would be cooking so he would walk on in to the kitchen. Just taking that little bit of time usually set the tone for the evening.
    Even though the house wasn’t “clean” all the time, I would keep the living room picked up and items in their proper place so we wouldn’t have to be stepping over things to walk into the house.

  171. I like to have a buffet of food out. Everyone loves it and eats and visits and laughs and stay connected. I believe in the power of a warm brisket, potato salad and a nice warm peach cobbler πŸ™‚

  172. Those are great ideas and as hard as it might be with random schedules they are still worth doing even several times a day.

  173. Two cups of hot coffee and classical music in the background are our favorite ways to welcome our guests or family into our home.

  174. Cleaning the house and lighting a candle. I just have to run the vacuum and wipe off the counters–and flush the toilets (Why can’t my people just flush the toilet?).

  175. I always stop what I am doing and greet my husband with a hug and kiss. So does our little dog, Willy!

  176. Love to open the windows, have music playing, and a fresh scent in my warmer. Love Melissa’s blog…anxious to read her new book!

  177. There are great ideas just in the article so the book must be great! I love the idea of greeting family when they come home like guests.

  178. I really like the idea of holding off negative thoughts and discussion. Although, the reality is that some things need to be addressed by Dad “the Principal” since we homeschool and are home all day, we could work better at focusing on the positive. I love this starburst mirror. It would look great in our guest house that we are currently remodeling for intinerating missionaries.

  179. Love your tips! We always try to keep it positive when everyone comes home. It’s a bummer to be bombarded with the bad stuff when you first walk in the door.

  180. I like the keep the entry tidy. That is hard with 2 boys and a dog. I am going to really work on that!

  181. Fluffing my pillows, cleaning the kitchen and clearing off my kitchen table which seems to be the “catch all” place!!
    I am so thankful to have found your blog from Ann Voskamp – and I’m sending it to my girlfriends now to recommend us doing your book in our next bible study!!

  182. We love casual entertaining too – call it porch time and background music adds so much. Summer weather is in the air and time for friends and family to visit. Love your ideas!

  183. I absolutely need to set timers! It’s easy to lose myself in whatever I’m doing and not remember to freshen up until I hear my hubby turning the key in the door. I am also a big fan of good scents–be they candles or food cooking or whathaveyou–as a way to welcome in guests and family.

  184. We enjoy casual entertaining too, porch time we call it. Weather is perfect now for porch talk, food and music.

  185. I love the warm, indirect lighting from lamps placed around our space as well as the fragrance of a scented candle. Dust bunnies magically disappear in the soft glow–bonus! When hubby arrives home, I try to stop whatever I’m doing to greet him.

  186. I love candles and quiet music to create a mulitsesory relaxing atmosphere. Also, deep, honest conversation and feeling safe to share in my home are important to me.

  187. I make my home welcoming and inviting by not having everything too perfect. Others relax when they realize my home is for living in, not showing off.

  188. Accent lighting (which hides a multitude of sins), inexpensive grocery store or farmers market flowers, & music make everything look better/more welcoming. Then no one notices the dust!

  189. I love to light the scentsy candle by the front door and to lower the lighting for ambiance right before my husband arrives home. I’ve noticed he enters more peacefully when I’ve taken a moment to do this. something about a positive smell in the house, whether the candle or food cooking, makes for a happier home after a long day.

  190. What is your favorite way to create a warm & inviting home?
    Just keeping an open door policy and always having a bed to sleep in or a shoulder to cry on.

  191. Lighting and music sets whatever mood you’re trying to attain. If the lights and music are bright and welcoming it revives the spirit and makes you happy to be there!

  192. I do the best I can to keep my home neat and clean, and then I don’t let myself fret if if it’s not perfect!!

  193. For some reason, clean floors are a big deal to me and are the one thing I want to have when company stops by on short notice. After that, it’s all about investing myself into each person who walks through our door so that they leave feeling like they’ve been accepted and loved in our home.

