How to Prepare Your Home for Holiday Guests
The holiday season brings joy, laughter, and often, a house full of guests. For busy moms, creating a warm and welcoming space for family and friends might seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. With a little planning and some simple tips, you can prepare your home to be both functional and festive—perfect for holiday entertaining.
Crystal Barrow
12/9/20242 min read
Introduction:
The holiday season is upon us, and that means hosting family and friends. As a busy mom, preparing your home for holiday guests might feel overwhelming, but with a little planning, you can create a welcoming space that’s both functional and festive. Here’s how to get your home holiday-ready without the stress.
1. Declutter and Organize
• Start by decluttering the main areas where guests will spend time, like the living room, dining room, and guest bedroom.
• Use bins or baskets to quickly organize toys and other items.
• Involve your kids by turning clean-up time into a game, like a race to see who can pick up the most toys.
2. Freshen Up the Guest Room
• Make sure your guest room has fresh linens, extra pillows, and cozy blankets.
• Create a welcome basket with toiletries, a few snacks, and a list of your Wi-Fi password and local attractions.
• If you don’t have a dedicated guest room, consider setting up an air mattress with lots of pillows in a quiet area of the house.
3. Create a Kid-Friendly Space
• Set up a play area with toys, books, and activities to keep your kids (and any visiting children) entertained.
• Stock up on holiday-themed crafts and coloring sheets to keep little ones busy.
4. Prepare Your Kitchen for Extra Cooking
• Clean out your fridge and pantry to make room for holiday ingredients and leftovers.
• Plan a simple menu that includes make-ahead dishes to save time and energy.
• Set up a coffee and hot cocoa station so guests can help themselves to warm drinks.
5. Add Festive Touches
• Decorate with holiday lights, candles, and seasonal decor to make your home feel festive and inviting.
• Keep safety in mind: Secure breakable decorations out of reach of young children and use flameless candles for a worry-free glow.
• Get your kids involved by having them help decorate cookies or make holiday crafts.
6. Plan for Coats and Shoes
• Designate a space for guests to hang their coats and store their shoes, like a hall closet or a basket by the door.
• Add a mat or boot tray to keep your floors clean from snow and mud.
Conclusion:
Preparing your home for holiday guests doesn’t have to be stressful. With these tips, you’ll be ready to welcome family and friends into a warm, festive, and organized space. If you’re considering buying or selling a home in the new year, I’d love to chat about your plans. Happy holidays!