From The Editor: Home is Where the Distant Relatives Are About to Visit, Whether You’re Ready or Not

This time last year, my From the Editor column offered a singular winter home decorating tip aimed at keeping oneself sane. Since then, I’ve moved into an apartment all my own for the first time, and my perspective on home decorating (and staying sane) has evolved.

As an umpteenth-generation Upper Midwesterner and someone blessed and cursed with eldest-sibling responsibility, I’ve always taken pride in hosting guests, to some degree. I’ve always tried to keep my digs clean, be gracious and offer something to eat or drink when I have people over.

However, with college-aged male roommates and without a divinely inspired tolerance for cleaning up other people’s messes, there’s only so much one can do to keep their space presentable. As an aspiring capital-H Host, my roommates were a thorn in my side … but also a convenient excuse, should I get too lazy to clean.

Having moved into my very own apartment, that excuse is now gone. For the most part, it’s been lovely — cleaning up after myself feels a whole lot better than cleaning up after others. Cleaning isn’t the only responsibility now fully on my shoulders, though. I, for the first time in my life, am responsible for the interior design of my entire home.

Now, I don’t want to be misleading — the apartment is a studio, and not that much space to decorate. But still, for someone with my experience (that is to say, a complete lack of it), it’s a bit daunting.

As a Host, for my Guests, I’ve done my best to make my space presentable, pleasant and comfortable. I’ve been told it’s “nice,” “cozy” and “feels like home,” which, while short of the “Holy s—, your apartment is so cool!” of my wildest dreams, is a great start.

I’m not satisfied, though — so I’m reading this issue of Lavender with an extra bit of personal zeal. I hope that you, as well as I, find something in these pages that makes your home a bit brighter this winter, whether it’s for you, your guests, your nosy neighbor or your cat.