Hosting This Year? 6 Ways to Prep Your Home for the Holidays

So Christmas is peeking at us through the blinds, and it’s your turn to host the festivities. Well, we’ve got some tips to help you get your space holiday-ready so you can host without the hassle and leave a lasting impression on your guests.

Create A Hosting Plan

If you plan on hosting, have an actual plan, from the entry to the exit (things are going to get hectic if you try to wing it). Guests show up with an appetite, hugging and waving, looking for somewhere to hang their coats and dig in. Include the following in your holiday hosting plan so things can run more smoothly for you:

Guest Accommodations

Determine the number of guests, sleeping arrangements, and any special requirements they may have. Prepare guest rooms with clean linens, extra blankets, and amenities for comfort.

Menu Planning

Create a menu that accommodates dietary restrictions and guest preferences. Create a schedule for meal preparation, serving times, and planned activities.

Shopping and Supplies

Make a detailed shopping list for groceries, beverages, decorations, etc. Stock up on essentials and consider having extra supplies on hand.

Communication with Guests

Keep open lines of communication with your guests regarding arrival times and any specific needs or preferences

Back-Up Plan

Have backup plans in case of unexpected situations, such as changes in weather, emergencies, or last-minute cancellations

A well-thought-out hosting plan not only ensures a pleasant experience for your guests but also allows you to relax and enjoy the festivities alongside them. This will create a less hectic and more inviting atmosphere.

Tidy Up the Joint

Next up is cleaning and finding a place to store all the chaos that crowds corners, countertops, and other precious areas, making spaces look cluttered (and smaller). The random toys, mail stack, and pile of laundry are calling your name (and those dusty ceiling fans just might be calling you the loudest).

Don’t get overwhelmed; tackle one room at a time and if you’re in a crunch and it’s all on you, focus on the obvious eye-sore junk and high-traffic areas. A clutter-free space sets the tone for festive decor and other possibilities.

Have the Essentials

Here is where we could steal a few hotel pointers. Whenever you check-in, the rooms are normally stocked with toilet tissue, towels, and other essentials—all in sight and easily accessible. Have a similar setup for your guests. This way, they won’t have to ransack your bathroom cabinets or linen closet because they need toilet paper or air freshener.

If you want to keep up the hotel theme, you can also provide travel-sized soaps, lotions, and other toiletries for that nostalgic luxury feel.

Activities & Entertainment

When it comes to entertainment options and keeping guests engaged, have a variety so everyone can get in on the action. (Everybody can't play spades!)

You can also plan holiday activities like a DIY ornament station. Watch movies, play games, and even consider local events or attractions if guests are interested in exploring the area.

Enhance The Experience

You don’t have to be the “hostess with the mostest” to make your guests feel warm and welcome. Keep it simple or get creative with it! Some ways to enhance their stay may include:

Lights and Decorations (holiday decor, assorted lights, etc)
Holiday Scents (light your favorites for this time of year)
Beverage Bar (hot cocoa, egg nog, etc.)
Take home goody bags (something small yet symbolic, like an ornament or keepsake)

Stay Connected

"Hey, what’s the wifi password?”

Said every teenager ever. But regardless of their age, be sure to have the wifi password on display for your guests somewhere easy to spot, like on the bedroom dresser, in the family room, or in an area commonly used for socializing.

Just be mindful that the best connections are the ones right in front of you with your peeps.