Creating a Holiday Ready Home: Tips for Prepping Your Space for Guests
The holiday season is around the corner, and with it comes the excitement of hosting family and friends. Whether you’re preparing for overnight guests or a festive dinner party, getting your home holiday-ready doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
As a professional organizer, I’ve seen how a little planning and preparation can make a big difference. Here are my top tips to help you create a warm, welcoming, and organized space for your holiday guests.
Declutter Before You Decorate
Before you start pulling out the holiday lights and garlands, take some time to declutter. Clearing surfaces and common areas will make decorating easier and create a more inviting space for your guests.
Focus on high-traffic areas like the entryway, living room, dining room, and guest bedroom. Donate or store off-season items elsewhere to free up space for holiday decorations and guest essentials. Decluttering doesn’t have to be a massive project—even small efforts, like clearing off a coffee table or organizing a coat closet can make a big difference.
Prepare Your Entryway
Your entryway is the first thing guests see when they arrive, so let’s make it shine!
Create a functional yet festive space by:
Adding a sturdy doormat to keep dirt at bay.
Providing an accessible spot for coats, shoes, and bags. Hooks, baskets, or a temporary coat and shoe rack (or basket) work wonders.
Adding a welcoming touch like a seasonal wreath, twinkle lights, or a small holiday-themed decoration.
This simple preparation ensures your entryway feels both practical and inviting.
Set Up a Cozy Guest Space
If you’re hosting overnight guests, take a moment to think about what they’ll need to feel comfortable. Imagine yourself in the space. What would you need and want if you were the guest? Clear out a drawer or some closet space so they can unpack, and provide fresh bedding, extra pillows, and blankets.
A little basket with travel-size toiletries, a spare phone charger, and some snacks is a thoughtful touch that makes guests feel at home. If you have limited space, a fold-out bed or inflatable mattress can work just as well—just be sure it’s clean and ready to go before your guests arrive.
Organize Your Kitchen
The kitchen is often the heart of holiday gatherings, so having it organized ahead of time can save you a lot of stress. Take a quick inventory of your pantry and fridge, and stock up on holiday staples like baking supplies, coffee, and extra snacks.
If you’ll be serving meals, think about how you’ll set up your serving stations. Labeling platters and dishes in advance can help you stay organized and ensure everything has a place.
And don’t forget to clear off countertops so you have plenty of room for food prep and serving.
Create a Relaxing Atmosphere
A clutter-free home is just the beginning of creating a holiday-ready space. Add some cozy, festive touches to make your guests feel welcome:
Soft lighting from candles or string lights.
Seasonal scents like cinnamon or pine.
Plush throws and pillows in the living room for added comfort.
These small details create a warm and relaxing environment where your guests can truly enjoy themselves.
The most important part of preparing your home for the holidays is making sure it feels inviting—not perfect. Remember, the goal isn’t to stress over every little detail but to create a space where you and your guests can relax and make memories together.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or need help organizing your home for the holidays, I’d love to help! Together, we can make your space shine this season.
Happy organizing and happy holidays!
