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There’s more to prepping for the holidays than just decorating. Lots of time and energy goes into preparing your home for the holiday season and all that it entails. Cooking, hosting, entertaining, and accommodating overnight guests are all things to consider when asking yourself “is my home ready for the holidays?”.
Whether you’re a first-time host or a long-time host extraordinaire, preparing your home for friends and family can be stressful. That’s why we put together this guide for you to follow as guidance and inspiration on ensuring your home will be the ultimate gathering place this holiday season and beyond.
1. Revamp Your Entryway
Before putting your focus on the main entertaining areas of your home like the living room and dining room, take some time to refresh and revamp your entryway. Your entryway is the first impression your guests will have of your home, and when its well-decorated and inviting it signals to your guest that you are ready for their arrival. Check out some of our entry favorites below.
2. Declutter with Stylish Storage Solutions
You really can’t give your home a deep clean without decluttering and organizing first. If you’re struggling to find space for all your odds and ends such as books, blankets, games, toys, seasonal clothes, and décor – consider one of the stylish storage solutions below.
3. Spruce Up Your Guest Room
While every room in your home plays a crucial role in holiday hosting, the guest room takes center stage when it comes to making your out-of-town and overnight visitors feel truly at home. Make sure it feels polished, inviting, and comfortable by adding fresh flowers, hanging new curtains, adding accents like mirrors and area rugs, and offering a variety of lighting and are all simple ways to ensure your guests feel truly at home.
Don’t have a guest room? Consider a sofa bed as an overnight guest solution. (When guest are gone pull it out and give yourself the ultimate sport for an at-home movie night).
4. Check in on Your Appliances
The holiday season is all about warmth, togetherness, and indulging in delicious food. Ensuring that your appliances are clean, properly functioning, and ready for guests is essential to guarantee a smooth and stress-free hosting experience. No one wants to wait until 7 for a turkey that was promised for 5. And when you’re hosting a large dinner party, who really wants to ask guests for a hand in washing dishes?
An oven that is efficient, a dishwasher that can handle large loads or a washer and dryer that get the job done fast are the small details that can make a big impact when hosting. Well-working appliances will keep your guests comfortable and will give you one less thing to worry about.
5. Gather in Style
Your dining room is the hub of holiday hosting – it’s where your guests gather to enjoy the feast you’ve prepared and where they will spend valuable time together as they digest and wait for dessert. Having a crowded dining table or not providing enough seats for everyone are ways an unprepared dining area could take away from the experience. To ensure you’re prepared, consider extra seating or expandable dining tables. We’ve included some of our favorites below.
