How to Ace Holiday Season Hosting This Year
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It’s the most wonderful time of the year! And with all the work that goes into planning meals and picking out gifts this holiday season, it’s easy to forget that you needed to start decorating your home…yesterday. But no matter how far behind you feel, don’t worry—there’s still plenty of time to get your home in tip-top shape before guests arrive. Here are a few tips to get your home in the holiday-hosting mood.
1. Declutter and Toss What You Don’t Need
While it can be tempting to hold onto the items you have tucked away in your closet for just the right occasion, odds are, if you aren’t using them now, you probably won’t use them anytime soon. The fewer random knickknacks and unfinished projects you have to juggle, the easier it will be to actually clean and organize the rest of your space.
2. Dig in and Deep Clean
When you’re switching between your normal and seasonal décor, take advantage of the transition time to vacuum, dust, and wipe down every surface. This is probably the barest your house has been in a while, so it will be easier to reach all the nooks and corners where mess likes to build up.
3. Make a Good First Impression
No matter what type of get-togethers you have planned this season, every guest is going to have to pass through your entryway. So if your time is limited, deck the halls of your doorway so they feel the festive spirit right away.
4. Plan Well So You Can Party Hard
The more mouths you have to feed, the more important it is to make sure that any drinks and refreshments are easily accessible. If you don’t want to play bartender the entire night, then a well-organized bar cart can allow guests to serve themselves. Similarly, strategically placing serving trays around a space can keep crowds from clustering around just one or two spots.
5. Create a Place to Rest and Relax
Seating is another issue that can come back to bite you if you’re not prepared. While most guests will appreciate simply having a place to rest their feet, you can really impress them by arranging different clusters of seats to suit their needs. Let those looking to keep the party going lounge in the room with the music and set up space near the fire for those having quiet conversations.
6. Tidy Up the Guest Room
If any of your visitors are staying overnight, then don’t forget to prep your guest room this holiday season. On top of having clean sheets and a comfy spot to rest their head, we have a few extra tips on how to make them feel as if they have a home away from home.
