Get Your Southern Home Holiday Ready Without the Stress
Get Your Home Holiday-Guest Ready Without the Stress
Well, it’s that time of year again! The leaves are falling-kinda, the air’s a little crisper, and soon enough, your front door will be swinging open to welcome holiday guests. Whether it’s your in-laws, best friends from way back, or a gaggle of cousins you only see once a year, having company over is part of what makes the holidays so special.
But let’s face it—getting the house ready for guests can be overwhelming. If you’re feeling more “WHERE DO I EVEN START?” than “Deck the halls!”, don’t worry. I’ve got some simple tips to help you get your home cozy, tidy, and ready for all those MERRY moments.
1. Start with the Spaces They’ll Use Most
This is NOT the time to deep-clean your attic or alphabetize your pantry (unless you really want to-but sipping eggnog while enjoying your tree is a MUCH better idea!). Focus on the areas your guests will actually see and use:
• The Entryway: Make sure it’s welcoming. Clear away any clutter and set out a rug or mat to catch any debris (And keep your floors cleaner!). If you’ve got a festive wreath, (If you’re Southern, you have at LEAST 3) now’s the time to hang it up.
• The Guest Room (or Space): Clean sheets, fresh towels, and a little space to unpack are the basics but Southern hospitality is all about going the extra mile! Add a touch of charm with a small basket of travel-size toiletries -like shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste and maybe even a spare toothbrush-just in case your guest forgets something. It’s the little details that say, “You’re welcome here!”
• The Bathroom: Nice scented soap, a fresh hand towel, and a scented candle can make even the smallest bathroom feel spa-like. Extra toilet paper is a must! I keep pretty bottles of shampoo, conditioner, body wash and lotion in the bathroom for overnight guests.
2. Declutter Like You’re Hosting Santa Himself
Now, don’t panic—I’m not saying you need to make your entire house look like no one lives there!. But taking 10-15 minutes a day to tackle clutter hotspots (like the kitchen counters or coffee table) can make your home feel instantly more put-together.
Pro tip: Stand in your doorway and get a glimpse of their first view of your home. Not ready…see the next pro tip!!
Pro tip: Grab a laundry basket, toss in anything that’s out of place, and stash it away in a closet until after the holidays. Nobody’s going to judge you for that—we’ve all done it!
3. Set Up a Snack Station
One thing I’ve learned? Guests love a little self-serve setup. Put together a tray or basket with community coffee pods, tea bags, hot cocoa, and a few snacks like pralines, pecans or cookies. Add a few mugs and napkins, and you’ve got yourself a cozy little corner where guests can help themselves.
4. Add a Dash of Holiday Magic
Get that wreath out of the wreath closet! You don’t need to go full-on Griswold with the decorations, but a few festive touches will make your home feel extra special. Think twinkle lights, stockings on the mantle, a wreath on the door with a monogram sash or even just a vase of fresh greenery. It’s the little things that say, “Welcome, we’re glad you’re here!”
5. Don’t Forget the Fridge
If your guests are staying overnight, stock up on breakfast basics—eggs, bread, fruit, cereal and maybe a little something sweet. And while you’re at it, make sure you’ve got their favorite drinks on hand. Nothing says “I thought of you” like a fridge stocked with Diet Coke or that eggnog your sister loves.
6. Relax and Enjoy the Moment
Here’s the most important tip of all: Don’t sweat the small stuff. Your guests are here to see YOU, not inspect your baseboards. Light a candle, put on some holiday music, and focus on making memories.
If all else fails, just remember: A warm smile and a old fashioned can cover a multitude of sins. Now go pour yourself a cup of something yummy—you’ve got this!
And if all this still feels like too much, you know where to find me. Visit www.chaosorganizing.com to learn how we can help get your home in tip-top shape, so you can spend less time stressing and more time enjoying the season.
Say Goodbye to Chaos. Step into a New Year of Order and Calm.
We have gift certificates that make great Christmas Gifts!
Martha-Carol Stewart
225-205-6400