5 Festive Ways To Be The Perfect Host This Holiday Season

The holidays can be a fun but difficult time — especially if entertaining guests at your place feels overwhelming.

If you’re hosting your family this holiday season, use these tips to prepare your space for them before they arrive. These straightforward ideas will help you create a welcoming living environment in just a few days.

1. Sort through your belongings.

Donating your older clothes or furniture can help prepare your home for the holiday season. If you donate old items, you’ll reduce clutter and free up storage space for your guests’ belongings. Even if they don’t use the free shelves or drawers, you can use them to store gifts when the holidays end.

Start by defining your downsizing strategy. A good way to do this is to only keep clothing that you wore in the last three months. After all, you can use old clothes to make new outfits by rethinking how you’ll wear each piece — like adjusting the hems or styling an old dress with new accessories.

2. Create a safe environment.

Everyone should feel safe in your home, so consider your relatives’ ages. You might secure your rugs with non-slip mats for older relatives or put new shower supplies in the bathrooms.

If you have relatives with babies or toddlers, baby-proof the house using magnetic locks on low cabinets to prevent the little ones from getting into your cleaning supplies. You can also talk with their parents to figure out the best way to prepare your home for them.

3. Consider your relatives’ dietary needs.

Not everyone can eat everything, so make sure that you’re an accommodating host. Reach out to your guests to ask how you should stock your kitchen and which meals you should make for the group.

For instance, If one of your relatives is pregnant, ask about their cravings and have their favorite foods on standby when they arrive. Buy everyone’s favorite snacks and drinks throughout their visit. Your family will know that you love and appreciate them — even before your big holiday meal.

4. Make your home a relaxing space.

The best hosts make their homes easy spaces in which to relax and have fun. Consider saving some extra money with budget-cutting tips — and use the leftover cash to invest in an aromatherapy diffuser to make your house smell sweet. Candles, string lights, and fuzzy blankets can also create a restful ambiance.

You can also practice mental health tips to find your own inner peace before everyone arrives at your house. Try journaling or listening to guided meditation to release your anxiety. Your relatives may even want to join you in these activities while they visit.

5. Decorate for the holidays you celebrate.

The holidays wouldn’t be as festive without decorations! If the holiday you celebrate involves decor, make sure that you finish decorating before your family members arrive.

You can even try making your Christmas decor this year or picking a specific color to be the theme for your Hanukkah decorations. Express your creative side in your home for some merry, bright days!

If you plan on hosting family or friends for the holidays, these tips can reduce your stress and make your home a fun space for entertainment and holiday cheer. Take a deep breath, make a plan, and dive into this checklist for being the perfect host this holiday season!