8 Quick Holiday Tips for Hosting | Fall Series Vol. 4

Thanksgiving week is here! Can you believe it? With just two days left until the big day, I’m sure that some of you are preparing to receive family, friends and loved ones for the holiday. And since this is such a busy week for many of us, I’m sharing a few quick ways that I like to prepare and make guests feel a little more special during their stay.

Keep reading …

Cozy Corners

From morning coffee and reading to post-dinner conversations with the family, creating comfortable spaces for downtime is so essential. It’s in these spaces that some of the best family memories are made. But for the early birds who wake up before everyone or for the night owls who bring in the rear (long after the family retires for the night), having a cozy corner to simply relax and unwind can make a huge difference in their comfort during the holiday stay. Line these types of spaces with plush blankets and throws, comfy pillows and task lighting (not too bright) to create an intimate and homey setting. Your guests will love it, and you’ll know this when they refuse to leave that perfectly cozy nook.

Bring The Outside In

The power of the flower. They say “give them their flowers while they are still here” and I totally agree. If you’ve been following my blog and my social, then you know how I feel about flowers. If not, click here. But just a little bouquet and the right vase can bring added life to a space. Flowers are known to have a positive impact on our mood and they also bring clean air into the home. So why not? While you’re out at your local grocer or Walmart, grab a cute floral arrangement or make your own bouquet(s) with a variety of stems. Then make it a focal point in your home. Voila!

A Lasting Legacy

In my family, I’m one of the relatives known for unapologetic photo snapping at family functions. I’m also the go-to person (months or years later) for captured memories. If a relative needs a pic from a past event or gathering, nine times out of ten, I’ve got it. A human photo vault. Lol! If you can relate to this, then you probably love a good throwback family picture. So this holiday, I challenge you to continue to tell your family’s story through treasured photos on display. Share the legacy with younger generations and reminisce on the past with the older generations with beautiful moments curated in assorted frames. Remember … a photo is worth a thousand words. Create the conversation!

Open Kitchen

It’s simple … this one is as plain as it gets. Having an open kitchen is one of the best ways I can make my guests feel at home. That is, they’ll never have to feel like they have to ask me for a beverage or a snack, or ask where something is. From the day they arrive, an the open fridge policy is extended and I try to give a quick run through of where everything is. Of course, there might be a “do you have” and “is there any” here and there. But it takes so much off of the host(s) to give guests free reign to get what they need, when they need it. It also makes them feel so much more at home during their stay. However, there’s only one exception. No guests in the kitchen while we’re cooking dinner. Ha!

Make a Splash

Cheers to the holiday season! While we’re toasting, let’s bounce right back to our quick open kitchen chat. Just as allowing guests to feel comfortable in the kitchen is important, so is making sure that you’ve stocked up on their favorite beverages. For my non-alcohol drinkers, this not only applies to wine and liquor beverages. My family stash has to include a few cases of cold Coca-Colas, Simply brand juices in all flavors, hazelnut and butter toffee flavored coffee, and lots and lots of bottled water. I also like to create a cute little holiday bar for guests to grab and go (bar cart still in progress). Add an ice bucket with fresh ice each day, and you’re good to go! Open kitchen. Open bar!

Stock Up a Pile

Pillows, pillows and more pillows — the more merrier. I like to keep decorative pillows, fresh sets of bed pillows and even some blankets dry cleaned and packed away (see how here) until the holiday season. I not only get to play up on my holiday/seasonal decor on a budget with the different pillows but they all come in handy when family visits. From cuddle time during a movie to sports watching with the entire fam, every last piece of added comfort comes in handy.

Send a Message

As much as I love the holiday season, I do have times when I struggle with the absence of loved ones I miss dearly. So to keep myself focused on the positive and to keep things in perspective, I like to place inspirational decor and positive affirmations throughout my home. During a very busy season, this is a great way to remind guests of what really matters. We never know what people might be going through and so even the most subtle gestures can have a lasting impact on their spirit during the season. It’s all about spreading joy and love right? Buy the cute pillow!

Bedside Manner

This is goodnight! After an amazing time celebrating the holiday, pamper your guests with a vignette of relaxation products. From soothing aromatherapy oils and candles, to pillow mist and eye pillows, they’ll be happy to indulge. Besides, who doesn’t love a good night’s rest? The better their sleep, the better the company you’ll have to keep. Oh! … and don’t forget the flowers.

Happy holiday hosting and thanks for reading luvs! xoxo