Holiday hosting is here! It truly is the most wonderful time of the year, but the reality is that it can also be quite stressful. Inviting family and friends over for a Thanksgiving feast or Christmas dinner is one way to get your heart rate racing (hopefully in a good way!), and for novice hosts, it can feel like the Super Bowl.
At the beginning of this year, I get really nervous about inviting friends over. I wanted everything to be perfect, but I’ve learned that creating a welcoming and enjoyable space doesn’t mean you have to deep clean and micromanage everything. Stress-free entertainment should always be your goal. And a gentle host sets the tone.
Easy way to prepare your home for guests
We’ve gathered some simple holiday hosting tips to keep the atmosphere as relaxed as possible. After all, it’s the busiest time of the year. Here’s how to prepare your home and mindset for the holidays without losing your peace of mind.
Declutter without getting overwhelmed
I thought I shouldn’t have guests over until the whole house was organized and free of clutter. I don’t know if this will happen to my family either, so I’m really happy that things like this no longer happen. Until now Even if that is your goal, be 100% organized. Preparing your home for guests may seem like focusing on high-traffic areas and visible surfaces. You want your entryway, living room, and dining room to be clutter-free, and if you’re hosting guests, you want your guest room to be in order. If you have to temporarily toss things in the garage or basement, leave it there. You can start decluttering in the new year.
Create a cozy and inviting space
There’s nothing like walking into someone’s home and immediately feeling welcomed and comfortable. Make sure you have space in the entryway for bags and shoes, and have comfy chairs and snacks ready for your guests as soon as they arrive. I love placing candles in my entryway to welcome guests with a soothing scent. To create an even more cozy atmosphere, we have a playlist playing in the background. It’s the holiday season, so decorate your home with garlands, greenery, and lots of candles. I love decorating trees and mantles and creating simple but beautiful tablescapes.
Clean but doesn’t need to be thoroughly cleaned
You might think a list of holiday hosting tips would include deep cleaning your home, but guess again. Earlier this year, I gave the inside of my microwave a deep clean before having guests over for a dinner party. I was so worried about making sure every detail of my house was spotless, but I’m here to tell you that you don’t have to be. Wipe down the bathroom well and vacuum briefly, but don’t stress yourself out by cleaning the entire house. Guests are there to enjoy your company, not to criticize your home.
Welcome guests with simple touches
You don’t have to impress your guests. They value their guests. Here are some thoughtful gestures to make everyone feel comfortable and relaxed. It’s the little things like fresh towels, lit candles in the powder room, a welcome message to guests, extra chargers by the nightstand, and a coffee station stocked with your favorite creamer for the next morning. Put yourself in their shoes and add details accordingly.
Start preparing early
Holiday hosting is easy and fun. All it takes is a little planning in advance. One of the best vacation tips is to give yourself plenty of time to prepare: plan the menu, set the table, stock up on groceries, and freshen up your home. Spreading out the prep work reduces stress and allows you to actually enjoy the process. Even just a few minutes every day can go a long way. To that end, here’s a simple holiday cleaning checklist you can follow in the week leading up to the event.
- Monday: Tidy up high traffic areas
- Tuesday: Refresh the kitchen and bathroom
- Wednesday: Launder linens and guest bedding
- Thursday: Vacuum cleaner
- Friday: (the day before) Set the table and set the mood.
- Saturday: Enjoy the party!
When it comes to holiday hosting, give yourself the gift of grace. Your guests will remember the comfort you created in your home, no matter how imperfect it may be. This time of year should be joyful, not stressful, so be sure to prioritize your own joy as you celebrate the holiday season with those you love most. Happy hosting!
Source: Camille Styles – camillestyles.com
