Hosting during the holidays is fun and exciting. You gather all your closest friends and family and serve them good food and drinks to celebrate the season. It doesn’t come without some type of planning stress though. You have to clean your home, plan a menu, and make sure your space is ready to accommodate company. 

No need to worry, these ideas will help you prepare your home for the ultimate holiday get-together, plus they won’t cost you a fortune and your guests will surely be wowed. 

1. Decorate Your Entryway

When guests arrive at your home, the first thing they see will be the exterior of your house. If you can, decorate with Christmas lights, and add lanterns along the walkway to the door. Illuminate your front door with a light, and consider adding a wreath, trees, or other holiday decorations that are fit for outside. Your guests will appreciate the festive touch, and will get them excited for the festivities ahead! 

In the entryway, make sure you have a spot for guests to place their shoes and jackets. Add holiday scents with candles, pine cones, or balsam. A warm greeting for your guests will start your holiday get-together off on the right note.

2. Create a Cozy Kitchen 

The kitchen is where a lot of the prep work and the serving will most likely take place. You want it to feel warm, but also set up accordingly to make cooking efficient. Start by decorating with garland and lights around the windows, and add small holiday details like dish towels, a Christmas kitchen rug, and small decorations on the windowsill to tie everything together. If you have a coffee or hot cocoa bar, add Christmas mugs and signs. A unique idea is to create a garland with dried fruit for a fun and festive decoration! 

If you have a kitchen island and plan to do a lot of hosting in that space, this might be a good time to update the lighting fixtures in your kitchen. The right lighting will enhance the mood and create a welcoming atmosphere. If your kitchen does not have an island, consider renovating to add one. An island helps with cooking and creates a space for your guests to gather. 

If you plan to make larger home updates before your holiday get-together, have a plan of what you want to do and create a budget. Utilize store sales, and coupons, and stick to your shopping list. Research credit cards with cash-back programs or consider using the equity in your home by taking just the funds you need with a HELOC. This will allow you to make the updates you need without messing up your credit.

3. Plan Table Settings 

If you are just hosting drinks and appetizers for your holiday get-together, set up the food and beverages where it is easily accessible like the kitchen or dining room. Make sure to have adequate seating for guests. Also, purchase festive napkins, and label any food or drinks being served. This is a great opportunity to set up a drink station where guests can make their own beverages as they wish. 

If you are hosting a full dinner, you have lots of flexibility in how you can decorate your table. Make your guests feel special by personalizing each setting with a name card, cute decorations, and a small gift they can take home with them. Some ideas are hot cocoa, a personalized tree ornament, or chocolates. 

Just like in the kitchen, you want to have an atmosphere that is inviting and warm. Add candles, lights, or even a small holiday tree to the dining room. Try to pick a theme and stick to specific elements of the colors and design. Popular holiday themes are evergreen, reindeer, farmhouse, and plaid.     

4. Design a relaxing seating area

The food and drinks you serve may be the highlight of your holiday get-together, but having a space for guests to sit back and relax post-meal is equally important. If you plan on gathering in your living room, rearrange the furniture to maximize space. Add extra chairs or ottomans for guests to sit on.

Make sure to have side tables and coasters around your home for people to set down their drinks. If you plan on playing group games or having a present exchange, make sure your tree is the focal point and place the seating around it. A few fun entertainment ideas are a white elephant gift exchange, holiday trivia, or Christmas charades.

If you have guests that will be staying with you after the holiday get-together, make sure to have your guest space prepared with fresh linens and towels. Incorporate some Christmas decorations in your guest room to help make them feel at home. 

Being the host of your friends and family’s holiday get-together can be a lot of work, but it is worth it when you see all your loved ones celebrating and having a good time. By following these ideas and taking a few extra steps to make your home comfortable and accommodating to guests, you will no doubt be voted as the best holiday host!