Is your entire extended family spending the holidays at your place? Or perhaps just a few of your closest friends? Whether you’re hosting a massive party or just the immediate family, taking a few small steps to prepare your home for the holidays can go a long way. Here’s how to ensure a fun and festive time for everyone involved:
Clean and declutter
Of course, the first step in preparing for the holidays lies in creating a clean, organized space (Better Homes and Gardens, 2020). Start by making a list of everything that must get done, assigning a fair share of chores to a partner and children, if applicable. Go through and organize any cluttered spaces first, storing, donating or throwing away items as needed. Then, deep clean the home room by room. Pay special attention to high-traffic areas such as the front entryway, kitchen and guest rooms. Once you feel finished, do a final walkthrough of the home, adopting a visitor’s perspective. Pay special attention to any aspects that you might be accustomed to but guests are sure to notice.
Add seasonal decor
When the last toy has been stored and the counters have all been wiped, it’s time to infuse some holiday cheer (Elle Decor, 2020). Holiday trees, stockings and reindeer motifs are all classic favorites, but you don’t necessarily need to take this step literally. If your style is more minimal, consider instead incorporating woven textiles, faux fur and leather to add warmth. Metallic tones, abstract trees and plenty of greenery can all help, too. While you’re at it, don’t forget outdoor spaces! String lights, wreaths and garlands might be good jumping-off points.
Prep for guests
Once the space feels festive, begin setting up bedrooms or other sleeping accommodations for guests. While a blow-up mattress or two may be a necessity, you can still go the extra mile for friends and family (Martha Stewart, 2020). If you haven’t done so already, consider investing in soft, comfortable linens for each guest. They’re sure to appreciate a warm, comfortable bed and soft, fluffy towels after a long day of holiday festivities. Once the new bed linens are laundered, add a luxe touch with personal sleeping masks, robes or slippers. Then, consider filling the room with fresh flowers, reading material or even a sound machine. An extra phone charger and the wifi password are sure to go a long way, as well.
Go to the grocery store
There’s no chaos quite like the grocery store on Christmas Eve! To beat the rush, develop your list well ahead of time and stock the fridge and pantry. Communicate with guests on any dietary restrictions and seasonal favorites. Then, pick up a few of the nonperishables on your list in the days leading up to guests’ arrivals. Follow up with perishable foods, or those you don’t want to store for too long. That way, your plans won’t be dashed when they inevitably sell out of walnuts.
Focus on the senses
Finally, just before guests arrive, work to ignite the senses. Light a seasonal candle or put a festive potpourri on the stove (Martha Stewart). Dim overhead lights while switching on floor and table lamps to create some mood lighting. Ensure the temperature is comfortable, and consider setting out a holiday snack. Fresh-baked cookies or spiced cider could provide a particularly warm welcome.
Whether you’re hosting the whole family or just a few friends, taking some time to prepare your home for the holidays ensures a smooth and celebratory experience for all. From deep cleaning to prioritizing ambient light, a few small steps can yield plenty of seasonal joy.
Published on December 13, 2021
