STEP 5: PREPARE GUEST ACCOMMODATIONS
STEP 8: INVENTORY YOUR SUPPLIES
Once you have a rough idea of who you’ll be hosting, start setting up sleeping areas, whether that’s pulling down the Murphy bed, blowing up air mattresses in the basement, or putting sheets on the hide-a-bed. Be sure to provide pillows and plenty of blankets. Extra touches might include a white noise machine, a phone charger, a bedside lamp, reading materials, and slippers. In the guest bathroom, stock up on clean towels, toilet paper, hand soap, and a few small personal hygiene items like toothpaste and shampoo. STEP 6: ADD THE FESTIVE TOUCHES You’re not only welcoming guests into your home, but you’re also celebrating the holidays together. Decorate the space with your choice of lighting, wreaths, centerpieces, wall hangings, and other decor pieces. Along with the sights of the holiday, put on a pot of homemade potpourri made from a mixture of citrus rinds, berries, and cinnamon sticks and queue up the holiday music. If you’re planning to share gifts, it’s never too early to get them wrapped and ready.
If you’ll be having formal meals, take an inventory of your chairs, dishes, glassware, and utensils. Borrow or rent additional items well in advance. For additional seating, dig out the card tables or place a board across two sawhorses. Ensure you have enough tablecloths, as well as napkins. Also, gear up ice production or buy a few bags if you have freezer space to store them. If refrigerator space is limited, prep a cooler for beverages or as overflow for food storage.
STEP 9: SAFETY & ACCESSIBILITY CHECKS
If you’ll be hosting children or pets, be sure to prepare the space accordingly to keep them safe. Tie up curtains and electronic cords, gate off stairways, and provide a portable crib if you have one. Also, lock up sharp and poisonous items. If you have tables with sharp corners, consider moving them to another space. If you have pets of your own, figure out a way to separate food bowls before other pets arrive. For pets that prefer to spend time alone, create a space in a quiet area where they can retreat. If guests have mobility issues, be sure to tape down rugs or remove them. Also, widen walkways to make room for walkers and eliminate common tripping hazards. You may also want to add a few motion lights in hallways and the bathroom to aid guests when they get up during the night.
STEP 7: PLAN SOME ACTIVITIES
You don’t have to entertain your guests every minute, but it’s nice to have some supplies ready if everyone wants to have a game night or is looking for an outdoor activity. For example, you could have a few cookie decorating or gingerbread house kits for the kids, or you could dust off the snowshoes or football, depending on the weather where you live. During the downtime, you can make an easily accessible movie playlist or check the community events calendar to see what’s going on nearby.
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