***We teamed up with Walmart and Reward Style to create this sponsored post. All opinions are our own.***

Now that I’m an official grown up (when did that happen!?), I often find myself the host of guests. It’s one of the best things about having a home – bringing all my loved ones together! It always happens more around this time of year too!

I have a friend that is, hands down, the best hostess ever. I work hard to emulate her ability to create a stylish comfort for ALL her guests and have picked up a few tips of hers, and my own, along the way.

The center and heart of the home is always, inevitably, the kitchen.

It’s where the magic happens and I’m excited to team up with Walmart to share a few ideas to create kitchen comfort in YOUR home for your special guests.

Can I just tell you, I was truly SO impressed with Walmart’s home section. They have incredibly stylish products at prices that will fit a variety of budgets. And they have EVERYTHING: side tables, stools, beds, and of course, dish ware.

Shopping By Style

Did you know you can even shop their site by STYLE? Like the farmhouse look? What about a more modern feel? Go here and check it out. It’s awesome! There’s really something to fit every home! Not to mention, many of their products have the option for 2-day shipping, so procrastinators or last minute guests aren’t a problem! That quick shipping is FREE for orders $35+. Talk about a win win.

Now, let’s talk creating kitchen comfort for all those special guests.

1.  Always have cookies.

I learned this trick from a beautiful bed and breakfast in a nearby Idaho mountain town. Every night, they put in a batch of cookies and served warm cookies and ice cold milk to all their guests. We go back every year, thinking about that smell and cozy feeling. Maybe it seems silly, but I promise, throwing a batch of cookies in the oven when guests are coming is always the right answer. It automatically fills your house with the yummiest smell AND nothing says home like a fresh batch of cookies.

I know what you’re thinking, “I’m busy, I don’t have time to whip up cookies.” This is my secret, simple, trick. A few days before hand, make a batch of dough, and keep it frozen in the freezer. I usually whip it up in this batter bowl. That way, even when unexpected guests show up, you can easily throw a dozen in the oven, without much effort. I always put this cookie jar out on the counter. It’s beautiful, and the perfect size.

2.  Put out new kitchen linens

It’s easier to remember new guest towels and clean sheets, but what do your KITCHEN linens look like? Are they stained and encrusted with last night’s spaghetti sauce? Grab a few new packs of towels like THESE, and refresh the eye catching kitchen linens. Also, consider a new runner on your table just for guests. Often, we overlook the random mystery spots from dropped food, and don’t realize we NEED a new runner till the occasion is over. I love this one for the holidays because it’s festive without screaming “IT’S CHRISTMAS/THANKSGIVING/HALLOWEEN”.

3. Have a special set of dishes solely for special occasions.

Remember “mom’s china”? Well, now it’s your turn.

I have a confession: I was still using the melamine dishes I got with a wedding gift card nearly 11 years ago. 5 kids later, these dishes have seen their share of burnt lasagna and slightly crispy scrambled eggs. I was so excited to see that Walmart had teamed up with one of my personal favorites, Ree Drummond (aka Pioneer Woman), to create a whole slew of dishware! These scalloped edge dishes were JUST what I was looking for – incredibly stylish, yet timeless and within my budget. I couldn’t believe how fast and in what great condition they arrived at my door! Seriously, aren’t they gorgeous?

I desperately needed some new tumblers and NOT the bright plastic kinds with bite marks around the rim (If you have kids, you know exactly what I’m talking about…)! These vintage inspired tumblers remind me of something I found in my grandmothers house, but with a clean modern spin! I was also drooling over this set of flatware. Rose Gold. Gold speaks to me.

4. Serve up dinner in beautiful serving ware.

Walmart came to the rescue when I looked for some new serving ware to serve my guests. Homemade rolls are my jam (get it?), and these casserole dishes were perfect for serving the piping hot, yeasty goodness. I love that they’re multi-purpose and make all my hard work look EVEN better. This line of serving dishes would make even BURNT rolls look good! I use these bowls as well. They’re solid, great quality, and obviously darling!

And in case you were looking for an awesome roll recipe to go IN those beautiful serving dishes, please do your guests a favor and try my FAVORITE, go to roll recipe HERE. They never fail.

5. Create some ambiance


I think sometimes I get so caught up in “real” life, aka chasing kids, changing diapers, and trying just to survive, that we forget to take the time to really CREATE an atmosphere for our guests. Light a candle. Turn on some jazz music. MAKE it feel special. These are memories that will last a lifetime so make it count!

Mugs found HERE.

There you have it! A few fun ideas and products that will help you host! Do you like to host guests or prefer someone else hosts? What simple kitchen comfort tips do YOU have? Please comment and let me know!!