Part 02: How To Prepare Your Home for the Holidays

Welcome back to the continuation of our previous blog on prepping your home for the holidays and any visitors that this time of year may bring!

Kitchen and Dining Room

Whether you are hosting a large party or just sharing a meal with your old college buddy, the kitchen and dining room should feel festive, inviting, and comfortable. A centerpiece in the middle of the dining table does most of the heavy lifting for you! This also applies to the kitchen table. You can’t go wrong with some greenery in a vase or a display of candles. Adding a festive table runner and colorful dinner napkins can also bring on that holiday cheer.  

For wide doorways, you can hang a garland with lights or ribbons. This can be easily achieved by wrapping the garland around a tension rod and inserting it between the door frame. 

If you have a bar or bar cart you can create accomplish the same effect by hanging a garland or lights on the bar area and accessorize with bottle openers or colorful trays. I personally love holiday themed cocktail picks and paper napkins.

“Come in, have a seat!”

The Living Room

The living room becomes the main area for your guests to sit and relax when entertaining.  If you are having a party, this room is where most people will be hanging out.

The main focal point in the living room is usually the tree which evidently brings the most holiday cheer! Along with the tree you can bring out holiday themed throw pillows for the sofa as well as more weather appropriate throws and blankets. These items are easy to swap out depending on the season.

To ensure there are enough seats for everyone, we are big fans of poufs or stools that are small and lightweight making them easy to move around or tuck away depending on the size of your gathering. If there is a table in your living room, you can push it against the wall to create a more open space for additional seats. 

Make sure there are places to put down your drinks and have your holiday-themed napkins, plates, and coasters ready. You wouldn’t want your favorite vintage table to end up with stains after your party! If you prefer to have people sit around the table, have the table set and ready with snacks, drinks, and whatever else guests may want.

“It’s like a hotel but better!” 

The Guest Room

I love hosting, and nothing is more satisfying than hearing this compliment. Creating a hotel room effect in your guest room doesn’t take years of experience or a degree in hospitality. It’s the little touches that make a lasting impression.

Spruce up the room with holiday-themed sheets, blankets, and pillows. Even if just the pillowcases are holiday-themed, they will be visible on a nicely made bed. A simple festive throw at the foot of the bed is also an easy alternative. Ironing your laundered sheets is always a good idea. You can use a fabric spray to add a pleasant aroma to the room right before your guests arrive. Display extra towels and an extra blanket in a visible area so your guests do not need to ask for anything. 

Leave extra toiletries, a bottle of water, and snacks on the nightstand. Lay a peppermint cane on your guest's pillow and give them the 5-star treatment! Leaving a note or card in the room wishing them a pleasant stay is also a sweet touch.

The holidays can be a stressful time but implementing some of these simple decor ideas will leave your guests impressed and make checking off your to-do list a bit easier. Happy Holidays everyone!