Setting the Scene: Your nose knows!

Before your guests even get a chance to look around the first thing they will notice is the scent of your home.  I ALWAYS comment on a scent if it really tickles my senses and it immediately makes me feel warm, cozy, awake, hungry, or welcome.  

here are a few of our favorites:

In the winter I love to have a pot of mulled wine on the stove when guests arrive.  You can let it simmer for hours and the whole house smells like spices.  I add extra cloves and cinnamon because it makes the wine extra yummy and the smell is simply intoxicating.  

For summer time scents a heated pot of lemon, lavender and mint will make your home smell fresh and clean.

Any time I am hosting a dinner party (or cocktail party) I bake a fresh batch of chocolate chip cookies.  Usually I stick to break and bake since there is minimal clean up and they take next to no effort.  I will also try to cook a meal that is heavy on the garlic or onion because, lets face it, it’s delicious, and it makes the whole house smell fantastic.  

For Brunch: COFFEE;  Put on a pot of coffee before everyone arrives, it will make your guests feel like they can cozy right up and tell you all about their week.  Coffee feels like home.  

I also like to make bacon and some kind of scone (or if you’re not much of a baker) a pillsbury crescent roll, it makes the air sweet and fluffy.  

If you are simply hosting a cocktail party flowers and candles will create the same welcoming effect.  we like lilies, freesia, and peonies for their fragrance and beauty.  try trimming the pollen from the lilies to avoid messy clean up.  Our favorite candles can be found here, here and here.  

Cheers!