  194. I love the idea of leaving the lights on when he comes home. My husband and I work together all day long. Sometimes he goes out at night to do an estimate on a job. I usually stay home during those nights. From here on in, I’m leaving the lights on for him when he comes home after dark.

  195. I find it a challenge to welcome my husband every time he comes through the door — we have a farm. I need to find a way to keep the home always welcoming to him.

  196. Before company comes I always like to have the main areas tidied, main surfaces quickly dusted, the radio on in the background, and a candle or two lit. I don’t know why I never thought to create a similar welcoming atmosphere for my husband to walk into each night. Great idea!

  197. Fresh flowers, a lit candle (day or night), throws on the couch to cuddle with, little clutter, simplicity in everything you do…makes it home…all the “messes” of daily life are left outside the door~

  198. This is easy for me to forget–I’m such a lowest-common-denominator person. I do try to give a special greeting as family members come or go in our home, but I’ve let it drop off. Time to try again! It’s a good day if I can get the living room tidied up at the end of the afternoon πŸ™‚

  199. I no longer have anyone to come home to or wait for but I do enjoy coming home from work to My Home and My Home welcomes Me.

  200. I love our family time around the dinner table. It gives us a chance to talk about our day and decompress before we start the kids bedtime routine.

  201. well frankly, i made a goal on those certain days ‘that got away from me’ to put some makeup on before the husband got home! occasionally this meant only minutes before is arrival. it was part of looking fresh, and happy and welcoming — for him to be home, and the inner feeling that he was just as important to me, as the truth that I would put make up on to go to Target!!

  202. I am a huge lamp fan. I love the soft dim light that lamps give off and it makes our home feel so cozy and inviting…or so I think :D! I also love that home is a home, it’s not a show piece. It’s a lived in home that shows signs of active little ones and love that’s growing each and every moment!

  203. I always have at least one light on in the entry way and a few scented candles lit.

  204. I enjoy diffusing essential oils and playing music. We frequently have dance parties at home that really bring us closer together

  205. I love having soup in my freezer! When someone stops by..we can ALWAYS have soup supper and light the fire.

  206. Candle light is a warm way to not only have family members have a visual reminder of my love, it’s a great way to signify God’s presence in our midst.

  207. My friends can put their feet up on the coffee table and help themselves in the kitchen.

  208. A relaxed atmosphere with comfy seating (in or out) and great smells to welcome anyone coming in.

  209. This is so affirming because it is do-able when broken down into small tasks that end up meaning a lot. We strive to keep our dining room table clean and make it a space for food and conversation only (though it is SO tempting to pile up random items there!!!)

  210. Having a warm and welcoming home has always been my goal. We both work from home so there isn’t any welcome time, but we do like to walk away from our desks and take a walk together to end the day. It’s our time out of the “office”, and time together to talk.

  211. I need some encouragement in this area! I’m pretty good about making my home welcoming for guests, but not always so good about welcoming my family home. =(

  212. My parents have always been known for their hospitality in making people feel warm and loved whether in our home or anywhere else. Gentleness, compassion and a true interest in others are the keys to a warm welcome. In my house what feels warm and inviting to me are the stories and memories behind each piece of furniture and other items that surround me. So many echoes of love and gratefulness make it a haven for me.

  213. My favorite way to make my home warm and inviting is candles and lighting, throws and pilows, the colors I’ve chosen for the main living areas

  214. I like to make my home warm and inviting by always having music playing and a candle lit!

  215. I think, for me, making space for beauty in the home helps make it warm and inviting, whether that be a fresh bouquet of flowers, a scripture printable taped to the wall, or a clean and tidy space to sit with some books nearby.

  216. This post highlights an important idea, that of taking the time and mental energy to be proactive about welcoming our friends and loved ones whenever they arrive. Too many times I’ve allowed the day’s pace to determine the mood of home at the end of the day.

  217. I like special lamps on, the smell of freshly brewed coffee. I also like to have my entry ways clutter free. πŸ™‚

  218. I love these ideas!! As a mama of a little one, this is an encouraging reminder that I still can do a few small things to welcome my husband home at the end of the day, and others into our home, however messy it may be! πŸ™‚

  219. My mother always told me that candle light solves a myriad of problems… from disguising a dusty slightly messy house, calming everyone down at dinner, or creating romance. And she was right. Thanks for the reminder.

