How to Get Your Home Ready for the Holidays: Decor Tips & Guest Room Essentials

 

As the holiday season approaches, there’s an undeniable magic in the air. It’s a time to gather with loved ones, share special meals, and create cherished memories. But before fully embracing the season’s warmth, your home must be holiday-ready. From creating a cozy ambiance to preparing guest rooms for overnight visitors, every detail matters. Here’s a complete guide to getting your home holiday-ready, Martha Stewart style.

1. Create a Festive First Impression

The entryway is your home’s first impression, so make it count. Greet guests with a front porch display that’s both festive and inviting. Here’s how to achieve a show-stopping entrance:

• Seasonal Wreath: A lush wreath made from fresh evergreens, pinecones, or berries instantly signals that the holidays have arrived. Add a velvet ribbon in classic red, gold, or icy blue for an elegant touch.

• Doorway Accents: Frame your front door with garland or twinkling string lights. Add natural elements like eucalyptus, holly, or dried oranges for a sophisticated, fragrant look.

• Layered Doormats: For a layered, cozy feel, combine a large, patterned outdoor rug with a smaller seasonal mat.

2. Deck the Halls with Intentional Decor

Once inside, the holiday decor should feel cohesive and thoughtful and reflect your style. Here’s how to achieve that “wow” factor in every room:

• Themed Color Palette: Choose a consistent color palette that runs through your home. Classic red and green are timeless, but don’t avoid more modern combinations like gold and navy or blush pink and champagne.

• Statement Centerpieces: Elevate your dining table with a seasonal centerpiece. A long, low arrangement of fresh greenery, candles, and natural accents like pomegranates or artichokes creates a dramatic yet natural display.

• Cozy Textiles: Swap out your everyday pillows, throws, and curtains for more plush, seasonal fabrics. Think chunky knits, velvet cushions, and faux fur throws in rich, warm hues.

• Seasonal Scents: Nothing says “holidays” like the smell of fresh pine, cinnamon, or orange clove. Light seasonal candles, simmer a stovetop potpourri or add a diffuser with holiday-inspired essential oils.

3. Trim the Tree Like a Pro

The Christmas tree is the heart of holiday decor, so make it a focal point of your home. Here’s how to give it that “designer” touch:

• Layered Lighting: Start with lights—and lots of them. Wrap each branch from trunk to tip for a bright and even glow.

• Ornament Strategy: Use a mix of sizes, shapes, and textures for ornaments. Larger ornaments should go on the bottom, and smaller ones should go on the top. Don’t forget to “tuck” deeper into the tree for added depth.

• Tree Topper & Skirt: Finish with a stunning tree topper—a star, ribbon, or angel. Then, ground the look with a tree skirt or collar that coordinates with your color scheme.

  
  

  
  
  
  

4. Prepare a Cozy Guest Room

If you’re hosting friends or family overnight, a well-prepared guest room can make them feel like they’re staying at a boutique hotel. Here’s how to create a guest experience they’ll remember:

• Fresh Linens: Swap out old sheets for crisp, fresh ones. Opt for flannel sheets or a plush quilt to warm guests on chilly nights.

• Guest Basket: Create a welcome basket with thoughtful touches like bottled water, snacks, a sleep mask, mini toiletries, and a handwritten welcome note.

• Extra Blankets & Pillows: Provide an assortment of pillows with varying firmness levels so guests can choose their comfort. Fold an extra throw blanket at the end of the bed.

• Bedside Essentials: Make sure the nightstand has a small lamp, a charging station, and a few good books or magazines.

• Closet & Luggage Space: Clear out space in the closet or provide a luggage rack so guests have a place to store their belongings.

5. Ready the Kitchen for Holiday Feasts

The kitchen is the heart of holiday celebrations. Ensure it’s organized, stocked, and ready to handle the influx of cooking and baking that’s about to unfold.

• Stock the Pantry: Holiday meals often call for specialty ingredients—make sure you’re stocked with baking staples like flour, sugar, spices, and vanilla extract.

• Prep Cooking Tools: Check that you have all the essential kitchen tools like baking sheets, roasting pans, measuring cups, and mixers in working order.

• Organize the Refrigerator: Clean out old items to make space for large platters, baked goods, and holiday leftovers.

• Holiday Serveware: Bring out seasonal plates, serving platters, and glassware. Polish any silverware that’s been tucked away.

6. Set the Scene with Lighting & Music

Nothing creates ambiance like lighting and music. Make your home feel like a holiday wonderland with a few thoughtful additions:

• Dim the Lights: Use dimmers or switch out bulbs for warm, soft lighting. Add candles in varying heights to create a glow.

• String Lights Everywhere: Not just for the tree—string lights can be used on mantels, bookshelves, and staircases for a magical effect.

• Seasonal Playlist: Create a curated holiday playlist with a mix of classics and modern hits. Keep it playing softly in the background for an inviting vibe.

  7. Kid-Friendly Holiday Touches

  If you’re hosting children, ensure your holiday decor is beautiful and functional. Here’s how to keep them entertained and engaged:

  • Craft Corner: Set up a small crafting station with supplies for making ornaments, paper snowflakes, or holiday cards.

  • Holiday Treats: Leave a plate of cookies or a “build-your-own” hot cocoa bar with toppings like marshmallows, candy canes, and chocolate shavings.

  • Storytime Corner: Create a reading nook with holiday-themed books, cozy pillows, and soft lighting.

  8. Keep the Bathroom “Guest-Ready”

  Guest bathrooms should be clean, fresh, and fully stocked. Here’s how to keep yours ready for holiday visitors:

  • Fresh Towels: Provide a set of fluffy, freshly laundered towels for guests. Fold them neatly or roll them into a basket.

  • Essential Supplies: Stock extra toilet paper, hand soap, and tissues where guests can easily find them.

  • Seasonal Accents: Add small holiday touches, such as a festive soap dispenser, seasonal hand towels, or a holiday-scented candle.

  • Quick Cleaning Kit: Store a small cleaning kit under the sink so you can quickly tidy up as needed.

    
    

    
    
    
    

  9. Final Touches & Hospitality Must-Haves

  Finally, don’t overlook the little details that can significantly impact you. These small touches bring the holiday spirit full circle:

  • Scented Candles: Light candles with warm, holiday-inspired scents like cinnamon, pine, or vanilla.

  • Personal Touches: Add framed family photos, handmade ornaments, or personal mementos to infuse warmth and nostalgia.

  • Prepare for Last-Minute Guests: Keep extra wrapped gifts for surprise visitors—a bottle of wine, homemade jam, or a small holiday candle make great gifts.

  The Bottom Line

  Getting your home ready for the holidays doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By focusing on intentional decor, cozy guest spaces, and thoughtful details, you’ll create a warm, welcoming environment that’s both beautiful and functional. Embrace the spirit of the season, and remember, the love and warmth of home make the holidays unforgettable. Now, light those candles, grab a cup of cocoa, and let the holiday magic begin.