The holidays are a time for gathering with family and friends, and if you’re hosting guests this year, you’ll want to ensure your home is as welcoming as possible. Whether you’re entertaining for a day or hosting overnight visitors, these simple tips will help you create a festive and comfortable environment that your guests will love!

Start with a Warm Welcome

First impressions matter, and your entryway sets the tone for your home.

Add a cheerful holiday wreath or garland to the front door, and ensure your walkway is well-lit.
Inside, designate a spot for coats, boots, and bags so your guests feel organized as soon as they arrive.
Consider placing a small basket with slippers or cozy socks near the entryway as a thoughtful touch for colder weather.
Have the Wi-Fi password posted somewhere visible so guests don’t have to ask.

Make Traveling Easy for Overnight Guests

For overnight guests, a few thoughtful measures will go a long way in ensuring their stay is seamless and enjoyable.

Bedding:

Provide fresh sheets, fluffy pillows, and extra blankets for chilly nights.
Offer pillow options with varying firmness to ensure comfort.

Decor:

Add subtle holiday touches like a small tabletop tree, fairy lights, or festive throw pillows to the guest room.

Amenities:

Stock the space with essentials such as bath towels, toiletries, and a water carafe or bottled water.
Equip the room with a power strip for plenty of charging outlets, and consider including an extra phone charger just in case.
For added comfort, include a sound machine or fan to help guests get a good night’s sleep.

Thoughtful Extras:

Leave a handwritten welcome note or a small treat like holiday cookies or a basket of snacks to make your guests feel special.

Food:

People often have different eating schedules, and traveling can make planning meals tricky. To ensure no one goes hungry, prepare something simple and convenient for breakfast. A breakfast casserole that can be popped into the oven in the morning is a great option, or stock up on easy-to-heat items like cinnamon rolls or biscuits. This way, your guests can enjoy something warm and satisfying before the next planned group meal or as they head out for the day.

Optimize Your Living Spaces

Your living room is likely where your guests will gather the most, so focus on creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere:

Arrange seating to encourage conversation and ensure everyone has a comfortable place to sit.
Use warm, layered lighting with table lamps and candles to create a cozy vibe.
Decorate with festive but uncluttered accents like a centerpiece on the coffee table or garlands on the mantle.
Pro Tip: Use subtle seasonal scents, like cinnamon or pine, to make your home smell like the holidays without overwhelming your guests.

Prepare the Kitchen for Hosting

The kitchen often becomes the heart of the home during the holidays, so make it guest-ready:

Organize appetizers and drinks in a central spot where guests can help themselves.
Keep plenty of mugs on hand and set up a simple coffee, tea, or cocoa bar with mix-ins like sugar, creamer, marshmallows, and peppermint sticks.
If you’re planning meals, ask about dietary preferences in advance to accommodate everyone.

Provide Entertainment Options

Keep your guests entertained with activities that cater to different interests for a fun and memorable visit:

Music:

Set up a holiday playlist or keep soft background music playing throughout your home.

Games & Activities:

Bring out board games, card games, puzzles, or holiday-themed movies for easy entertainment.

Outdoor Fun:

If weather permits, set up classic yard games like cornhole, giant Jenga, or Spikeball.
Plan a walk through the neighborhood to admire holiday lights, or set up a backyard firepit for roasting marshmallows and enjoying s’mores.

Most of all, don’t forget to take care of yourself. Hosting can be a lot of work, but staying flexible and relaxed is the best way to create a stress-free environment. Remember, not everything has to be perfect — your efforts and warm hospitality will make your guests feel welcome and appreciated. Focus on enjoying the company of your loved ones and creating lasting holiday memories.

Ready to Host in a New Space Next Holiday Season?

If you’re thinking about upgrading your home or finding a place with more space to host your friends and family, now is a great time to explore your options. Contact us today to start the journey toward your perfect home in the Bell County area!

Hosting for the Holidays: Tips to Make Everyone Feel Welcome

Hosting for the Holidays: Tips to Make Everyone Feel Welcome

Start with a Warm Welcome

First impressions matter, and your entryway sets the tone for your home.

Add a cheerful holiday wreath or garland to the front door, and ensure your walkway is well-lit.

Inside, designate a spot for coats, boots, and bags so your guests feel organized as soon as they arrive.

Consider placing a small basket with slippers or cozy socks near the entryway as a thoughtful touch for colder weather.

Have the Wi-Fi password posted somewhere visible so guests don’t have to ask.

Make Traveling Easy for Overnight Guests

For overnight guests, a few thoughtful measures will go a long way in ensuring their stay is seamless and enjoyable.

Bedding:

Provide fresh sheets, fluffy pillows, and extra blankets for chilly nights.

Offer pillow options with varying firmness to ensure comfort.

Decor:

Add subtle holiday touches like a small tabletop tree, fairy lights, or festive throw pillows to the guest room.

Amenities:

Stock the space with essentials such as bath towels, toiletries, and a water carafe or bottled water.

Equip the room with a power strip for plenty of charging outlets, and consider including an extra phone charger just in case.

For added comfort, include a sound machine or fan to help guests get a good night’s sleep.

Thoughtful Extras:

Leave a handwritten welcome note or a small treat like holiday cookies or a basket of snacks to make your guests feel special.

Food:

Optimize Your Living Spaces

Your living room is likely where your guests will gather the most, so focus on creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere:

Arrange seating to encourage conversation and ensure everyone has a comfortable place to sit.

Use warm, layered lighting with table lamps and candles to create a cozy vibe.

Decorate with festive but uncluttered accents like a centerpiece on the coffee table or garlands on the mantle.

Pro Tip: Use subtle seasonal scents, like cinnamon or pine, to make your home smell like the holidays without overwhelming your guests.

Prepare the Kitchen for Hosting

The kitchen often becomes the heart of the home during the holidays, so make it guest-ready:

Organize appetizers and drinks in a central spot where guests can help themselves.

Keep plenty of mugs on hand and set up a simple coffee, tea, or cocoa bar with mix-ins like sugar, creamer, marshmallows, and peppermint sticks.

If you’re planning meals, ask about dietary preferences in advance to accommodate everyone.

Provide Entertainment Options

Keep your guests entertained with activities that cater to different interests for a fun and memorable visit:

Music:

Set up a holiday playlist or keep soft background music playing throughout your home.

Games & Activities:

Bring out board games, card games, puzzles, or holiday-themed movies for easy entertainment.

Outdoor Fun:

If weather permits, set up classic yard games like cornhole, giant Jenga, or Spikeball.

Plan a walk through the neighborhood to admire holiday lights, or set up a backyard firepit for roasting marshmallows and enjoying s’mores.

Ready to Host in a New Space Next Holiday Season?

If you’re thinking about upgrading your home or finding a place with more space to host your friends and family, now is a great time to explore your options. Contact us today to start the journey toward your perfect home in the Bell County area!

CENTURY 21 Bill Bartlett