  220. It is really touching about how to make the house to be home. Good tips to get the happy family. I always love to have either TV or radio in my home when I am working.

  221. At our house welcome was something as simple as having supper in the crockpot when my husband got home. He never fails to comment, “Something smells good in here!”

  222. I like to make sure things are tidy enough, then light a candle or two! These simple things help me relax.

  223. I always try to greet my hubby at the door with a kiss. Some days I don’t make it over to him before he gets out of his work boots, so he finds me…usually in the kitchen! It takes two seconds to stop what I’m doing acknowledge and honor his presence and helps us to connect even through the chaos and baskets of laundry that having four kiddos generate! πŸ˜‰

  224. My husband works nights and comes home in the morning. I try to make sure the door has been unlocked and coffee is ready to welcome him in. It’s not much, but he knows what it means!

  225. I always have lit candles on the dinner table, whether it’s just my husband and I, the whole family, or company. It makes out time together seem more sacred.

  226. Your simplistic decorating ideas are beautiful and pocketbook friendly! Enjoying your posts immensely — and your tie-in with HOLY EXPERIENCE!

  227. A welcoming entry, pretty rug, flowers, candles, a lamp turned on at twilight…these are a few of my favorite things!

  228. My mom’s friend gave me the advice to always put a little lipstick or lip gloss on before my hubby came home. This is almost the same for the home. I can’t wait to read this book. Hope I win!

  229. With 3 boys, it’s so hard to keep up with everything! I try to declutter as much and as often as I can!

  230. Good smells! Nothing is more inviting than the smell of yummy food cooking, begging to be eaten:-)

  231. I love the idea of having a lamp or two on timers, so that the house is lit up upon arrival. It’s always nice to have nice smells to come home to as well…potpourri or the like is very welcoming.

  232. I make my home warm and inviting by keeping it clean! Nothing deters guests or make them feel unwelcome like mess.

  233. To create a warm and inviting home, I like to have fresh flowers from my garden, and make sure that the house is in order, with everything picked up and counters clear. It doesn’t always happen, though! πŸ™‚

  234. I always welcome my weekend guests by saying “I’ll leave a light on for you”. There is always relaxing instrumental music playing, nourishing food and snacks available, and the guest room is welcoming with fresh linens and towels, fluffy and warm bath robes, good books and magazines on the nightstands along with a little sweet treat. I try to have everything ready “ahead of their arrival” so I can relax and spend quality time visiting. If my guests are simply coming for a meal, I again have the table set ahead of time and the food preparations complete so I can come home from work, put dinner on to cook, and be ready to relax and visit when my guests arrive. I love opening my heart and home to guests!

  235. I know of a woman who would try to make sure her husband came home to a homey environment. Some nights she would start sauteeing onions and garlic just before he came in the door (even if dinner wasn’t quite underway) so he could enter to the smell of something delicious on the stove and know that something good was on the way.

  236. My husband and I both like to cook. Family and friends alike know that they won’t go hungry at our house. Nice giveaway!

  237. Now that my husband and I are retired (and empty nesters) we keep our home cozy and inviting by starting each day with fresh coffee and morning conversation. No matter what our day holds, we start with time together. When family and friends are coming, our way to say ‘welcome’ is to provide a meal in a casual and relaxing atmosphere, a place where there is no pretense or expectation, a place where intimate and life giving conversations happen around the dinner table or while cleaning up afterward. After all, it is the people and not the dΓ©cor who are important.

  238. lighting a favorite candle, so the house smells like baking when you come in, instead of smelling like diapers πŸ˜‰

  239. My favorite way to create a warm and inviting home is to have nice smells – candles, soup, cookies, etc. It is amazing how strong our sense of smell is – it always brings up memories of childhood. I know that the smell of fresh cut watermelon is the signal of summer, for example!

