Part of the fun of owning a home is the ability to host gatherings of family and friends. You may focus most of your attention on the dining area if you are hosting a dinner party. However, your guests are likely to congregate in the living room both before and after the meal. You should be sure that it is accessible, comfortable, and stimulating for your guests. Here are some helpful hints on how to accomplish that.
1. Give Your Guests Something To Look At
Whether it’s photography art books, collectible trinkets, or family heirlooms, your living room should hold objects of interest that serve as conversation starters. This is especially important if your guests do not know each other well, as it can serve as an icebreaker.
2. Provide Sufficient Seating
As you’re planning the party, you should make sure that the living room has sufficient seating to accommodate all the guests. If you’re redecorating specifically with entertaining in mind, you should think about purchasing sectional sofas. Because these can be arranged to fit the dimensions of the room, they make efficient use of space. They can also create more intimate, face-to-face conversation areas.
3. De-emphasize the Television
In many living rooms, the television is the main focal point. While giving your guests something to look at is a good idea, television is not much of a conversation starter because it absorbs one’s attention and requires people to be quiet so others can hear. You want to stimulate conversation, not impede it. Therefore, unless you are planning a party that specifically centers around the television, such as a sports viewing party or a movie night, find a less prominent place for it. Some people even hide it away in a cabinet or an armoire until it is desired so that it does not pose a distraction.