Your home’s warm welcome

The best holiday gatherings feel seamless, with conversation flowing as easily as the guests. This starts with the layout of your home.

We intentionally design RTH floor plans to bring people together, and this is never more important than on Thanksgiving. As Michelle notes, “Your floorplan should feel open from the kitchen, dining, and living room. That way, everyone feels a part of the conversation, even those who are helping in the kitchen.”

This open-concept design removes barriers, making the host and kitchen helpers feel just as much a part of the party as those relaxing by the fire.

How your furniture is arranged can either invite connection or create division. While it’s often practical to have furniture facing a TV, the holidays are a time for face-to-face interaction.

• Create conversation zones- If you have a large great room, try pulling furniture away from the walls. Arrange sofas and chairs to face each other, creating smaller, more intimate zones that encourage conversation.
• Prioritize flow- Ensure there are clear, wide pathways for guests to move around, mingle, and get to the snack table without feeling cramped.
• Create a cozy focal point- A cozy focal point acts as a natural gathering spot. For many homes, this is the fireplace. Make this area an irresistible spot for guests to relax. The easiest way to do this is by adding layers.

Add layers using soft textiles, items like faux fur throws and cozy knit blankets. Don’t forget to have plenty of plush pillows and throws available, which invite guests to curl up and get comfortable. Another way to make your guests comfortable is to offer flexible seating for everyone.

On Thanksgiving, you can never have too much seating. Beyond the main sofas and chairs, provide flexible options that can be moved wherever they’re needed. “For flexible seating, have smaller ottomans or poofs for the younger kids,” Michelle suggests. “Or even large pillows for family members that want to engage with the four-legged family members.” These informal options are ideal for maintaining a relaxed atmosphere and ensuring everyone has a designated spot.

A warm welcome begins the moment your guests walk through the door. A cluttered or non-functional entryway can set the tone for a visit with a feeling of stress. “Make sure you have space in your entry to welcome guests,” says Michelle.

Prepare your entryway with essentials:

• Clear, accessible coat hooks
• A boot tray for wet or snowy footwear
• A spot to sit, like a bench, to make taking shoes on and off easier

Once guests are inside, it’s the small, thoughtful details that make them feel truly cared for.

It’s the practical touches, “Remembering the small details like coasters for the coffee table” can make guests feel more at ease setting down a drink. Scent is deeply tied to memory and comfort. “I personally love to mull spices on the cooktop for an hour before my guests arrive,” Michelle shares. A simmering pot of cider or spices creates an instantly welcoming holiday atmosphere.”

If you have guests staying overnight, this last tip makes their visit truly memorable. One last tip from the designers to help your guests feel extra special is to tuck floral arrangements in spaces just for their discovery, like guest bathrooms, or guest suites,” says Michelle. “This unexpected symbol of hospitality shows that you took the time thinking just of their stay.”

By combining an intentional, open layout with these thoughtful layers and personal details, your gathering room becomes more than just a living space; it becomes the heart of your holiday.