Setting Up Your Space for Social Times

Now that we are in the deep throws of summer, being social is a guarantee, and although I love going out and exploring the city, trying restaurants and fun attractions, there are moments when I would rather just have friends over. Whether it be for dinner or an afternoon coffee, having a quieter setting away from the crowds and the heat can be the perfect option for your social time. Today I want to share some of the ways I like to prep my home ahead of time so it’s social ready whenever people want to pop by.

Good tunes 

When socializing in your home it is no secret that music is everything but putting on whatever it is you were last listening to may not always be the move. I like to throw on a playlist to meet the mood where it’s at, and consider the taste of the friend I have over. I love a sad indie-rock moment but if Stephanie is coming over I’ll often put on something more upbeat as I know she’ll be more of a fan. I also consider volume not only because we have neighbours close by but also because usually you want music to feel like the background to the conversation, not the main show, so I’ll opt for a little quieter while we’re chatting to make sure the focus is on the discussion at hand.

Ample seating 

Although having enough seats for people when they come over seems obvious, I think the number of seating options and the angle of those options often go unnoticed, especially in a living room setup. I’ve seen it time and time again where a living room only consists of a couch and maybe one other chair, and though a couch for multiple people can be totally fine, especially if it is on the larger side like a sectional, if you’re working with a love seat like me, not having alternatives can make for a pretty cozy conversation. Ensure your guests have options that are comfortable for them by including a few different chairs in your space. The second element that helps with great conversation is ensuring that each seat, whether it be a couch, chair or otherwise, is facing each other. I constantly see couches only facing TVs and though it may result in a great cinematic experience, your social time may suffer and feel secondary. So take the time to look at how your furniture is positioned and see if you can create more of a circle of seating to help ensure engaged conversation.

Places to rest 

Not quite the same as seating, having clear places for you and your friends to plop down after a long walk outside is a must, but it can be challenging if there are too many pillows, blankets and knickknacks in the way. I like to create clear spaces for people to sit without being worried that they’re ruining the pillow chop, to make sure everyone immediately feels comfortable and relaxed.

Comforts of home

Especially during the summer months, I like to always be stocked up on a few snacks and beverages and if I’m low I luckily have great coffee shops nearby to fill the gap. When you’re hosting the goal is to make your home feel like a place where people can relax, unwind and feel like they can be themselves so ensuring things are tidy, the fridge is stocked and the espresso machine is ready to go is a great way to make a space that feels like home, to everyone who comes to visit.

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