04.03.10 The 6th Key for Adding Value to Your Home

6. Design an ‘Entertaining’ Space

I specifically designed the garden of our home, Dayspring, in such a way that we could entertain guests. A case in point is where we held a prewedding thanksgiving event for one of our children and were able to accommodate 200 guests comfortably. It was an outdoor evening event where dinner was served. However, we had to hire a set of mobile toilets as the ones inside our house could not handle such a huge number of guests.

A value-adding homemaker designs her home to entertain guests rather than doing that at the last minute. Not only is her ‘design’ hospitable (Hebrews 13:2, 1 Peter 4:9, Titus 1:8), but it shows that she is prepared to host guests, in and out of season.

Consider a design that connects your indoor and outdoor spaces by using large retractable glass doors for example, such that your guests can move freely and smoothly to and fro. The doors could have nets in them, to stop mosquitoes and other insects from entering the house.

You could create outdoor gathering areas using pergolas and a barbecue area, with outdoor furniture to match. Chairs should be comfortable so that guests feel relaxed. Consider a fire feature for keeping your visitors warm, in cases where your temperatures drop in the evenings. Make an outside serving point where beverages and food can be conveniently picked from so that guests do not have to return to the house for that. Install a sink for washing hands, a refrigerator, microwave oven, burner and food storage.

It is usual for guests to gravitate to kitchens during parties. Therefore, consider a large island which can be used for serving buffets. Some people make two islands, one for adults and another for children.

Design enough seating areas, indoors and on the verandahs or balcony, with furniture to match. Have a variety of seats including sofas, side chairs and so forth.

Install enough lighting for ambience. Consider using dimmers or a variety of lights that can be used depending on the situation or mood of the event. You could use ‘warm’ lights in the garden to create a restful atmosphere.