BLOGS

Burgers, Beers and BBQ, No Blunders

It’s BBQ season. That magical time of year when your backyard transforms into a grill master’s paradise, and your guest list mysteriously triples because everyone “just happened to be in the neighborhood.” But while you’re marinating meat and fluffing your patio cushions, don’t forget about one of your home’s first impressions: the entryway.

Yes, that little slice of square footage between your door and your actual living space has the power to make—or break—the entire first impression. And with a stampede of flip-flop-wearing guests coming through, it’s time to shine a spotlight on entryway mistakes you’ll want to avoid. We wouldn’t want Uncle Frank to trip over a rogue sneaker, again.

Mistake #1: The Shoe Explosion

Let’s start with the classic disaster: the shoe pile-up.

You invite 20 guests. They all courteously want to take off their shoes. And suddenly your entryway looks like the clearance bin at a discount shoe warehouse.

McCaleb Tip: Add a bench with hidden storage, or a cute boot tray to corral the chaos. Better yet, guide guests to a designated shoe zone—because stepping on a toddler-sized Croc barefoot is not a vibe.

Mistake #2: Welcome Mat Woes

If your welcome mat says “Home Sweet Home” but looks like it’s survived 14 tornadoes and a stampede of wildebeests, it’s time for an upgrade.

McCaleb Tip: Choose a durable, all-weather welcome mat that says “I have my life together” without actually requiring you to vacuum daily. Bonus points if it’s witty or BBQ-themed. (“Wipe Your Paws & Grab a Rib” anyone?)

Mistake #3: Lighting That Screams “Haunted House”

Your friends are here for BBQ—not a horror film audition. If your entryway lighting flickers, glows weirdly yellow, or just doesn’t exist, you’re setting the wrong mood.

McCaleb Tip: A stylish pendant light or even a warm porch sconce can set the tone. Let guests see your smiling face instead of tripping over your potted plant in the dark.

Mistake #4: Clutter That Could Take a Toe

Keys, mail, sunglasses, dog leashes, last week’s takeout coupons—your entryway isn’t a junk drawer, friend.

McCaleb Tip: Install a slim console table or wall hooks to neatly stash the necessities. Your entryway should say “Welcome,” not “Welcome to my ongoing spiral.”

Mistake #5: Nowhere to Put Stuff (or The “Here, Just Hold This” Syndrome)

You know that awkward moment when a guest walks in holding a purse, sunglasses, a six-pack, and a bowl of potato salad… and you say, “Uh… just put that somewhere?”

McCaleb Tip: Set up a catch-all station with a small side table or cubbies where guests can offload their arms. They'll thank you—and your deviled eggs will survive.

✅ Bonus Points for Entryway Wins!

Want to really wow your guests? Add:

• A mini mirror for last-minute BBQ sauce checks
• A fresh flower arrangement or eucalyptus bundle
• A funny chalkboard sign (“BYOB = Bring Your Own Brisket”)

Glamourous Entry into Your McCaleb Home

You have a herd of hungry guests to worry about. Your entryway might not be flipping burgers or pouring lemonade, but it sets the tone for every sizzling backyard bash. And at McCaleb Homes, we believe every square foot matters, even the one greeting people with your slightly over-enthusiastic labradoodle.

So go ahead—light up that grill, prep the potato salad, and make sure your entryway is BBQ-season-ready. Because nothing says “great host” like a home that’s thought of everything—right from the front door.

By McCaleb Homes Staff 7-1-2025