  240. My husband and I arrive home from work about the same time, so I need to be more consistent about leaving the house in good shape when I leave in the mornings. I would love the book and the mirror!

  241. Our family is opposite. I work and my husband is the one greeting me with a warm lunch or dinner and a smile. I am blessed!

  242. Having a basket of toys under the sofa for the grandkids, and a basket of outdoor toys on the front porch.

  243. trying to stay organized for a stress free exit is a must in our home

  244. Love the tips!! I think a warm and inviting home starts with candle light and lamps! Anything that just feels cozy!

  245. My husband and I have always called the outside porch light the “love light” because it means I love you and am anxious for you to be home safe.

  246. Fresh bedding and bath towels, a must that takes so little effort but you feel so pampered! TVs off but soft background music.

  247. I light candles, play soft music, leave the TV off and at times add flowers to our table.

  248. Love your daily posts! Find them so encouraging, especially because I need to love my home!!

  249. i love using my diffuser, and giving my kids some time when they first get home from school to grab a good book and cozy up to some good writing in a quiet, good-smelling home.

  250. I love having a balcony. Over the years, hubby and I have created a small garden and sitting area. It’s one of my favorite places during the early morning. And when my husband is home on the weekend, we can enjoy it together.

  251. Thank you for sharing and being REAL, Melissa! It’s true: even turning on that warm glowy lamp or adding a vase of fresh-cut greenery makes a place feel lovely and cared-for… and I think that feeling extends to whoever makes their home in that place. πŸ™‚

  252. I love scented candles, not too strongly scented though, and comfortable seating.
    The Starburst mirror is beautiful.

  253. These are all so attainable, and for my busy family of six, that’s exactly what I need. Simple ways to take pause and set the tone for the day/evening. I love this.

  254. I love the idea of protecting your home as a ‘safe’ place, both cozy & comforting. I also love music & lighting.

  255. I love low lighting. Lamps for now as having little ones has meant I put the candles away.

  256. Thanks for the chance to win. I like comfortable furniture, bright windows and music in the air!

  257. I find certain candle scents are so warm and inviting. My house can be messy and my friends will say they could stay all afternoon because it smells so good. Even the mailman came into the foyer to deliver a package once and told me how great my house smelled.

  258. Many of these tips are ones that we use in our own modified ways. I find many of the new ones that are new to us worth a try as well.

  259. We have family photos combined with a special basket collection and live plants in the family room. Throw pillows, throws, and lamps make it cozy. I notice most of you like candles. I do too, but I have known of someone burning down their condo with a candle and another who came home to find a puddle of wax on her new carpet where she’d forgotten to put out the candle on her bsr counter. So I’m mostly now using a neat electric wax burner that has a switch for off and on. Just my 2 cents.

  260. Whenever my husband comes home I make sure to stop whatever I’m doing and give him a quick hello and a kiss. He then heads upstairs to change out of uniform and decompress. It’s perfect for us because we acknowledge each other and then prepare for the evening so when he comes back downstairs I have the kids busy with tasks and we are able to discuss our days before I begin dinner.

  261. When my girls come home from school the tv’s Pandora immediately comes on so we can listen to music as we sit and have lunch together and talk about their day and what we need to do to finish homework and get prepared for the next day. When my husband arrives home from work I try to always go to the door and greet him with a kiss and tell him how glad I am that he’s home. I know I can be doing more and what you’ve suggested are so great ideas I am going to definitely try,

  262. My favorite way to welcome guests is to set out a nice tablecloth or pretty napkins, enjoy tea or coffee and hopefully have a baked item too if I can manage. But a hot something on a pretty table isn’t too difficult & always seems to be appreciated.

  263. Coming home to a clean yet lived-in home is relaxing for all of our family. We all do our parts to try and leave the house somewhat picked up. Thanks for the giveaway!! Melissa your book is so inspiring to truly love the home we live in!

  264. Bowls of a signature potpourri give our home a welcoming scent…my adult children still breathe deeply when arriving “home” after an extended absence.

