Getting ready for the holidays
Holiday season is upon us and getting our homes ready means different things to different people. Some prepare by digging out all the Christmas decorations from a dusty box in the basement and others by minimizing clutter as they approach the new year and its resolutions. But one thing that many if not all homeowners prepare for over the holidays is hosting guests.
Creating a space that’s cozy, welcoming and well-organized is at the top of many people’s minds, especially after a long pause in hosting friends and family. So here are 3 ideas to help you prepare your home for the upcoming season.
It’s all in the details
When prepping to host overnight guests, consider the little details that they might appreciate. One way to approach this is to think back on a time you stayed at a nice hotel. What little things did you notice that made your stay extra special? Was there bottled water available in the fridge? Extra coffee pods by the coffee maker? A lovely scent that greeted you when you entered the room?
A coffee station, hidden away or on the counter is a great idea. Extra points for asking your guests what their favorite brew is beforehand.
Photo credit: Cathie Hong Interiors
More people in the home means more linens being used. Be sure to prepare by not only leaving fresh linens in your guest bedroom or bathroom, but cleaning out hall closets to accommodate for backup sheets and towels (let’s be honest, someone is going to spill).
Also, consider making spaces multifunctional. With so many people now working remotely, your guests may need a few hours to get out their laptop and answer emails. Adding a slim desk or cozy reading chair to the guest bedroom is a great way to give your guests a few minutes of quiet.
Photo credit: Marina Rubina
2. Create coziness
With guests, we often spend extra time gathered in communal spaces like the living room. This past year, many homeowners added coziness by installing a fireplace, which is nice anytime of year but especially in the winter months.
There are lots of other ways to add coziness to a room:
installing wooden beams on ceilings
upholstered furniture like this cozy chair from Albany Park
textured pillows
layered lighting from table lamps and floor lamps like this one from 2Modern
Albany Park
3. Entertaining Elements
This can mean different things to different people but when stores, restaurants and other places are closed, it’s important to consider how your guests will stay entertained during down time.
Maybe you purchase a few board games and make sure you have a large flat table to play on.
If you have a basement, this can be a world of possibilities for entertaining from creating a theater room for movie nights to adding a ping pong or foosball table. There are many options now that are both fun and stylish.
Photo credit: DD Ford Construction
Lastly, gathering around a table is the one thing we can always count on during this time of year. If you’re in the market for a new dining table, consider a round or oval shape, which helps encourage more group conversation and is easier to add extra seating. Check out this one from Interior Define.
Happy Holidays! xoxo
Elise
