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Ariel Kaye, founder of Parachute, believes that hospitality is more than just opening the door, it’s about creating an environment where guests feel truly at home. For her, the heart of hospitality is in the details. A welcoming atmosphere, thoughtful consideration, and an effort to make everyone feel comfortable and relaxed. The intention behind the gathering, the laughter in the air, and the memories made around the table are what make it special. Whether hosting a holiday celebration or a spontaneous gathering, Ariel is committed to creating spaces that not only welcome guests, but encourage relaxation and connection.
Ariel Kay’s expert tips for making your guests feel at home
Ariel shares her top tips for making your guests feel at ease when they walk through your door. From setting the mood with candles and music as soon as you arrive to creating a comfortable flow throughout the space, her tips will help you up your fun game. She emphasizes simple but impactful ideas like self-service bars, well-stocked rooms, and stocking the fridge with your favorite snacks to help guests relax and enjoy the moment just as much as their guests do. Encourage. With these thoughtful tips, you can keep your home comfortable and comfortable at all times.
Ariel Kay
Home is everything to Parachute founder Ariel Kay. Launched in Los Angeles in 2014 as a digitally native brand, Parachute has since expanded beyond its roots in quality bedding to include essentials for every room in the home. In nearly 11 years, Ariel has evolved Parachute into a nationally beloved home lifestyle brand.
I absolutely love the magic of the holidays. My love for homes and design began as a love for entertaining, gathering family and friends until late at night. I’m happiest when my home is always filled with laughter and chatter, the sounds of footsteps running, wine bottles being opened, and fires burning.
I love the opportunity to set the table, dim the lights, and welcome people into my home for big celebrations and holidays, like Thanksgiving, Christmas, the Jewish holidays, or my annual New Year’s Eve party. But also the moments in between, like impromptu weekend get-togethers. I always try to have snacks and drinks on the go and invite people over. The key is not only to welcome people, but to make them feel at home. Real fun happens and core memories are created when people feel comfortable and I feel comfortable as a host.
I’m happiest when my home is always filled with laughter and chatter, the sounds of footsteps running, wine bottles being opened, and fires burning.
Think about the flow of space
I spend a lot of time thinking about the flow of events, where people come in and where they gather, and how to guide them and intentionally create a space. People often gather in my kitchen and living room, so it’s important to think about seating and make sure there’s enough space for everyone to feel comfortable.
Set the mood from the front door
Comfort begins from the moment guests arrive at your home. Turn off the overhead lights and set the mood for your event with lots of candles and a great playlist. On cold days, light a fire in the fireplace and welcome your guests into a cozy atmosphere. If the weather is nice outside, I like to open the windows to let in some fresh air and adjust the temperature when there are a lot of people.
Get the party started with our self-service bar
When guests arrive at a party, I always point them in the direction of the self-service bar. This is a step up from my preparation and allows my guests to relax with a drink they’ll love. I like to line my dining table with fun glassware that mixes different drink ingredients (and some non-alcoholic beverage options).
Don’t forget to relax!
Holiday parties are only fun when the host can also relax and have fun. My guests feel the most relaxed when I’m relaxed and having fun. I like to wear something very comfortable and shoes that I can wear all night.
perfect guest room
When you host someone, your guest room is a safe space for them and you want them to feel as close to home as possible. You want to make sure your guest room bed is perfectly made with cozy colors and textures so your guests can fall right into bed after a long day of travel.
My favorites for the guest bed are the percale sheets and cloud cotton quilt. My guest room is always stocked with cell phone chargers, extra toiletries, and anything else I might forget. I also like to keep a stylish carafe on my nightstand so my kids don’t have to wander around the kitchen in the middle of the night. PS The robe looks great too!
stock the refrigerator
When guests come over for an overnight trip or a weekend, pack your fridge with their favorite things. For friends with allergies or dietary restrictions, have something to put in their coffee or snacks.
