Happy November! With the holidays coming up, our homes are beginning to turn into the heart of the season, with friends gathering around the kitchen island, lingering family dinners around the dinner table, and coats piling up by the front door.
Suddenly, every room is working a little harder. The important thing to remember is that you want your home to feel welcoming, comfortable, and effortless… not perfect.
Below are some top tips from a designer on how to prepare your home for holiday entertaining
Start in the Entry
First impressions matter, and your entry sets the tone for the gathering. Clear away clutter to create an inviting moment as guests walk through the door. Add a few pieces of seasonal greenery, like a beautiful wreath or a vase of branches. Prepare an obvious place for guests to put their coats, bags, and shoes if you are a shoes-off household. A coat hanger, shoe basket, and console table are great items to have for storing these items!
Make Room for Conversation
Before your guests arrive, consider where guests will naturally congregate. As needed, rearrange furniture if necessary so conversation areas are formed instead of the furniture facing the TV. Make sure there are enough tabletop surfaces where people can set down a drink or plate of food.
Give the Kitchen Attention
The kitchen is the unofficial party headquarters, so don’t overlook it! Clear unnecessary appliances and paperwork from the counters and create a dedicated area for drinks so guests never have to search for a drink as the night goes on. If you are having a larger group, consider serving the food buffet-style so your dining table can remain free for conversation and decorations. There is no need for it to look pristine, because a lived-in kitchen means people are enjoying themselves.
Prepare the Guest Bathroom
Your guest bathroom is going to be busy, so make sure you give it a good cleaning. Replace hand towels with fresh ones and make sure there is plenty of hand soap and toilet paper. Consider adding feminine products so your female friends are taken care of. These simple gestures make a big impact! Add a small arrangement of greenery and a seasonal scented candle, and your decoration is set.
The important thing is to remember that comfort is a priority. Add a few throw pillows and blankets to sofas to make it feel cozy, and consider turning your A/C down so rooms don’t get too hot with many bodies in the room. Don’t spend the entire day making your home look perfect – your guests aren’t coming to inspect your baseboards. They are coming to spend time with you!
We hope these tips are helpful as we move into the holiday season.
XOXO,
