Do you have a lamp that you could put on the entry table? Light is inviting, IMO. The only other thing I'd do for "company coming over" is move the shoes from under the table.

You need a taller table and much bigger art, perhaps 36" wide by 48 to 60" high. You might be able to use the table you have for awhile. The art is a more pressing matter. I like Gallery Direct for attractive and very well priced art. It would be nice to have a lamp on the entry table.

There is no power outlet on that wall, so I could not plug a lamp in. I have a fairly tall brass lamp that I could use. Would it look okay even not plugged in?

Carolyn, I wish I could be mature enough to just start making a list and working on it slowly. I was under the impression that our first family visits (from hubby's side) would be around Christmas time, so the entry was only on my radar as far as getting it functional and not ugly for now. However, I find my mother-in-law intimidating in the snap-judgement kind of opinions she makes. This is our first 'real' home, the first one we can be really proud of from the start, and I so want to get that across.

I've attached photos of other art we have that I could put in the entry and leave there. The largest piece is the floral, 37" X 37".

And these are other pieces that could be easily moved. I really don't have a country style, but more an eye for quirky stuff, or old things from family (I'd rather have the DeLaval sign than a china teacup, for example).

It also just occured to me, I do have a bench that is about the width of the coatrack in the last photo (it has 6 hooks), and could move those into the hall but I was planning to use them in the laundry room, where our winter entry will be. I think that might be too 'utilitarian' for what I want the entry to be.

I am afraid that when you open the door, all you will see is a table and clutter. . For this visit, I wold take everything out of the entry. Then I would put your pretty chair there for color and a big plant on the door side of the chair....keep chair far enough from the door wall so that the door won't hit it when opened. Keeping it sparse and simple will give you time to think it all through and will still look nice for your visitor.

Oh, dear, I'm sorry you feel so intimidated. That's the worst! For now remove the shoes and (are those coat racks?). Use your pretty candlesticks and orchid. Is it possible to move the table down a smidgen so the chair isn't so tight with it or do you have a slimmer chair? Stay calm. No one should expect your home to look "finished" after 3 weeks!

I'm saying this *almost* tongue-in-cheek. Call your MIL back and tell her you're not available for a visit tomorrow, since you're busy getting your house "presentable". If she insists on coming anyway, she'll be forewarned.

Then take a deep breath and just go at your own pace getting your house ready. It's YOUR house, so don't let her intimidate you, especially there.

How about clearing out everything but the table and getting three identical pretty pots of chrysanthemums (chysanthema?) to put on the table in a row. Or some other flower with equal impact. All three in the same colour. Then you can have a happy chat with her about what you might do with the hallway in the long term.

Erin & Indomom thank you so much! I've moved a few things around and I have some chair options.

It looks brighter and cleaner already!

Orange, I wish I had the nerve, but our kids don't get to see her very much, so we try to accomodate whenever we can. On the bright side, they are bringing their camper, so I don't have to try and get a guest room together ;)

Here's the during:

Looks so much better already! I vote for the brown upholstered.

Look at you go, dynamo! I love the black chair and think that would mean eliminating the basket and the chips container. I could live with the brown upholstered as well. I don't think the bistro chair is beefy enough.

And good for you for placing your kids over your intimidation factor and for seeing the silver lining!

THIS!!! indomom has it right!

And good for you for placing your kids over your intimidation factor and for seeing the silver lining!

Much improved! I would remove the items under the table though, and I also vote for the brown dining chair. Do you have a table runner or placemat that might help pull the items on the table together? And maybe a picture frame or two to sit on the table?

Okay, I think we're almost there (for now!).

I liked the leather chair, but my 11 year old said it was too dark and the upholstered chair was better. Found a runner that picks up colours from the area rug in the living area (and the only table runner I have unpacked so far), and I happen to have a frame waiting for a job.

I can't thank you all enough! I am so pleased with how nice and calm it looks now!

(oh, and the black cat is mobile, so she won't be there when guests arrive) ;)

I'm a fan of the black cat, but not the table runner. But go with what feels right for you. Also 11 year old has a good eye!

That frame makes such a difference!

Just double check that the door won't hit the table, it looks tight to me.

Indomom, I'll pass along your regards. The table runner is a bit loud for my usual tastes (I normally only haul it out during holiday), but it does bring together colours from the entry mat and the living room rug and helps to brighten the area.

Orangecamera, I pulled the chair and table both over a bit -- it was okay with the door (there is a door stopper for easy reference for me), but why not use the space?

Thanks again everyone for your help. I am so pleased! Now I can find something else to obsess over until tomorrow.

Cheers,

Faye

Beautiful! :)

Nix to the table runner, but keep the black chair and the black cat. If you like your MIL's taste, ask her what she thinks. She understands you've only been there for 3 weeks and are still working things out. She can be very helpful IF you like her taste and let her help. If you don't like her taste, then you need to tell her what YOU like if the subject comes up.

She probably wants to get along with you, so let her do so.

I'm so happy to see you have solved the dilemma. Enjoy the visit w/ the MIL.

You've done a great job. I woke in the middle of the night (it's morning here) to tell myself wot a clot I am, the OP doesn't have time to go buying flowers. Enjoy the visit.

Rina, thanks for the ideas!

As it worked out, I got up and put a bunch of stuff up for sale online yesterday morning just before MIL called, so I have to go home and hide all the stuff I hauled out and photographed, as well and fielding emails about the items. That added to the general panic.

However, the house is as good as it can be right now, dog and cat hair, unkempt gardens and cluttered driveway and all. I'm sure it won't bother them at all (it bothers me, but that's my problem).

Anyway, the entry looks great thanks to the help of Houzzers and that was my focus.

Cheers!

Quick update - MIL arrived yesterday, and she was very positive about the house. It was a lovely visit.

Thanks again for your help!

Yay!

Bravo, that's great news!

This is probably too late, but if you're looking for more ideas for a quick fix I'd definitely suggest a large mirror over the console table. It'll open up the entry space and who wouldn't want to make sure they look presentable before heading out into the world?! :)

I'm so glad your visit went well!

Hi Studio. Thought about that, but the opposite wall is a powder room. Thanks, though. I think a mirror would great except for what it could reflect.