  265. I always have a warm and furry friend to greet myself and my guests. My cats are what makes my home feel loved.

  266. I like having the table set for supper and the smells of good food cooking for when my husband comes home. Plus greeting him at the door. He is usually hungry, and he loves to be greeted. He feels welcomed home and loved. That sets the tone for the rest of the evening.

  267. I totally agree, the no hassle home, and creating the loving atmosphere is crucial. I always use candles and fresh flowers to warm up the space. My tradition is to leave a welcoming note by the bedside for guests .

  268. I love all of the ideas! I’m going to print them out so I’ll have quick access to them. πŸ™‚

  269. I love the idea of greeting family with a kiss, a hug, and a smile when they come through the door!

  270. i want people to feel comfortable to come in and relax, warm blankets, good candle smells maybe something baking

  271. I love to use my diffuser for smells to set the tone of the day. Something bright and clean smelling for the day keeps me upbeat and going. Something soothing at night helps my brain wind down. The same goes for music and lighting. I tend to keep my house neater and feel less like a mama maniac when I am creating a peaceful rhythm and flow for my body throughout the day. And when mama is happy…seems like everyone else jumps on board too!

  272. I bought my mom this book, and I know we’ll both end up reading it and LOVING it!

    My favorite way to create an inviting home is to put on some peaceful music and put out flowers

  273. My favorite way to create a warm and inviting home is food. I’m half-Italian, it’s in my blood to feed people.

  274. Thanks for these ideas! I’ve loved making our home a sanctuary for my family over the years it is amazing what implementing these ideas can do for your home & the ones you love!!

  275. I feel like my family’s more like roommates, my sister spends most of her time in her room.

  276. My favorite way is to greet my kids with a quick hug and how was your day. We usually have a snack and they will goof off while I start dinner. My husband gets a hug and a kiss and we talk a bit while he either makes a quick sandwich or we make dinner together. With 3 men in the house the sooner we eat the better!

  277. My little pup and I are always at the door ready to greet my husband when he comes home from work. He lights up every time he sees us standing there. I try to make my home welcoming by being a hospitable host. Asking if a guest needs anything goes quite far in making them feel welcome in your home.

  278. Candles and dimmed light add just the right amount of warmth and camouflage(!) and make evenings feel special-even if it’s just a Tuesday!

  279. When guests come I like to have a clean front entry. It is so nice to have guests come and stay. Freshly washed towels and sheets plus great smelling soaps are so very welcome after a long day of traveling. Music and candles complete a home cooked meal. Would love to win your new book. Thanks for all the great ideas and encouragement you give us on your blog!β™₯

  280. I like to have music playing softly in my kitchen,
    along with scented candles burning and lots of seasonal dΓ©cor throughout the house to greet my guests!

  281. Lower lighting and candles seem to do the trick for me. Maybe it helps hide the mess!

  282. Keeping things fresh simply by cleaning and then rearranging what I have. Things are never static in our home!

  283. I love all the ideas! My greatest find for warming up our home and setting a welcoming tone are flame less candles on timers. Both my husband and I are sensitive to scented candles so these work so well for us. I like to set them near a mirror to reflect the glow!

  284. Our current home is the first one where I’ve truly felt it was “worth” putting our money towards things we will enjoy now instead of only thinking about the features I don’t want in our forever home. I’m enjoying it so much more!

  285. I have followedMelissa and her blog since the very beginning. She is truly inspiring.

  286. Softened lights and lit candles create such a welcoming atmosphere. Thanks for all the great ideas!

  287. As newlyweds with crazy schedules, my husband and I will tidy up and leave little surprises to prepare for the other to get home. We choose things like soft blankets, spicy candles, and flowers to warm up our tiny apartment. There’s also always some chocolate hiding somewhere…

  288. I like making my home a haven by having it decluttered and having special pieces around.

  289. I love the mirror, it’s so pretty. We love music and love to play it loud sometimes.

  290. I try to make a clear entryway and kitchen island…light a candle…play music. Can be a challenge with 3 littles…but when my husband comes home especially…I would like to offer calm before the chaos πŸ™‚

  291. We all love a scented candle or incense… we move frequently and those scents make our home feel comfortable right away.

