Prepare Your Space for Holiday Guests
The holiday season is filled with celebration, connection, and welcoming loved ones into your home. Hosting should feel joyful, not stressful—and with a few thoughtful updates, you can create a guest-ready space that feels both inviting and beautifully designed. At Jill Rae Designs, we believe the details make the difference. Here’s our designer-approved checklist to prepare your home for holiday visitors.
Start with the Guest Bedroom
Make your guests feel like a priority, not an afterthought. A well-prepared guest room instantly makes friends and family feel at home.
Design tips
Fresh linens: Layer crisp sheets with a cozy quilt or throw for warmth and comfort.
Extra pillows: Offer a variety of firmness levels so guests can choose what suits them best.
Bedside essentials: Add a lamp, alarm clock, water carafe, and a small dish for jewelry or keys.
Thoughtful extras: Print your Wi-Fi password, leave a blanket scarf, or provide a local guidebook for nearby coffee shops and boutiques.
Elevate the Guest Bath
Even a small bath can feel like a boutique hotel with the right touches.
Design tips
Fluffy towels: Stock fresh bath and hand towels, neatly folded or rolled.
Toiletry basket: Include travel-size shampoo, conditioner, soap, and toothpaste.
Scent: Keep it subtle—think cedar, fig, or bergamot diffusers.
Finishing touches: A small vase of greenery or seasonal flowers instantly refreshes the space.
Create a Cozy Living Room for Gatherings
The living room is where memories are made—whether opening gifts, playing games, or lingering over cocktails.
Design tips
Layered textiles: Add extra throws and accent pillows for both style and comfort.
Ambient lighting: Use table and floor lamps in addition to overhead lighting for warmth.
Conversation-ready layout: Arrange seating to encourage easy conversation.
Styling tip: Keep the coffee table simple—tray, books, candle, and a natural seasonal accent.
Kitchen & Dining: Function Meets Festivity
The heart of the home deserves both beauty and efficiency.
Design tips
Pantry prep: Stock baking staples and holiday spices in clear, labeled canisters.
Dining table: Layer a runner over a base cloth, add low centerpieces, and stagger candle heights.
Serving pieces: Make sure platters, carving boards, and trivets are accessible ahead of time.
Bar station: A designated drink area keeps traffic out of the kitchen while you’re cooking.
Little Luxuries That Go a Long Way
The smallest touches often leave the biggest impression.
A welcome note or card in the guest room
Seasonal slippers by the door
A coffee or tea station in the kitchen
Fresh greenery or a simple holiday arrangement in common spaces
Background music that sets the tone without overwhelming conversation
Final Prep: Your Holiday Hosting Checklist
Vacuum and dust high-traffic areas
Test lightbulbs and outlets in guest spaces
Declutter surfaces in entry, kitchen, and living room
Place a few seasonal accents (but don’t overcrowd)
Chill beverages and prep guest snacks the day before
Hosting Should Feel as Good as It Looks
Preparing your space for holiday guests isn’t about perfection—it’s about creating an atmosphere of warmth, ease, and connection. With intentional design choices and thoughtful details, you can welcome loved ones into a home that feels both comfortable and beautifully styled.