I grew up in a house that always had extended family and friends in it. There was always a buzz in our house because of it, and I felt extremely lucky to have experienced a childhood in such a warm environment. To this day there are probably at least fifteen people in my hometown that call my mother mom, none of whom are actually related. But, because in good times and in bad our door was always open, the kids I grew up with feel bonded to my mom.

With all of that in mind, I was dead set on having a similar set up in the home I established for my own family. There is a real ease to being in our household that I truly believe everyone feels when they visit. This means for special occasions and holidays we have a completely full house. Therefore, when the weather allows, we make good use of our outdoor porch. People often congregate there, and since this has always been the way, we have to prepare properly.

So, if you are opening your home up to a large group, and will use outdoor space, remember to line up these things in advance. You will want to contact a table, chair and heater rental company for sure. Then, prepare some decorative blankets for when temperatures drop as the evening sets in. Place tons of candles on the tables, because this too makes for a comfortable environment. Warmth is key and the heaters, along with the candles and blankies will make things snug. Finally, have some nice festive music playing lowly. This ensures that no one will feel too self-conscious when the conversation has a bit of a lull. Or for something more permanent, you could build a firepit.

Hopefully, these tips will aid you in creating a happy home that others enjoy visiting. I can promise you it is worth the extra work.