  292. I think the easiest way to create a welcome environment in my house is to light a candle. It’s pretty, and even if everything doesn’t LOOK nice, at least it can SMELL NICE!

  293. We love to seat around the living room once a week to talk about our week with our young adult children

  294. Love what your saying here! This book is definitely going on my reading list. I have twinkle lights in our living space above the china cabinet that go on toward the end of each day. They add a bit of warm to the room, and are welcome home to anyone entering the house toward the end of the day.

  295. I have strands of tiny blue & white lights in our wall of bookshelves in our living room. I love to turn them on as soon as I get home from work (usually before my husband gets home), and look forward to seeing them on when I’m the last one home. Now that my youngest son often gets home at midnight or after from work I leave just those lights on when I go to bed, as a welcome sign for him. And now I understand why they’re so important to me!

  296. Man, I definitely needed this encouragement today! I spent the night at a friend’s house to take care of her kids during her surgery and came home after work to so much clutter & mess. I am going on a purging spree and what is left is going to be stream-lined, warm, and welcoming to our whole family!

  297. I love our personal family photos on the wall! It makes moving around a bunch so much easier when each place feels like home.

  298. I think the best (and worst) welcome is set by a mood! Lights and candles and food might be a part of it, but a smile and hug and letting the person know you are glad to see them and plan to enjoy your time with them for the evening…that’s the kind of house I want to visit. We used to live in the upper Midwest, so lights and a cozy fire for guests or weekend family nights were a great way to say “welcome home!” Now, in the Southwest, enjoying a few minutes outside whenever possible before going in for dinner and the evening tasks…that helps my husband and kids calm down from a busy day.

  299. Vintage items that are not very expensive so people don’t feel like they will break something that’s expensive. Bright colors!

  300. My husband and I recently moved from a house to a small apartment. I love the ideas I found here. I feel encouraged and have new resolve to begin to create a home that both of us can love.

  301. I enjoyed your post. I especially like the idea of greeting family in special ways. I agree that “coming home should be the sweetest part of the day.”

  302. I like to try to have dinner started. I am a big fan of scents, so lighting a good smelling candle works well too.

  303. My avorite way to create a warm & inviting home is with the use of throws, scented candles, and pictures.

  304. nothing warms a home like candles, yummy foods sitting around the kitchen table!

  305. These are all fantastic tips. I work really hard to provide a relaxing and welcoming atmosphere for when my husband gets home and I can tell it really makes a difference in everyone’s attitudes!

  306. I love offering something to eat and drink. Such an intimate way to offer hospitality to others.

  307. I like playing music and lighting some candles around my home all of the time. I have coffee ready when company comes over or something to drink such as iced tea. Gives a warm and inviting atmosphere. The candles help before and after cleaning.

  308. Seeing clutter definitely adds to my husband’s stress. To help him feel better after a long day at work, I try to pick up the main areas that he sees as soon as he enters the house.

  309. I love to encourage my daughters with post-its wrote by me to give confidence and support them, and I place it on the bathroom mirror. Sorry I don’t have facebook…

  310. I really think it’s important to have a tidy home, not perfect, but welcoming. πŸ™‚

  311. I love the sound of this book. I have never thought about caring for a house as honoring God but I guess it would be right because he gave you this house he would like you to care for it like you are caring for your child.

  312. I like to decorate with proverbial sayings and have light inspirational books and magazines scattered around the house where guests might be.

  313. Dim lights, light candles, and play an instrumental station on Pandora. Then have whatever food and drinks are suitable. Thank you for the giveaway!

  314. The title, the graphics, the commentary makes me want to read the book and also buy copies for my adult children. Thank you.

  315. Love the idea of buffer times as our household gets really crazy with a teenager & all the activities! Also am looking forward to turning on music instead of the TV! Thanks!

  316. I love the fragrance and the ambience of candles; so depending on my mood I have several different candle holders I will use. It makes the home feel cozy and bright.

