Home for the Holidays: How to Prep for Christmas Guests with Ease

Hey there, holiday host with the most! 🎄

The festive season is finally here, & if you’re anything like me, you’re already daydreaming about all the laughter, cozy moments, & memories waiting to be made.

This year, I’m taking the plunge & hosting my family for Christmas. While I’m all kinds of excited, I know that hosting means a bit of prep work, too. But don’t stress—I’ve got your back with some super practical tips to make welcoming your guests a total breeze.

No matter if you’re a first-time host or a seasoned party pro, these steps will help you create a warm & inviting space where everyone can kick back & enjoy the festivities.

How to Prep for Christmas Guests with Ease:

1. Start with a Clean Slate

Before you go full-on deck-the-halls, give your space a quick declutter & clean. It’s remarkable how much calmer & more inviting your home feels when everything’s in its place. I start with the common areas—tidying up the living room & giving the bathroom a little extra TLC.

Pro tip: Pay attention to the small details like dusting baseboards & cleaning mirrors. These little touches make your space feel extra polished without tons of effort. If you’re pressed for time, just focus on the areas your guests will use most, like the kitchen & bathroom.

2. Make the Guest Bedroom a Cozy Retreat

One of my favorite parts of hosting is seeing how a guest bedroom can truly turn into a cozy retreat. Fresh linens are a must, & I love adding an extra blanket & some fluffy pillows for that ultimate comfy vibe.

This year, I’m sprinkling in some festive cheer with a mini Christmas tree on the dresser & a holiday-scented candle. I also like to leave out a little welcome basket with toiletries, snacks, & maybe even a holiday book. It’s the little things that make your guests feel oh-so-special.

3. Stock Up on Holiday Essentials

Hosting during the holidays is so much easier when your pantry & bathroom are well-stocked. I like to keep holiday treats (hello cookies, cocoa, & candy canes!) on hand for those spontaneous moments of cheer. & trust me, having extra coffee is a lifesaver for those slow holiday mornings.

Don’t forget the basics, too—things like toilet paper, hand towels, & soap. A little preparation goes a long way in avoiding any last-minute dashes to the store–or, if you know me, last minute orders to the online wellness store. 😉

4. Deck the Halls (but Keep it Simple)

Christmas decorations are my absolute FAVORITE part of hosting! There’s nothing like creating a festive atmosphere that feels magical! We want to make sure it’s also not overwhelming. This year, I’m leaning into neutral tones with pops of pink for my tree & ornaments—a playful yet elegant twist that still feels simple & cohesive.

To tie it all together, I’ve added some soft garlands, twinkling fairy lights, & a centerpiece on the dining table that complements the tree’s color palette.

Scent is also key for creating a cozy holiday atmosphere. A candle with notes of cinnamon, pine, or vanilla, or even a diffuser with essential oils (get my favorites from THE original essential oils company here) makes the home feel warm & inviting without going overboard.

5. Plan for Comfort & Entertainment

With my family coming over, I’m making sure there’s plenty of room for everyone to relax & enjoy themselves. Arranging the seating in the living room to encourage conversation is a must—after all, the best moments happen when everyone is gathered together.

I’m also curating a holiday playlist & pulling iout our favorite board games for those snug evenings in. & for quieter moments, I’m creating a little reading nook with a warm blanket & a stack of festive books.

6. Add the Final Touches

Before my guests arrive, I like to do one last walk-through of the house. I’ll fluff the pillows, light a few candles, & make sure the holiday lights are on to create a welcoming glow.

There’s nothing I love more than welcoming guests with a festive drink in hand! Whether it’s a cozy mug of hot cocoa piled high with whipped cream, some warm mulled cider, or a classic glass of eggnog, I’m all about setting the vibe perfectly.

Prepping for holiday guests doesn’t have to be stressful. The key is focusing on what matters most—creating a space where everyone feels comfortable & loved. This year, as I open my home to my family, I’m reminding myself to really soak in the little moments.

I hope these tips help you feel confident & excited to host this Christmas. & if you have any hosting tips of your own, I’d love for you to share them in the comments.

Wishing you a holiday season filled with warmth, joy, & love!

– L