There’s nothing like being home for the holidays! The season is filled with family, friends, traditions and lots of yummy food. Chances are, you’re opening your doors to house guests this holiday season for parties, family get-togethers or hosting a dinner or two.
Being the host with the most and welcoming guests with open arms is easier using our guide to prep your home!
Use Your Space
Incoming traffic entering your home with cold weather gear needs a place to store their heavy coats and winter boots. Clear up some space in your entryway hallway or closet to allow for any extra baggage or create a place to store keys or handbags easily. This will make the transition from outdoors to indoors a breeze.
Another way to use your space is creating an ambiance. Add holiday decor to your home to get everyone in the spirit! Bring the ambiance full circle by stocking up on holiday-scented candles and soaps to add a nice aroma.
Stock the Pantry
Thanks to crowds and traffic, making a trip to the store during the holidays can sometimes be a nightmare. Long before your guests arrive, stock the pantry with cooking and baking staples that you know you might need. Make a list ahead of time to help cut down on time. Also, it’s a good idea to have plenty of snacks for visiting picky eaters or small children. That way, if there’s a need to make a last-minute substitution or have an extra option on hand, you’ll have options for your guests.
Spruce Up Guest Areas
As your home is expecting a few new arrivals, making sure your guest bedrooms and bathrooms are ready for use is a good idea. Be certain that there are plenty of extra towels, rolls of toilet paper, and other essentials in the bathroom cabinets. Don’t forget to have fresh bed linens ready to go for your guests.
Add a Personal Touch
Making your guests feel like your house is a “home-away-from-home” is easy! Go the extra mile by creating a visitor package with spare toothbrushes, toothpaste, bandages or disposable nail files in case they forget them while packing. Adding tea packets, bite-size chocolates or a small snack to the package is a good finishing touch. They’ll appreciate the thought, even if the need for some of those items doesn’t arise.
Plan Group Activities
If your house guests are staying for a few days, planning a few holiday-centered group activities like cookie decorating, apple-picking or a family outing is a good way to keep the group together and entertained. This is also a great way to start new traditions!
Make Memories to Last
It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. One of the best things about the holidays is creating memories in your home! Be sure to take lots of pictures to remember all the fun.
Ready to make memories and host guests in a home to call your own? Connect with a PrimeLending loan expert to learn more about your purchasing options.