  317. Hi! I did 6 of the additional items and it is still showing 1 post???
    I really want to win the book and mirror!!! Thanks!!!!! :>)

  318. I have a fairly big family so stress in the home has been a common occurrence among us all for years. Because I feel like I’m constantly busy, creating a stress-free departure is my favorite way and still something I’m working on for myself. I’ve noticed when I do that, it gives me a really good feeling of accomplishment to know I’ve allowed for more time and prepared in advance–plus, I don’t have to rush around getting things together last-minute.

  319. The best welcome home for me and my son is to have the simmered smell of a beef roast that has been in the crockpot all day. It smells like someone else made it and welcomes us home!

  320. I appreciated the thoughts of entering into a peaceful and welcoming home. I live alone, and one thing I appreciate is having a subtle lamp come on via timer before I get home on winter evenings so I don’t have to walk into a dark house. And this encouraged me to straighten up the area a little more before I go to bed so I walk into a neater area!

  321. You speak my heart and ignite my passion for hospitality with fresh and loving ideas. Thank you. So glad I stumbled onto your site! Exciting!

  322. I try to offer refreshment of some kind to all those that enter my home, to some it is food, to others it is a beverage, to others it is a place to sit and relax.

  323. I love music in my house, especially the Gaither’ s or any Christian music or old country tunes.

  324. I would LOVE to have your book !!! God has been teaching & speaking to me about hospitality for quite some time and I recently signed on to rep for a Christian direct sales company whose focus is on hospitality. So I LOVE learning anything new on this topic !!

  325. I just moved to a across country and and mired with things out of place. My husband now works crazy long hours and I never know when he is coming home. I think I will do music and lighting to make the atmosphere warm. When I find my crockpot, I would love to fill the house with smells too. For now, I use essential oils.

  326. I hung mason jars in my kitchen window and put led tea lights in them. I also light a scented candle.

  327. I’m still trying to learn how to make my home more inviting. I’m a newlywed, and am terrible at homemaking at the moment. I’m ready to learn!

  328. How I create a warm home for husband and family members Guest give hugs and let them feel at home

  329. Yesterday my daughter and I picked flowers and arranged a spring bouquet.. What a difference to my catastrophic house… Just fixing up one tiny little corner!

  330. I think a warm and inviting home needs to be comfortable for all the people in it, not just myself. I try to remember that and keep things casual enough for my husband and son. I’d love to win the book!

  331. Thank you for encouraging me with these helpful tips and ideas! God bless! πŸ™‚

  332. It’s hard to create a “tradition” of welcome, what with my husband’s inconsistent work schedule – but I have found that a candle (on the busy days) or a batch of cookies brightens his face whenever he gets home. πŸ™‚

  333. We like to prep our children so they greet our guests cheerfully and maybe even by name. If friends with children are visiting we talk about our plans to share our toys cheerfully with our guests.

  334. I like to have the fireplace going on a chilly evening and have some candles lit. I also make sure to have a few throws placed on the furniture so my family can cuddle up to read or watch television. Fresh flowers in springtime are always nice too!

  335. We love to light candles at supper time. We have three girls, so one day they will know how to make their house feel like a home. I would love this for a summer read. We have been our home for 12yrs next month so I need some ideas to freshen it up.

  336. I love walking into my house and it’s filled with the smell of a delicious meal I left in the crockpot that morning. I says its time to get together and share at the table!

  337. Love that hospitality seems to be making a reappearance – Love the ideas of sitting a pretty table.

  338. A nice smell, a fresh bouquet of flowers picked by my kids, and some soft piano music playing.

  339. I need this! I struggle in this area and always feel a little like a fraud with a sign on my door that says “Welcome”. Hospitality is my hearts desire!

  340. having flowers (in season) on the entry porch, and having soft classical , or Christian instrumental music playing softly gives love and JOY!

  341. So many good tips. Prepare so you can leave calmly. Take time to decompress before entering into the house after a busy day… for me, might mean spending a few min in the car after driving home. Or even decompressing on my way home. If I can use two tips at once, why not: listen to music on the way home & decompress (unless there’s crazy traffic to be maneuvered… But I’ve noticed that having good music definitely reduces negative feelings in any crazy traffic jam)

  342. I like the idea of lighting candles, turning on the lights, and having a snack or something ready for my husband. I think that would really mean a lot to him!

