The holidays are coming, and with them come the houseguests. You do not need a remodel, a new sofa or a three-day cleaning spree to get ready. A handful of small, well-chosen things will make your home feel warm and put together, and make your guests feel expected. Here is the order I would tackle it in.
Start where they sleep
If you only do one thing, do the guest bed. It is the space a visitor uses for the most hours, and it is where they will notice what is missing. These are the touches I use in vacation rentals, and they work just as well for family.
Two pillow densities, one soft and one firm, so nobody has to ask.
Fresh sheets and a cozy blanket at the foot of the bed for the cold sleepers.
Fresh towels, folded on the bed or on the towel rack, with a little note letting guests know they have been washed and are ready to use.
A lamp or a sconce within reach of the bed, with a 2700K bulb for a warm, flattering glow.
A glass and a small carafe of water, and a phone charger that reaches the pillow.
A box of tissues on the nightstand. It is a small thing that always gets used.
Somewhere to put a suitcase. A bench or an ottoman at the foot of the bed does the job and looks good doing it.
A few empty hangers and a hook or two on the back of the door.
Let the pillows do the heavy lifting
I will be honest, I am not a person who swaps pillows out for the holidays. But if you like a seasonal touch, pillows are the easiest way to do it. Swapping covers takes about ten minutes and changes the whole feeling of a space.
Stay in your palette. Deep green, burgundy, rust and cream feel festive without trying too hard.
Go for texture: mohair, velvet or Mongolian lamb.
Look for a graphic print in your colors with a hint of gold or bronze.
My favorite is a pillow with fringe or some kind of fun trim. Soho Home has great ones you can buy right off their site.
Mix in a vintage pillow or two. It adds a collected, one-of-a-kind feel.
If you love animal print, choose one with a little gold and a rich texture, like raised velvet, so it reads luxe.
Keep the inserts and swap the covers. They fold flat in a drawer come January.
Add a throw on the sofa and another at the foot of the guest bed. Guests will use them.
Holiday decor that looks like it lives here
Holiday decor should look like it belongs in your home, not like it was delivered to it. A few rules I follow:
Choose a palette first. Two or three colors, then stick with them.
Start outside. A garland on the front porch says welcome before anyone steps in the door.
A prelit garland up the stair railing is one of my favorites. It gives the whole entry a glow.
Red velvet bows are fun, and they can be done tastefully. Keep them to a few and tie them in with your palette.
Bring in natural things: branches, greenery, citrus, pinecones and candles. They are inexpensive, they smell good, and they look collected.
Decorate where people look: the entry, the dining table, the mantel or a console, and the guest room. Skip the rooms no one will see.
Style in groups of three at different heights. Mini bottle brush trees are perfect for this, and vintage stores often carry them. A Rare Bird has a nice collection.
Holiday lights are not really my thing, but hey, do your own thing.
The hosting basics guests remember
These are the unglamorous things that make a house feel easy to be in.
A landing spot at the front door: hooks, or a bench with a basket for shoes and bags.
Enough places to sit. Poufs, stools and a dining chair pulled up to the sofa all count.
Warm, dimmable light. Lamps and candles beat overheads, and a lamp in the corner makes a room better by evening.
A drink spot. A tray with glasses, an ice bucket and a few bottles, set where it will not block the kitchen.
A guest bath that feels like a hotel: fresh towels, a hand towel, Q-tips and cotton balls, a candle, a spare roll of toilet paper where they can see it, and a small trash can with a liner.
Coasters. Put them out before anyone has to ask.
The 20-minute reset
The day before guests arrive, walk through your home the way a guest would. Come in the front door. Sit where they will sit. Check the guest room and the bath.
Then clear the entry, turn on the lamps, light a candle, fill the water carafe and start a playlist. That is it. It does not need to be perfect, just warm, clean and welcoming.
If you would like a hand getting your home ready for guests, from the guest room to the pillows to the little details, I would love to help. Book a complimentary discovery call and let's talk through your space.
