Hosting for the Holidays

I love hosting, especially during the holidays. It’s all about creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere, filled with joy, laughter, and unforgettable moments. I know it can be a bit overwhelming at times, trying to make sure everything is just right for my guests. But don’t worry, I have some fantastic tips and tricks that will help us all sail through holiday hosting with ease. From setting the perfect ambiance to making guests feel right at home, here are a few of my favorite things to do to make sure it’s a celebration to remember.

Five Tips for Hosting for the Holidays:

1. Make your home check-in ready.

There is truly no better feeling than coming into a hotel or guest room and seeing crisp sheets on a perfectly made bed. A magazine sitting on the bedside table with a carafe filled with water and maybe a little dish of treats. When prepping our guest room for guests I make sure our luggage rack is out, sheets have been pressed (with my favorite steamer), and tightly tucked.

2. A little bathroom refresh.

A set of fresh towels, a little candle, and new hand soap are the perfect setup in a guest bathroom. Just like in a hotel I like to stock my guest bath with plenty of possibly forgotten toiletries (toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo, etc.) These acrylic containers help to keep things like Q-tips, cotton balls, and other small toiletries organized.

Towels // vase // books // rattan bar cart // pajamas

3. Stock the pantry.

Everyone loves snacks! I often ask my guest before they arrive what their favorite snacks are so I can have them on hand! I also make sure to cut fresh fruit & cheese and have that in the fridge or on the counter for an easy bite or impromptu graze board. While my husband and I love our espresso every morning, we have friends and family who love their drip coffee. We always make sure to pull out our Keurig or Nespresso for them to use as well as have all kinds of creamers and milks well stocked! Because nobody likes waking up without their fresh cup!

Another important note is to make sure you cater to your guest’s drinks requested. Whether it’s a specific wine or spirit they enjoy or flavored sparkle water they like to have, a well-stocked bar is a necessity.

4. Make your guest feel right at home.

You always want to make sure your guests feel right at home – and a few of my favorite ways to do that is making sure your guests don’t feel lost in your home. I love to provide a little frame with our wifi password and other information (we use this printout). Leaving an extra key to the front door with a cute keychain is also a fun addition. We also have a little note by our TV that we pull out for guests (and babysitters) that explains the TV remotes as I feel like these days they are multiplying.

5. Bring the host a gift.

My last tip for hosting for the holidays isn’t if you are the one welcoming guests into your home but rather one where you are the guest! I always love to bring a small gift when invited to a friend or family member’s home. One of my favorites to bring is a cute dishtowel wrapped around a bottle of wine or champagne. I have rounded up a few of my favorite gifts below if you need any ideas!