The holidays are a time for gathering. Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner party, a festive cocktail hour, or overnight guests, a bit of prep can go a long way in making everyone feel at home.
Here are some ideas and tips to create a warm, welcoming environment for your holiday guests, whatever the occasion.
Declutter and Deep Clean Your Main Spaces
Start with a clean slate by deep cleaning your home, especially in high-traffic areas like the living room, kitchen, and bathrooms. Clear out any clutter, like unnecessary decor or stray items, to create an open, inviting space. Vacuum or sweep floors, wipe down surfaces, and polish mirrors to make everything feel fresh and sparkling. Don’t forget high-touch areas, like light switches and door handles, for an extra level of cleanliness.
Create a Cozy Guest Room Setup
If you’ll have overnight guests, make their stay comfortable with a well-prepared guest room. Fresh sheets, soft pillows, and extra blankets will make the bed inviting. Add some bedside essentials like a lamp, charging station, and even a small basket of toiletries in case they forget anything. A thoughtful touch, like a holiday-scented candle or a few festive decorations, can add a cozy, seasonal feel to their temporary retreat.
Add Holiday Touches to Living Areas
Decorating for the holidays doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Small, intentional touches can create a festive atmosphere. Think seasonal pillows or throws on the couch, a wreath on the front door, or a holiday-themed centerpiece on the coffee table. These subtle changes make the living area feel cozy and celebratory without taking up too much space or requiring a big redesign, says a Warren, NJ, interior decorator.
Create an Inviting Entryway
Your entryway is the first impression guests will have of your home, so make it warm and welcoming. Add a holiday-themed doormat, a small rug to keep mud or snow at bay, and perhaps a few hooks for coats. A decorative touch like a festive sign or vase of seasonal greenery creates a cheerful vibe the moment guests step inside. For added convenience, keep a basket of slippers or shoe covers nearby to make everyone feel comfortable.
Set the Table with Seasonal Decor
For a dinner party, set a festive table that brings the holiday spirit to life. Use seasonal colors, like deep reds, greens, or metallics, for tablecloths, napkins, and placemats. A simple centerpiece, like a garland of greenery with candles or a bowl of pinecones, adds a touch of elegance. Place settings with name cards can add a personal touch, and small festive accents, like rosemary sprigs on each plate, create a warm, polished look.
Prepare the Bathroom with Essentials
Ensure your bathroom is guest-ready by stocking up on essentials like hand towels, soap, and tissues. A small basket of toiletries, including travel-size toothpaste, hand lotion, and room spray, can make guests feel well cared for. To add a holiday touch, use a seasonal hand soap or add a small festive decoration, like a holiday-scented candle or mini wreath, to the counter.
Plan for Extra Seating and Table Space
If you’re hosting a larger group for a meal or party, think about how to accommodate extra guests comfortably. Pull in extra chairs from other rooms or use ottomans as makeshift seating. For serving food, a sideboard or console table can act as a buffet station, freeing up table space. If you’re short on tables, consider setting up a folding table with a festive tablecloth for additional surface area without disrupting the decor.
Have Entertainment Ready
Hosting during the holidays often includes time spent indoors, so having entertainment options ready is a great idea. Set up a stack of games, cards, or holiday movies for guests to enjoy, especially if there are kids. Create a playlist of holiday tunes to keep the mood festive and lively, or set up a background music station where guests can pick their own tunes to enjoy together.
With a little prep and thoughtful touches, you can make your home feel like a warm, inviting haven for your holiday guests. Whether they’re there for an evening or a few days, these tips will ensure everyone feels welcomed and at ease, ready to enjoy the festive season together.