It’s been raining here in DC, and last night the thunder and lightning was a little too close for comfort. I suggested to my husband that we play a board game rather than watch TV and risk that beautiful flat screen getting seared to a crisp. Dominos it was!
On rainy days like this I am reminded of the importance of making sure one’s home is “weatherproofed” for entertaining. There are a few practical things to keep in mind to make it even easier for guests when they arrive at your home in the rain … and while you are at it, why not incorporate whimsical touches like some of the items below to make the rainy day a little less dreary?
1) Make plenty of room in the closet.
If you need to, clear out your own coats and tuck them away in another room. It is important to make sure there is plenty of space to hang up guests’ raincoats. You may also wish to place something in the bottom of your closet (a rectangular galvanized tin lined with oilcloth; carpet remnants or samples, etc) to make sure any excess water does not puddle on the floor.
2) Set an umbrella stand by the door.
If you don’t have an umbrella stand, improvise (a large decorative vase; a galvanized beverage tub…). But honestly, there are so many lovely umbrella stands out there to choose from, why not spring for the real thing?
There are two stands that are not only very whimsical, but are totally eco-chic:
Take Care Umbrella Stand from What Else? Design
Umbrella Pot Plant, available at Inhabitat
Here is another more classic one that I like:
Caned Ceramic Umbrella Stand from Gumps
3) Roll out the Red Carpet… Or at least a Welcome Mat
Lastly, be sure your guests have a place to wipe their feet as they enter, particularly if you do not require guests to take off their shoes in your home.
Finish Line Welcome Mat from Uncommon Goods
Pottery Barn Welcome Door Mat
