A Hobbit’s Welcome: Sprucing Up the Entryway & Hallways

March Spring Cleaning Week 1

Happy March, fellow hobbits! This weekend we celebrated the start of a new month and today marks the beginning of Week One in the March edition of our hobbit homemaking spring cleaning journey. (Need a refresher? Read the full schedule here.)

The entryway and hallways are often overlooked in the cleaning process, but they are the first spaces we and our guests encounter. Refreshing these areas brings warmth, order, and a sense of welcome to our homes! Hospitality is a gift that begins at the threshold. When we take the time to create a space that is inviting and peaceful, we extend an unspoken kindness to those who enter.

Hospitality is very near and dear to my heart; it is more than simply opening our homes to others… it is opening our hearts. In the truest sense, it is an act of love, a reflection of Christ’s own welcome to us! For those who are believers, the Bible is rich with calls to show kindness to strangers, to offer food and shelter, to love as we have been loved.

When we embrace hospitality, we create a space where others feel seen, safe, and cherished, no matter if it is a friend in need of comfort, a weary traveler, or a neighbor longing for connection. It is a sacred practice, a tangible expression of the gospel, and an opportunity to share the warmth of God's love through something as simple as a well-laid table and a listening ear.

The hobbits understood this so well! Their homes were places of warmth and plenty, where a guest was never left without a full plate and a comfortable chair by the fire. To them, hospitality wasn’t grand or extravagant, it was simply a way of life.

The hobbits welcomed each other with open arms, generous feasts, and laughter, embodying a rhythm of life that mirrored the joy and contentment of true community. As believers, dare I say just as humans, we are called to a similar spirit of hospitality.

Whether our table is filled with a hearty meal or just a humble loaf and cup, when we invite others in with love, we mirror the heart of Christ. True hospitality is not about perfection; it is about presence. It is the joy of saying, "Come in, rest, and be at home," just as our Father welcomes us.

As a reminder, I have curated two playlists to accompany you in your homemaking endeavors!

If upbeat tavern vibes tickle your fancy and keep you going, my Hobbitcore Cleaning playlist is just the ticket. If you’d rather enjoy some quaint, calming instrumentals, Cozy Homemaking is the playlist for you!

Now let’s get this party started and get to work!

Those who live out radically ordinary hospitality see their homes not as theirs at all but as God's gift to use for the furtherance of his kingdom. They open doors; they seek out the underprivileged. They know that the gospel comes with a house key.”
― Rosaria Champagne Butterfield, The Gospel Comes with a House Key

Getting Started:

Here are some foundational tasks to begin with:

• Declutter Shoes, Coats, and Bags

  • Deep Cleaning Tip: Sort through shoes, jackets, and bags that tend to pile up near the door. Donate or store winter gear that won’t be needed as the seasons shift. I found clear bins that store extra hats and gloves in our main closet, that way we can pull them out for the random cold snap/surprise snow Ohio tends to get ha!

  • ✨ Cozy Upgrade: Add a basket for slippers or a small bench for easy shoe removal, making your space more inviting and functional.

• Sweep, Mop, and Vacuum Floors

  • Deep Cleaning Tip: Pay special attention to baseboards and corners where dust accumulates. A damp mop or wood floor polish can bring new life to tired floors. Our back entry gets quite a beating with chicken chore shoes and muddy feet, so I am so excited to work on this spot!

  • ✨ Cozy Upgrade: Lay down a freshly washed or new doormat—something soft underfoot makes homecomings even sweeter.

• Wipe Down Doors, Handles, and Light Switches

  • Deep Cleaning Tip: Use a damp cloth and a gentle cleaner to remove smudges and fingerprints from high-touch surfaces. Don’t forget the tops of doorframes! I don’t realize how dirty my doors are until I wipe them down and see the difference.

  • ✨ Cozy Upgrade: If you’re feeling a little extra snazzy, swap out a dull doorknob for a vintage-style one, or simply add a wreath or seasonal decoration to your entryway.

• Dust and Refresh Decor

  • Deep Cleaning Tip: Wipe down picture frames, mirrors, and shelves in the hallway. A microfiber cloth works wonders for dusting delicate items.

  • ✨ Cozy Upgrade: Rearrange or add a small lamp, artwork, or a thrifted mirror to create a welcoming atmosphere.

    ---

Going A Little Deeper

Loving this refresh? For my paid subscribers, I’ve put together extra in-depth tips, cozy upgrades, and inspiration to take your entryway and hallways to the next level below. Subscribing helps support this community and ensures I can continue creating free content alongside these detailed guides. ↓↓↓