Holiday get-togethers are great, but it can add stress to your day when you’re trying to prepare your home for last-minute guests. Here are a few simple things you can do to get your home ready for as little fuss as possible.
First, set the stage: no matter the time of year, nothing makes a great impression better than a tidy house. Before your guests arrive, be sure to take fifteen minutes to clean and straighten up the area they will be occupying.
Second, create a cozy atmosphere. To make your guests feel at home, choose decorations that fit the season. Changing the atmosphere with festive items can give your home an inviting feel. To make your home feel extra welcoming, stock the space your guests will occupy with fresh décor accessories. Some simple decorations like a few well-placed holiday-themed candles can go a long way in making your guests feel comfortable.
Comfy Sleeping Arrangements
For those out-of-town guests that will be spending the night in your home, you want to make their stay as comfortable as possible. One easy way to do that is to make sure they have a good night’s sleep. Stock up on plenty of extra blankets, pillows, and throw cushions for those extra beds.
Don’t forget, you can also spruce up any guest bedrooms by adding a few season-appropriate decorations. This could be anything from a few last-minute Christmas decorations to a cozy throw that will keep them warm at night.
Guest Bathroom Prep
An often overlooked area for holiday prep is the bathroom. This is a great place to go the extra mile and make your guests feel special. Start by stocking the space with plenty of fresh towels and washcloths. You may also want to add a few thoughtful additions like soaps, shampoo, and other toiletries if you know your guests are staying for more than a day.
Finally, use a few small decorative touches to make the bathroom feel cozy and inviting. Think along the lines of festive hand towels, washcloths, and bath salts. All of these small items can make your guests’ stay that much more intimate and enjoyable.
Be a Good Host With Snacks
- Snacks! Snacks! And more snacks!
- There’s no wrong way to put out snacks–nuts, chips and dip, olives, fruits, candy, cheeses–the possibilities are endless.
- Provide decaf coffee, tea, hot chocolate and other liquids for your guests.
- Put out finger foods like cut carrots and celery, cut cheese, and other items for easy snacking.
- Be sure to provide spoons, forks, napkins, cups, etc.
Prepare a Checklist
Finally, follow up your preparations with a checklist. This will help you keep track of everything you’ve done and everything that still needs to be done to be sure that you didn’t miss anything. Preparing an easily-accessible checklist will help make preparing for your holiday guests easier, and it will help save you a lot of time in the long run.
By following these simple tips, you can ensure that you’re ready for any last-minute holiday guests. You should feel confident that you have everything you need to make your home cozy and inviting this holiday season.