It's All Part of the Show
Theatre productions combine lighting, sound, scenery, costumes, and props to create the look and feel of the show. We keep those five elements in mind when we set the stage of our homes for entertaining and nesting during the holiday season.
1. The Lighting
Lighting can convey the mood of the room whether it is bright and festive or soothing and calm. It can also bring the focus to a specific area. Include a beautiful candle in your guest bath or bedroom in the spots you think your guests might enjoy the warm glow. Pick a color and scent (or no scent) that’s just right for each guest. Place a candle lighter next to it so they know the candle is intended for them to use. With a small note, let them know the candle was chosen for them, and it is meant to be taken home when they leave.
While preparing for your guests, don’t forget to take care of yourself. To create the warm and soothing ambiance you need to unwind after work or to center yourself as you bathe and dress for your next holiday event, consider the soothing flicker of a candle with a subtle scent like our Seda France™ Japanese Quince Candle. The benefits of burning a scented candle include lowering stress and promoting relaxation. Let lighting and extinguishing the candle become part of your meditation, relaxation, and bedtime routines.
2. The Sound
Sound can create a background for celebration or quiet contemplation. Don’t forget the music at your next party. Include your guests in creating the sound vibe of the party by asking them to provide a favorite song with their rsvp. We all have easy access to music on our cellphones, but you can go the extra mile by providing a Bluetooth speaker in your guest bath and bedroom to encourage your guests to create their own surround sound.
Music can also help us to relax and reduce our stress. It “can be an important element of your well-being and self-care on a daily basis, as well as a helpful partner in dealing with more acute health conditions.” So, turn it on while you’re getting ready for work and play. Relaxing music triggers the mind and body to help prepare for sleep. We created a Sleepify playlist on Spotify to help you ease into a restful night's sleep.
3. The Scenery
Whether simple or complicated, the scenery identifies the time, location, and theme of the play. It also frames the action and determines the patterns and flow of the movement of the actors. If you want your guests to gather somewhere other than the kitchen, use furniture, food, and drinks to give them some direction. Let them know you appreciate their offers of help, but tell them, in the kindest way possible, that you invited them to be guests and insist they enjoy themselves with everyone else.
Now is the perfect time to set the stage for the long nights of fall and winter. That might include switching from a summer-weight to a winter-weight comforter or adding a throw to the bottom of the bed or any couch or chair on which guests might settle during their visits. Our decorative pillow collection offers feather and down pillows in all shapes and sizes with zippered covers in a variety of fabrics and fall colors. The covers can be removed and laundered so they’re perfect for the eating and drinking of the holiday season.
4. The Costumes
Costumes reveal the personalities of the characters, or how they wish to be seen, and help the actors assume their roles. Let your guests know they can take their time getting ready by providing cozy robes and slippers. Our taurus mountain robe is a favorite with our hospitality clients due to its cozy softness and ease of laundering. Consider keeping our pre-packaged, one-time use, hotel quality slippers handy for guests.
As the temperatures dip, and your time indoors increases, consider indulging in one of our sheet pjams™ nightshirts in jersey-cotton. A cozy pullover, they’re just right for lounging and sleeping.
5. The Props
The details are in the props. Sometimes they serve to complete the look and feel of the set; other times, they act as the focus of the story. Be sure to provide all the amenities your guests will need to make them feel comfortable. This might include our opal wash makeup remover washcloth. In black, it eliminates any worry your guests might have about leaving traces of makeup behind on your white towels. It might also include one of our tiara silks® aromatherapy silk pillowcases. They combine the benefits of silk for the skin and hair with the healing power of aromatherapy.
Be sure to consider your own relaxation and restoration when it comes to amenities. For something totally indulgent, consider adding a feather bed on top of your mattress. Originally enjoyed only by the wealthy, by the 19th century, feather beds were something ordinary people could work toward. Feather beds are often seen only at the most luxurious hotels; however, they are a wonderful alternative to immediate investment in a more expensive mattress as they are placed on top of the mattress and deliver an extra level of cushion and comfort.
If you’ve set the stage, your audience will never know the effort you’ve put into each of the elements; they’ll simply enjoy the show.
We wish you a brilliant review.
-The Team at Down Etc
Read more:
The Ritual and History of Slippers
A Gentle Reminder to Take Care of Yourself this Holiday Season
Are Your Bedroom and Bath Ready for Fall?
DISCLAIMER: You should not rely on any of the foregoing as a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional medical or health and wellness advice, diagnosis, or treatment by a healthcare professional. If you have specific concerns or a situation in which you require professional or medical advice, you should consult with an appropriately trained and qualified specialist, such as a licensed physician, psychologist, or other health professional. Never disregard the medical advice of a physician, psychologist, or other health professional, or delay in seeking such advice, because of the information or content offered or provided on the Site. The use of the Site and all information and content contained thereon is solely at your own risk.
Originally published November 2, 2023; Republished with updates November 22, 2024
