Get Ready for Holiday Guests with this Checklist

Preparing your home for holiday entertaining and overnight guests can be both enjoyable and efficient with thoughtful planning. Here are some tips to ensure your space is welcoming and festive for all your holiday gatherings.

Refresh Your Decor

• Assess and Update: Evaluate your current decor to determine if it reflects your desired holiday ambiance. Consider updating outdated items to create a more inviting atmosphere.
• Rearrange for Flow: Organize furniture to enhance space and facilitate easy movement for guests. Ensure a cohesive theme throughout your home to maintain a consistent festive feel.
• Create Cozy Nooks: Set up intimate conversation areas with nesting tables for guests to place their food and drinks, encouraging small group interactions.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Ensure your dining arrangements accommodate all guests comfortably. If necessary, opt for a buffet-style setup or consider adding a bistro-style dining set to promote a social atmosphere.
• Mix and Match: Incorporate a variety of furniture sizes, styles, and textures to add character and prevent a monotonous look.
• Enhance Walls: Apply a fresh coat of paint or add new artwork to invigorate your space and serve as conversation starters.
• Update Lighting: Ensure consistent lighting with matching lamp heights and shades to create a warm and inviting environment.
• Seasonal Accessories: Decorate with natural elements like leaves, stones, and fresh flowers to bring the beauty of the season indoors.

Comfy quarters

Prepare Guest Accommodations

• Comfortable Sleeping Arrangements: Provide a cozy bed with quality bedding, including a selection of pillows and extra blankets. Foam mattress toppers can enhance comfort on older mattresses, and quality air mattresses are suitable alternatives when necessary.
• Bed Options for Shared Spaces: Consider versatile solutions like day beds, Murphy beds, or folding beds that can be easily stored when not in use, especially in shared spaces.
• Bedside Essentials: Equip guest areas with a side table or cabinet featuring a reading light, storage space, and comforts such as a clock and bottled water.
• Storage Solutions: Clear space in closets and provide hangers for guests’ belongings. A folding luggage stand can offer additional convenience.
• Seating: Include a small chair, bench, or ottoman in the guest area to provide a comfortable spot for guests to sit.
• Declutter: Remove unnecessary items to create a clean and welcoming environment, allowing guests to feel at ease.
• Ensure Quiet and Safety: Address any noisy fixtures and remove potential hazards like loose rugs. Provide a flashlight within easy reach for added security.
• Window Treatments: Install functional window coverings to offer guests privacy and control over lighting.
• Additional Amenities: If possible, provide a small television, coffee maker, and accessible outlets for electronic devices to enhance your guests’ comfort.
• Neutral Decor: Opt for soothing, neutral colors in guest areas to create a relaxing environment, and choose decor that adds charm without being overly personal.

Tips for Guest Baths

• Strategic Renovation: If you’ve got a powder room with space for expansion, consider installing a compact shower for guest convenience. It’ll also come in handy during busy outdoor seasons when sweaty athletes and muddy gardeners need a clean-up stop on their way back indoors.
• Reduce Clutter: Whether you have a spare bathroom or must share a single space, clear the decks so guests feel comfortable about using it. Unclutter surfaces, stow away products that usually stick around in the shower or tub, and make sure an abundance of towels and washcloths is easy to find.
• Steer clear of heavy scents: What your nose knows may not be welcome to everyone else’s. Instead, prepare for holiday guests by providing a nice selection of soaps, and set out a small vase with a sprig of something seasonal from your garden to add subtle freshness.
• Stocked Supplies: For that extra bit of hospitality, fill a small basket with travel-size toiletries and any helpful necessities that travelers tend to forget (new toothbrush, disposable razor, etc.), and place it conveniently on the counter. Also show your guests where they can find the spare hairdryer in case they need it.
• Bathroom Access: If space allows, consider adding a compact shower to a powder room for guest convenience. This addition can also be useful during other busy times of the year..