Home edits that welcome people, meals, and lingering this Easter

Easter brings thoughts of families gathering to celebrate for the first time since Christmas. Finally, the days are a little longer and little warmer inviting us back outside for picnics after church. When I think of Easter the same memory always comes to mind; lots of people in a house that wasn’t quite big enough for us all. My kids were under the age of 5, my youngest just learning how to walk. There were aunts, uncles, grandmas, and cousins all over the place. Eggs were “hidden” in the yard and the smell of the honey-ham for Easter dinner was wafting through the air. My home and heart were full!

Creative & Easy To Clean Options

Often, when we look at a home, we think of others before we think of ourselves. Will the living space be big enough for everyone? Will one guest bath be sufficient? Does the back patio and yard feel inviting enough? Having gone through seasons of large family gatherings, to my more current ones as an empty-nester I have found that it doesn’t matter. Family will fit in whatever space they are invited into. I think our focus would be better used on a what we put in those gathering spaces.

Play musical chairs

Okay, not literally…at least not until after Easter dinner. I mean for you to take a look at your current layout. Are there places where you can add some seating? For example: my recent client had a spot in front of the kitchen and next to the living room that didn’t make sense. She could not see it’s purpose, using it for bulky decor items. Before the next Bible study we replaced the bulky items with 2 chairs, a pedestal table, and a lamp from other spaces in the home. It created better flow from the front door to the open living space ,and more conversational seating. It cost her only a little time and an open mind.

Other seating options that take up minimal space, are easy to clean up, and will always be occupied are:

• Stools. They fit in small spaces, inviting, and do not take up a ton of floor space.
• Create a “Kid Zone”. Move a side table that isn’t needed for the day, throw down a blanket and some pillows. This becomes your dedicated kid zone, allowing kids to be a part of the gathering while not taking up space on the sofa. (We lived in a 2 bedroom home with 5 people for many years…this worked!)
• Footstools & ottomans. Replace the coffee table with a low bench or a couple/three footstools. Folks generally prefer a place to sit their bums over a place to set their drink. Lean into that!

Decor that doesn’t create bulk

Step away from the pillows! There are fun and easy but either end up on the floor or used as a tray. No good. Have a look at these options instead:

Dining Area:

• Make your dining space pop with some inexpensive seat cushions that can be cleaned easily or even tossed when the season is over.
• Use a bright table cloth or table runner to add whimsy. Throw them in the wash when the day is done.
• Create a centerpiece for the island or bar area.

Living:

• If you absolutely need something on a couch to make it a holiday let it be a blanket. Easy, functional, and out of the way.
• Worried about stains on the ottoman/footstools suggestion from above? Step outside the box and buy some cleanable fabric. Every quilt shop I have ever been in keeps holiday/seasonal prints in stock. Buy a couple of yards, throw them over the footstools and toss in the wash when you’re done. You will have some fabric to play with for other projects too! *Note: if you buy home decor fabric do not throw it into the wash! Instead use a water bottle with 3/1 water and Dawn soap. Spray, blot, repeat.

Where to find these options

I am probably speaking to the choir here, but I’m going to list them out anyway.

• Marketplace – someone is always purging something from their collection. Take advantage. Oh, and don’t hesitate to haggle. You are not being rude, it is just a tactic.
• Craigslist – don’t cringe! My parents use this platform all the time and that is the point. Older folks use this outlet and they have good stuff for cheap! It requires a little more in the communication department though.
• Local vintage shops. These shops are always stocked with odd finds and are usually ready to make a deal. You’re helping them out by clearing space so they can go find more!

That’s it! I have used all of these options at one point or another over the years. I come from a very frugal family with the motto: Use what you’ve got! I am in a place now where I can buy new but it feels uncomfortable. I will continue to exhaust my “already have it” options until it is imperative that I buy new. That’s probably a story for another time though.

I hope this was helpful! Happy spring!