Holiday Hosting Made Easy: 6 Steps to Get Your Home Ready to Welcome Guests

It’s that magical time of year when family and friends gather to celebrate, share meals, and make memories. But before the festivities begin, it’s worth taking a little time to get your home organized and refreshed — so you can actually enjoy the season instead of feeling frazzled.

Here are some simple, practical ways to get your home host-ready — so you can relax and enjoy the season.

1. Declutter Before You Decorate

Before you start unboxing the holiday decorations, take a few minutes to clear away clutter.

• Clear off surfaces like kitchen counters, coffee tables, and entryway consoles.

• Donate or store away seasonal items (summer gear, decor, old papers etc).

• Make space for what’s coming — gifts, guests, and plenty of new memories.

Clearing out what’s no longer used creates a clean canvas for your decorations— and helps you feel more in control before the chaos of wrapping paper and holiday shopping begins.

2. Create a Welcoming Guest Space

If you’re hosting overnight visitors, make them feel right at home.

• Wash bedding and towels ahead of time.

• Clear a little closet or drawer space for their belongings.

• Add thoughtful touches like a water carafe, extra blankets, or a basket with essentials.

Even if your “guest room” doubles as an office or playroom, a quick tidy and a few cozy additions can make it feel warm and welcoming.

A cozy, well-prepared guest space creates a warm welcome for family and friends visiting during the holidays.

3. Simplify Your Holiday Decor

When it comes to decorating, remember — you don’t need to use everything you own!

• Choose a color palette or theme to create a cohesive look.

• Highlight key areas like the entryway, mantel, and dining table.

• Keep the rest simple for a balanced, uncluttered feel.

Intentional decorating helps your home feel festive without feeling overwhelming — both visually and energetically.

4. Organize Your Kitchen for Entertaining

Whether you’re cooking a big holiday dinner or hosting casual get-togethers, the kitchen is the heart of it all.

• Declutter countertops, and create a “holiday cooking zone” with all your baking staples in one place.

• Organize baking tools cookware, and serving pieces where they’re easy to reach.

• Check your pantry and fridge for expired items and restock essentials.

• Set up a beverage or snack station to make hosting easier — and to keep guests happily out of your main prep area.    

  
  A well-organized kitchen keeps the cooking (and cleanup) stress-free — so you can spend more time with your guests.

Prepping your kitchen before the holidays makes cooking, baking, and entertaining feel effortless.

5. Make Room for New Gifts

With Santa on the way, now’s the perfect time to help kids (and adults!) clear out the old to make space for the new.

• Go through toys, games, and books to donate what’s no longer loved.

• Organize storage bins or shelves so everything has a place.

• Encourage your family to “make room for the magic” by letting go of clutter together.

It’s a fun and meaningful way to prepare for the season — and it keeps post-holiday chaos to a minimum.

Decorating the tree together is one of the most joyful ways to bring the season’s spirit into your home.

6. Create Cozy, Functional Spaces

Think about where people tend to gather — the living room, dining room, or kitchen island.

• Rearrange furniture to make conversation easy.

• Add soft lighting, blankets, or candles for a warm atmosphere.

• Keep everyday clutter tucked away so the focus stays on connection.

  
  Your home doesn’t have to be perfect — just comfortable, welcoming, and ready to make memories with the people you love.