By Katie Bennett, Contributing Writer

An entryway is the first thing most people will see when they come into our home. It’s our first opportunity to set the scene for the rest of their time with us. It’s our first opportunity to make them feel at ease, welcomed and comfortable. It’s our first opportunity to set a pleasant tone for our home and time together.

I believe it’s a space that’s worth considering. Creating an inviting entryway is one way to proactively invest in a hospitable home.

Of course, the home itself is not the answer to true, godly hospitality. That comes from the hearts of those dwelling therein.

However, for me, putting thought into my entryway has been a fun way to express my heart for welcoming others.

So, let’s consider it for a moment.

How to Create a Welcoming Entryway

When guests come through our front doors, are they greeted by chaos or beauty? Are they greeted by a jumble of backpacks and dirty socks or by cozy and welcoming decor?

If your answers were the former, here are some suggestions for changing the tone.

Outside

Grow flowers.

Nothing adds life quite like life itself. This year for the first time I created plants outside my door, and the effect is delightful.

I’m sure many of you have green thumbs, but I certainly don’t. My planters look amazing anyway! Great soil and regular watering make this nearly fool-proof.

Place a wreath on the door.

It’s beautiful and welcoming. A wreath on the door is an easy and effective way to add a touch a care. You can find one for every season.

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Invest in a cheery door mat.

Give those entering a place to wipe their feet while greeting and welcoming them with a fun message or print. Sometimes it’s the little things that set the tone.

Inside

Keep it clutter-free.

It’s practical to store certain things near the front door. However, no matter your particular set-up, a little de-cluttering can go a long way in beautifying this area.

• Reevaluate the items you’re storing in your entryway. If they’re not used frequently, they probably shouldn’t be there. This is a key traffic-way in most homes, so de-cluttering it will promote good flow.
• If you have an entryway closet, organize it. Remove items that take up space but don’t deserve this prime location. Include only items that are accessed regularly. If necessary, invest in organizers to keep it in shape. An organized closet will be used more frequently, meaning fewer shoes strewn about the floor.
• If you con’t have a closet, consider investing in a chest, coat hanger or bins. Find some way to hide and organize unsightly items.

For more motivation from Katie to de-clutter your home, click HERE.

Add fun decor.

If you want to take things a step further, decorate! Don’t overlook this space just because you don’t tarry here. You will be surprised how much you and others will enjoy the attention you place to creating a visually appealing entryway.

• Consider a fun piece of furniture if you have the space. I recently bought this fun console table in aqua for my entryway, and I’m super happy with it!
• Add a pretty mirror. This is functional (you can check your hair before you leave the house), and it creates an illusion of space light to a likely small area. I love this one from Target for example.
• Use other decorations at a minimum. Remember the “uncluttered” thing? A fun tray can be a nice touch. This entryway by Better Homes and Gardens is one of my favorites. In fact, seeing this very photo is what first motivated me to redecorate my own entryway.

Place an accent lamp to your entryway table.

Family members and guests arriving after dark will appreciate this added touch. Cozy light is always welcoming and allows those coming through your doors to see their way.

• Accent lamps can be placed on a timer such as this, which will allow you to set it and forget it. Then, every evening your lamp will come on automatically as evening nears and shut off at the time you’ve pre-selected.

Create a perch

If people will be putting on and removing shoes, this is an especially good idea. Seating also creates a homey, comfortable feeling.  Consider tucking a stool under your console table or setting one in a corner.

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Be ready with a warm greeting.

As mentioned above, while entryway décor can set a fun and welcoming tone, it’s nothing compared to a warm greeting and heart of love. So when someone knocks on your door, the most important element of a welcoming entryway is YOU. A smile. A hug. An “I’m glad you’re here” or “Welcome, come right on it” are far more important than any detail.

So go, exercise hospitality this week!

What’s your favorite or most clever entryway design element?

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