If the first act of “Home Alone” has taught us anything, it’s that the holly, jolly hustle and bustle of the holidays can quickly turn into complete familial chaos.
Is this your year to pack your home to the rafters with extended family and friends? Set yourself up for success by following these steps to prepare your home for holiday guests.
Step 1: Deck the Halls
Create a relaxing holiday atmosphere by laying a foundation of holiday decor. If you’re expecting a packed house, consider playing down the decorations a little to keep your space from looking too cluttered once it’s full of people. Build a playlist of your favorite tunes prior to guests arriving. Looking for a way to kick up the ambiance? Candles are an inexpensive way to add some oomph!
Step 2: Prep the Kitchen
The kitchen is the heart of every home and the place where guests tend to congregate. Get your kitchen ready for guests and for any and all holiday cooking and baking. Scrub down your stove and oven. Clean out any unneeded food from the fridge so as to leave plenty of room for guest-supplied dishes. Sanitize your counters. And don’t forget to stock up on coffee, cocoa, or your favorite holiday beverages!
Step 3: Have an Activity Ready
Whether you’re expecting children or crafty adults, it never hurts to have a low-key, totally optional activity ready to go. Give your guests something fun to do with their hands while you’re chatting or waiting for dinner. Paper stars and garlands are a fun craft idea. Or have baked cookies ready to be decorated. They can either put up their decor and eat their snacks while there, or guests can take them home as an extra gift.
Step 4: Sugar Them Up
Is there such a thing as too many sweet treats at the holidays? In addition to cookie crafts (if you choose to do that), have some ready-to-nibble treats ready for guests. Most holiday snacks can be prepared well ahead of time and kept refrigerated, frozen, or just in a Tupperware. Aim for a mix of sweet and savory to cover everyone’s tastes.
Step 5: Clear Some Space
Your house guests want to feel comfortable without being an imposition, so make that easy for them. As you would
for a house showing, stage your home for your guests. Put away all unnecessary personal items, small appliances, and bathroom supplies. Clear space, especially at the entryway, for extra coats and shoes. Help your kids declutter their spaces. And make sure there are enough places to sit throughout your home.
Step 6: Put on Your Hosting Hat
After you’ve cleared your home of clutter, consider where your guests will need to put their belongings during their visit and make additional space there. Put clean linens on all the guest beds. Place fresh, fluffy towels and luxury soaps in the bathrooms. Make sure every guest space is equipped with what they may need throughout their stay. This is especially important if you have guests sleeping in “unconventional” spaces like a home office. Are there practical and homey touches like a lamp, clock, waste basket, or even fresh flowers?
Filling your home with holiday guests is a privilege and should be a source of joy, not anxiety. By setting your home and yourself up for success, you’re sure to have a joyous and memorable holiday this year.
