Turn Your Living Space Into a Conversation-Starting Christmas Haven
Christmas is a time of togetherness – where families reunite, catch up over a mulled wine or hot chocolate and celebrate in the season’s festivities. It sounds great on paper, but getting the family together isn’t always as idyllic as it sounds.
From challenging in-laws to stubborn teens, quieter introverts and loud extroverts – the pressure is on for hosts to make everyone feel comfortable and welcome at Christmas. Thankfully, you don’t need to be the host-with-the-most to make this miracle happen, and as it turns out, the answer could lie in your furniture.
To find out how, we spoke to Relationship Therapist Georgina Vass, as well as Gary Farrell, Founder of design-led furniture brand Nth Degree, for top tips on how to make your home a hive of conversation this Christmas.
Lose the screens to keep the conversation flowing
“Devices and screens can impede human connection, so limiting the exposure to screens can positively influence more interaction among guests,” says Vass. “Instead, open and cosy spaces with fewer distractions can encourage open conversation.”
“Striking the right balance so a space feels open, but not cold, can be tricky – but there are a few easy hacks that can make a living space minimalist and inviting,” says Farrell, from Nth Degree. “Focus on layering textures – think soft rugs, cushions, and throws – and use warm, ambient lighting to add depth. If you need some sort of ambient background noise, instead of putting on the television, play music from your entertainment system. It’s a great conversation starter and helps fill those occasional silences between topics of conversation.”
Rearrange the furniture to promote shared experience
“A furniture arrangement that promotes sitting side-by-side can invite bonding, reduce confrontation and allow for shared experiences without constant engagement,” Vass explains. “Couple this revised furniture plan with activities that take the pressure off of talking to further encourage conversation.”
“If you’ve followed the first step and removed screens from your living space when guests are around for Christmas, you’ll often find this next step comes naturally,” Farrell continues. “That’s because most living space furniture faces the television – so with the television now gone, it becomes clear just how unsocial our standard living spaces can be!
“Pull your chairs or sofas into small conversation clusters for large gatherings, or into a circle formation that allows for side-by-side chat in smaller gatherings. Make sure there’s a centre coffee table or side table for drinks, too. This way, even those not currently talking will feel included in the conversation.”
Include space for games (especially for younger guests)
“Activities help create shared experiences and reveal parts of people’s personalities quickly,” says Vass, “as well as boost confidence or self-esteem when completing goals, which can positively impact communication and bonding at Christmas.”
Farrell adds: “Zoning is key, but remember, designating a small, flexible area in your living space for games doesn’t have to mean taking over the room. A foldable table, a corner with cushions on the floor or even a cleared section of the coffee table can work wonders.
“If you’re entertaining in an open-plan dining/living space, your dining table can become the perfect game zone. Just make sure you present games one at a time to avoid your neatly presented table from looking like a car boot sale,” he continues.
“The key is to integrate it seamlessly into your existing layout so it feels like part of the home, not a separate activity zone.”
Consider lighting carefully
“The sensory experience of our environment impacts comfort, and therefore the comfort of your guests,” says Vass. “Private, familiar spaces can invite honest conversations where people can speak more freely – and less stressful spaces create a mental space for meaningful connection.”
“Lighting is one of the simplest ways to shift the tone in a room to one of comfort and relaxation,” Farrell adds. “Forego harsh overhead lights and swap them out for warm table lamps, floor lamps or even candlelight to create a soft glow in your living space. Soft lighting is far more flattering on both the eye and for your guests – helping them feel more relaxed in a laid back, aesthetically pleasing atmosphere.”
Set the tone from the moment you open the door
“Your furniture arrangement can’t do all the heavy lifting,” says Farrell, “the tone you create through your vibe, the way you present yourself and your home matter in setting off on the right foot.”
“Celebrations, social bonding, and/or novelty can all trigger the neurochemicals involved in pleasure, love, and/or playfulness,” confirms Vass. “Social activities can invite warmth and good conversations, as well as authenticity and a sense of humour – even just smiling helps make people feel more comfortable!”
“Help set the perfect vibe for your guests by making sure the house is physically warm, as well as tonally warm,” adds Farrell. “Festive scents from a candle or diffuser help in setting a comforting environment, as well as other cues like a clear walkway, a welcome rug and a place to hang their coats. Essentially, you want to make sure the moment they cross the threshold of your home is one of comfort and ease.”
“Physical warmth promotes emotional warmth, which invites relaxation, trust, and connection,” concludes Vass. “Creating the perfect entertaining space is ultimately a personal preference, so you’ll learn best through trial and error,” continues Farrell. “Try a few different configurations before the big day, and if something feels a little out of place, you’ll know what to fine-tune for next year.”
Top photo by Frames For Your Heart on Unsplash
