6 Easy Ways To Prep For Holiday Guests
It's that time of year again! The leaves are changing color, the air is getting chillier, and holiday dinners and parties are right around the corner. If you're hosting this year, you're probably starting to think about all the preparations you need to make. From cleaning, to setting the table, there's a lot to do. But don't worry—we've got you covered. Here are some tips to help you get your house ready for holiday hosting.
1. Quick and Easy Upgrades! I do not like waiting on contractors, my husband to make a decision, and the time and money it takes to do a real proper remodel. I have however done proper remodels, but inevitably I become impatient and decide to do things myself. Anything from peel and stick wallpaper, countertop paint, cabinet updates (legit I painted all of my kitchen cabinets in one day), and more…these are guaranteed to be done in one hour, one day, or even one weekend. If you want a quick, inexpensive update before guests arrive, these are products I have personally used and love!
2. Easy deep clean - Before you can start preparations, you need to make sure your house is clutter free and clean. This may seem like a daunting task, but it's important to start with a clean slate. I make things easy on myself by using Magic Erasers from our one and only Mr. Clean! I use these on walls, my shower, furniture, appliances, tile, pans, stovetops, and even my shoes! You can also use the Magic Erasers on your oven…but if it needs a bit more elbow grease, Easy-Off is always my go to…and no harmful fumes!
3. Comfort - Anything from soft throw pillows to cozy candles, there are so many easy ways to make your guests feel stress free. I like to have various seating options for before and after a meal, bathrooms that are welcoming, and easy access to snacks and drinks for guests to feel comfortable helping themselves. Here are a few quick things I do each year.
Throw Blankets - Soft or large knitted throws that are easily accessible. I like to have them in a basket or ladder so folks can see them in addition to have one or two lying on the furniture. After dinner guests can relax with a cocktail and catch up with loved ones or take a snooze (there’s always that one dude falling asleep in a chair). I love these super soft throws and even better they are reasonably priced at $21.99!
Throw Pillows - I really love pillows and sometime I go a bit overboard. Don’t be like me and stuff the whole couch with so many pillows people don’t know where to sit. A basket on the side with pillows is perfectly acceptable for those who need more support. I do like to have a few pillows for decor and to bring texture into the room. If you already have pillows but just want to change them out, get the pillow case instead of the whole thing, you will save much more and can easily update or store throughout the year. Get a two pack in various sizes and colors all under $20.00!
Fragrance - I have two large dogs and before guests arrive I always spray my furniture down with Febreze. The last thing I want are guests coming in my home for Thanksgiving and they smell dog instead of a nice fragrant candle or the turkey in the oven. Nice smelling candles that burn clean are nice to have around the house and in bathrooms, as long as the fragrance isn’t too overpowering it should add that little extra something special in the room. I like the La Jolie Muse candles, they smell great and they come in various sizes with very pretty holders.
Furniture and Cushions - There is no need to buy new furniture for the holidays, when you can get a couch cover, cute stackable chairs, or even floor cushions to add that extra seating. Put the floor cushions and chairs in corners of the house for easy access. I am a bit obsessed with floor cushions, I believe it brings a sense of comfort and style. I really love these stackable metal chairs as well. Lightweight, easy storage, and stylish! These chairs are going for a set of 4 under $100!
4. Decorate! Now that your house is clean and the table is set, it's time to add some holiday cheer with decorations. You can keep it simple with some pumpkins or pinecones on the mantel or go all out with garlands, wreaths, and flameless candles. Whatever you do, make sure your decorations reflect your personal style—after all, this is your home! Since holiday decorations already take up a lot of space, I like to get one wreath and change it out with faux flowers or ornaments, easy and good on the pocket book!
5. Set the table - Once your house is clean, it's time to start thinking about how you want to set the table. Do you want a traditional look with a white tablecloth, white napkins, and matching dishes? Or are you looking for something more festive with colorful decor, tea lights, table runners, and decorative napkins? Whatever style you choose, make sure you have enough plates, silverware, and glasses for all your guests. Disposable is okay in my book, especially if it looks great and won’t put more plastic in the ocean. Keep it simple and do things ahead of the big day, like rolling the silverware and napkins, setting up the vases with water and flowers, spot checking glasses and flatware, and making sure you have all the supplies you need so there isn’t a last minute store run.
6. Preparation - One of the most important parts of hosting a get together is making sure the food is delicious! Whether you're cooking a turkey or ordering it from a local restaurant, make sure everything is ready to go before your guests arrive. Anything you can make the day before, do it! There is nothing better than having a platter in your refrigerator, ready to go (just don’t forget about it, done that)! Another thing I like to do is have all ingredients pre-sliced and oven ready to save yourself time day of. Having a handy over the stove or over the sink cutting board is a game changer when it comes to prep or hosting in general. Once you have prepped just get the goods from the refrigerator and throw it in the oven! Ahead of time make sure you have enough storage containers for leftovers and for folks to take home (not your fancy ones). Once you have checked all the boxes before, you can relax and enjoy the day without having to worry about last-minute preparations.
Conclusion - The holidays is a wonderful time of year—but it can also be a lot of work if you're hosting! With these tips, you'll be able to get your house ready in no time! From deep cleaning to setting the table to decorating, we've got you covered. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the holiday season!
