Hosting family and friends for the holidays is a great way to catch up with loved ones and bring cheer to your home.
And while hosting holiday guests can be fun, it can also be stressful and overwhelming.
But with some preparation and planning, having guests for the holidays can be well worth the work.
Here are some tips to help you host your holiday guests.
Know your guests
Whether you have two or twelve guests coming over for the holidays, it’s essential to prepare for their basic needs. Ask about any special accommodations, such as food allergies or sleeping arrangements.
Tidy up
With guests coming over, cleaning is a necessity. Prepare to clean each room as thoroughly as possible. Ask your immediate family to help or hire a cleaning service to help you prepare your home for the holidays.
Stock your home
To save trips and things to do once guests arrive, stock your home with needed essentials. This includes paper towels, napkins, toilet tissue and other necessities. You will also need enough pillows, bed sheets and blankets for your guests.
Stocking your pantry with your guests’ favorites will make them feel at home. Include their favorite snacks, desserts and grab-and-go items. This will also help you from having to create food plans for every meal.
One-pot meal
After a long day of traveling, a nice hot meal is a great way to welcome your guests to your home. This is where a one-pot meal comes in handy. Not only does it save you time and dishes, but it also serves as a warm welcome to your home. This is a great time to make your best chili, soup or one-pot pasta meal.
Set up a bar cart
A bar cart is a fun and festive holiday addition for your guests. Give it a holiday theme by having hot chocolate or Christmas coffee flavors. Add your favorite libations with candy canes, peppermint and cinnamon sticks. Your guests will enjoy the festive treats.
Prepare the bathroom
Bath towels are needed for your guests. Be sure to have enough and places for them to hang dry. Your guests will bring toiletries, but someone will undoubtedly forget something in their suitcase. So be sure to have extra bath soap, lotion, shower caps and anything else your guests may need. Don’t forget to buy extra toilet tissue as well.
Make sleeping arrangements
Making sure you have enough beds for your guests ahead of time is important. Take into account your available beds and couches. If you need additional space, pick up an air mattress from a local store that can be put away when not in use. Be sure you have enough blankets and pillows as well.
Find extra space
If you don’t have a designated guest room, making space throughout your home will help to keep it organized while it is filled with a few extra people. Clear out a closet or two so guests have somewhere to hang clothes or store luggage. A few empty drawers can help store clothes or other necessities.
Need extra tables and chairs for meals? Pick up folding chairs and tables so that everyone can share meals.
Plan group activities
Show off what makes your city special by planning activities for your guests. Museums, art galleries and aquariums are for all ages. Include your favorite restaurants and a few pubs and bars for adult family and friends.
Schedule downtime
While hosting friends and family, it is essential to take care of yourself as well. Permit yourself for things not to be perfect. Don’t feel pressured to plan every minute of each day your guests are in town. If the group wants to do an activity you’re not interested in, use it as an opportunity to catch up on some needed rest or a book that you’ve been reading.
Hosting holiday guests can bring memories and good times to the end of the year. May you and your family be filled with love that carries you into the new year.
