The holidays are approaching, and you've decided to take the plunge — whether you're hosting Thanksgiving for the first time, Christmas, Hanukkah, or another special celebration, we want your first time as a holiday host to go smoothly. While the thought of bringing loved ones together in your home is exciting, it can also be totally overwhelming.
Holiday stress is real, but it doesn't have to derail your celebration. How to be a good holiday host often comes down to the right preparation and mindset. With some strategic planning and these expert tips for hosting, you can create a warm, welcoming environment that lets you actually enjoy the festivities instead of frantically running around all day.
Let's dive into everything you need to know to get your home ready for the holidays.
Tip #1: Start decluttering and deep cleaning early
Decluttering and cleaning are about more than making things look nice — it's about creating a functional, stress-free environment for both you and your visitors. While you may need a decluttered house to stay sane, cleaning for the holidays can drive anyone mad, especially if you attempt to do it all at once.
Starting a few weeks before your guests arrive can ensure that everything gets done without the need to rush. Breaking down your tasks and checking off your to-do lists one by one can help reduce stress, which is especially essential around this time of year.
Declutter the main rooms
Begin by decluttering each room your guests will use, including the living room, kitchen, bathrooms, and guest bedrooms. Starting with the central rooms first will give you a sense of accomplishment and put your mind at ease.
Put away personal items, clear countertops, and create open pathways for easy movement. This isn't about achieving magazine perfection; it's about making your space feel calm and organized. When your home feels orderly, you'll feel more in control, and your guests will feel more comfortable.
Deep clean little by little
The holidays are a great excuse to finally tackle the deep cleaning that you usually put off during the year. However, extensive cleaning can be exhausting, so take it one room or area at a time. Spreading out your cleaning tasks over a few weeks will make them feel more manageable.
Start simple with the communal bathroom and work your way up to the larger rooms. Be sure to give some TLC to the appliances you’ll be utilizing regularly, such as your oven and refrigerator.
For cleaning upholstered furniture, take the time to vacuum your sofas, sectionals, and chairs, treat any existing stains, and wash any pillows and blankets — the same list applies to your guest mattresses. Your furniture is the focal point of your space, so ensuring that it looks clean, comfortable, and inviting is a must.
Tip #2: Get your guest areas ready
Whether you're hosting guests just for the day or overnight, their comfort should be a top priority, and that all begins with curating a guest-ready home.
- Create a cozy guest bedroom: After you’ve cleaned the mattresses and washed the sheets, be sure to invest in a quality mattress protector to ensure the utmost cleanliness for your guests. Layer the bed with extra blankets and pillows so guests can adjust their comfort level throughout their stay.
- Stock up the bathroom: When traveling, it’s common for people to forget toiletries or other essentials. Extra toothbrushes, toothpaste, shower goods, makeup remover, razors, and other items should be placed in cabinets or easily accessible areas. By eliminating that last-minute trip to the store, you’re making your guests feel cared for and thought of.
- Upgrade your patio space: Because patio season in Houston lasts almost all year, you can extend your hosting space to the outdoor patio! Living Designs Furniture offers weather-resistant teak wood patio furniture that transforms any outdoor space into a cozy and inviting sanctuary. Add a fire pit and a few throw pillows, and you’ve got yourself the ultimate party space.
These small touches to your spaces transform your home into a welcoming retreat that shows your loved ones that you've thought about their needs ahead of time. Taking away some of the holiday stress from traveling and planning can help your guests enjoy themselves. After all, relaxed guests are happy guests!
Tip #3: Upgrade your furniture
Areas of your home, such as your living room and dining room, will be the main areas of guest traffic and use. Aside from integrating our holiday decorating ideas, you want to be sure that these spaces are guest-ready. Ask yourself: Is my furniture ready to withstand consistent use? Is it comfortable and inviting? Is it spill and stain-resistant?
If any of these answers are “no,” visit Living Designs Furniture for quality furniture that your guests will rave about.
Living room
The living room is the social center where guests gather and talk — and oftentimes, eat and drink. Whether it’s the pre-meal wine, the after-dinner coffee, or a delicious dessert, the risk of spills and stains ruining your furniture is amplified in this area.
With performance fabric furniture, your worries of scrubbing red wine or crayon marks out of your sofa become a thing of the past. Say goodbye to uncomfortable plastic covers and hello to liquid-repellent, stain-resistant fabric that protects even the whitest sofas. If you need extra seating ideas, we highly recommend a three-piece sectional or pairing your couch with cozy armchairs.
Whether you’re a holiday host or a homeowner who loves bringing people together, having durable, easy-to-clean furniture will make your life much easier.
Dining room
The dining room is where the magic happens: the holiday meal. Think of your meal as your main event. You’ll want to curate a warm and inviting space that allows your guests to feel relaxed and comfortable, enabling them to enjoy their food and company.
Creating a cozy dining room atmosphere goes beyond just having enough chairs. Swap out the awkward fold-out chairs for luxurious upholstered dining chairs that invite your guests to sit and converse for longer. If you love the idea of a more intimate holiday setting, banquettes bring a touch of elegance and functional comfort to dining spaces, breakfast nooks, and built-in seating areas.
Tip #4: Prepare your meals and cook ahead of time
One of the easiest ways to avoid holiday stress, and one of the most solid tips for hosting any event, is to prepare your menu and cook ahead of your celebration.
- Start planning your menu at least 2–3 weeks in advance.
- Choose dishes that can be partially or completely prepared ahead of time. Casseroles, desserts, and side dishes are perfect candidates.
- Make detailed shopping lists and do your grocery shopping early to avoid last-minute stress.
- Prepare as much as possible before your celebration. Chop vegetables, prepare sauces, set the table, and organize your serving dishes.
Preparing your meals in advance will give you more time to spend with your guests, rather than being stuck in the kitchen all day. Simply popping dishes into the oven or finishing final touches while your guests arrive will allow you the well-deserved time to relax and enjoy the fruits of your labor.
Is your home ready for the holidays? Living Designs Furniture has all of your holiday furniture essentials.
If this is your first time being a holiday host, we understand the pressure you’re under. By following our expert hosting tips, you'll create a welcoming environment that allows everyone — including you — to truly enjoy the holiday celebration.
Remember that the goal of the holidays is not perfection, but connection. The most important element of how to be a good holiday host is your presence and attention to your guests. Stay engaged in conversations, ask questions, and make sure everyone feels included. Your warmth and hospitality matter far more than whether everything goes exactly according to plan. With thoughtful preparation and the right mindset, you'll discover that hosting can be one of the most rewarding parts of the holiday season.
If your living room furniture or dining room chairs are not up to par, Living Designs Furniture is here to help you. With custom pieces being ready in just 8-10 weeks or less, and our ready-to-buy furniture options, your home can be ready for the holidays.
Visit any of our furniture stores in Houston today to make certain your home is ready for guests.
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