Getting Your Front Entry Ready for Thanksgiving Guests
Nov 01
Article Summary
Thanksgiving brings a driveway full of cars and guests walking up to your front door after dark. Jake Morris of Fine Touch Services shares four quick front entry checks for Indianapolis homeowners: lighting, a clear path, seasonal entry planters, and a clean bed line.
Why should you get your front entry ready for Thanksgiving?
Thanksgiving is coming up fast. For a lot of Indianapolis families, that means a driveway full of cars and guests walking up to your front door after dark.
In this video, Jake Morris, founder of Fine Touch Services, shares four quick things he'd check before the holiday so your front entry makes a good first impression. None of them require a big project, and each one makes the walk to your door safer and more welcoming.
Jake Morris: "So let's make that first impression a good one. Here are four quick things I'd check."
Can guests see your steps and walkway after dark?
Jake's first check is lighting. Guests arriving for Thanksgiving dinner often show up as it's getting dark, so the walk from the driveway to the door needs to be easy to see.
Here's his simple test: stand at the end of your driveway at 5 o'clock and see if you can clearly see the steps or the edge of the walkway.
Number two is a clear path. Fall leaves and overgrown plants can make even a short walkway awkward, especially for guests carrying dishes or older family members watching their footing.
Jake recommends a quick walk from the driveway to the door to check three things:
Leaves: Clear off leaves from the walkway and steps.
Overgrowth: Trim back anything that is leaning over the walkway.
Obstacles: Make sure nobody has to step around a planter or a downspout.
What should go in your entry planters for Thanksgiving?
Number three is your entry planters. Summer annuals rarely look their best by late November, and tired planters are one of the first things guests notice at the door.
Jake suggests swapping out the tired summer annuals for something seasonal, like:
Why does a clean bed line make such a big difference?
Jake's fourth check is a clean bed line. It's a small detail, but the edge where your landscape beds meet the lawn frames the entire front of the house.
"A sharp edge and a fresh cleanup make the whole front of the house look cared for."
Jake Morris, Founder, Fine Touch Services
A crisp edge and a tidy bed tell guests the home is cared for, even if nothing else changed. If your beds need more than a quick cleanup, read what a fall cleanup includes and why it matters.
How can Fine Touch Services help get your entry guest ready?
Fine Touch Services helps homeowners across Indianapolis and the northern suburbs, including Carmel, Fishers, Noblesville, Westfield, and Zionsville, get their homes ready for the holidays. See all of our service areas.
What else should you know about getting your front entry ready for Thanksgiving?
When should I get my front entry ready for Thanksgiving?
Give yourself time before guests arrive to check lighting, clear the walkway, swap out tired planters, and clean up the beds. Jake recommends standing at the end of your driveway around 5 o'clock to see the entry the way arriving guests will.
How can I tell if my front walkway needs more lighting?
Stand at the end of your driveway at 5 o'clock and see if you can clearly see the steps or the edge of the walkway. If you can't, a couple of well-placed path lights or step lights can make a big difference.
What should I put in front porch planters for Thanksgiving?
Swap out tired summer annuals for something seasonal. Jake suggests evergreen boughs, cabbage, or winter-hardy grasses.
How do I make sure guests have a clear path to the front door?
Clear off leaves, trim back anything leaning over the walkway, and make sure nobody has to step around a planter or a downspout on the way to the door.
Does Fine Touch Services help with front entry and curb appeal projects near me?
Yes. Fine Touch Services helps homeowners across Indianapolis and its northern suburbs, including Carmel, Fishers, Noblesville, Westfield, and Zionsville, with landscape lighting, leaf removal, seasonal planting, and bed cleanups. Call (317) 771-2332 or request a free quote.
Jake Morris
About the Author
Jake Morris is the founder and owner of Fine Touch Services, a top-rated lawn care and landscaping company proudly serving Indianapolis and its northern suburbs since 2018. With a passion for outdoor living and a commitment to customer satisfaction, Jake leads a skilled team that delivers high-quality lawn, landscape, and hardscape services to over 8,000 clients annually. From designing serene garden retreats to building backyard entertainment spaces, Jake brings dedication, expertise, and a personal touch to every project. Learn more about Fine Touch Services. Or connect with Jake on LinkedIn.