  343. I like to have candles and the scent of cinnamon wafting through the house. My mom would also allow a buffer time for my dad to relax for a while when he came home from work.

  344. I try to welcome my husband home with a hug and kiss – that is the best way to create a wonderful mood. It doesn’t hurt to have the table set even if dinner isn’t going to be ready for awhile…..

  345. I live by myself, but I want my home to be welcoming and comfortable, even to my pets. I always greet my kitties (and my dog before he died) first thing when I get home. I take time to acknowledge them, talk to them, and hold or pet them. I have also planted many beautiful flowers for myself and everyone to enjoy. My elderly neighbor once told me that she got as much good out of my flowers as I did. I am in the process of building a house with a 10′ front porch which will have several patio chairs on it so that my neighbors and guests can visit and talk. I want people who visit to know that they don’t have to worry about breaking anything, “tracking dirt in”, spilling or messing anything up–my home is meant to be lived in. All of those thing can be cleaned up. I want people to feel at ease.

  346. My husband is the one who works from home and cares for our son. He is amazing at creating a welcoming environment. He picks up the main room and has dinner waiting almost every night! The house always smells so yummy. And we always greet each other with a kiss and hug πŸ™‚

  347. Such great easy ideas! I have to say that I miss having small children to run to the door when I get home from work… I used to love that!! Now I come through the door with a “honey I’m hooome” even if I know no one is there. It makes me smile. I read the other post and decided I need this book. I need a simple and happy home.

  348. To create a warm environment, I try to get something baking in the oven and always have the couch cleaned off with cute pillows.

  349. Simplifying my home has been a big focus for me lately, less to clean makes life so much easier! And having a place for everything also helps!

  350. Keeping it smelling nicely with the diffuser going makes a warm atmosphere for our home.

  351. We enjoy visitors in our living room without a t.v.. We get a lot of compliments on how nice it is to sit and talk without a t.v. on. The seating is arranged so that we enjoy the view provided by a large front window, a soft rug underneath our feet, plenty of toss pillows, and usually a home-cooked meal.

  352. I love turning on the CD player and listening to music to unwind as well as lighting candles

  353. This is something I need to work on! (and I look forward to reading the book) I know my family notices when even the little things are done… a straightened up entryway, a paper cleared table, seasonal decorations giving a pop of color, and putting my favorite “Two Are Better Than One” pillow at the head of our neatly made bed.

  354. It’s in the details to me. Doing everyday things with just a little more attention to deal.

  355. Great ideas! I do many of them, but it seems like my family doesn’t notice…lol…maybe it’s just not said.

  356. I love this idea of love the home you are in because it helps us to be content and satisfied with what we have.
    Her number one
    Greet family with a kiss, a smile, and a hug helps create an atmosphere of love, appreciation, and respect.

    I am looking forward to this book!

  357. To have a warm and inviting home, besides a quick toy clean up and putting some music on before people come over, I feel like the smell of coffee brewing and cookies in the oven goes a long way to making up for the inevitable mess of 4 kids….

  358. It is really difficult for me to decide on where to put what when I decorate. This in turn has made our house very cold and it’s cluttered a lot of the time. I hope a few candles will warm up our house a little and get me started on creating a warm, loving home.

  359. I love music and scented candles in my house. I light the candles often & play Praise and Worship music. It helps to calm my nerves. I want to please God with my home and make it a haven where He is welcome and delighted to come in and sit with me!
    Blessings πŸ™‚

  360. Melissa – I love this post! We actually have some of those same habits. I always make sure to turn on the outside lights if my husband will be home after dark; I’m rarely out alone after dark, but I know how comforting it is to come around the curve and see the lights of home. I always keep one lamp on because as a child, that was something my mother did. She didn’t want anyone to come home to a dark house. I light candles (even in the daytime) about 30 minutes before my husband is due home from work.

    Can’t wait to read your book! xo