The holiday season is in full swing, and it truly is the most magical time of the year! If you are planning for loved ones visiting for the holidays, either by putting them up for the weekend (check out my '9 Tips To Help You Host Like A Pro' for overnight guests), or just hosting an evening soireé, I hope these tips will help you to be the jolliest host this holiday season.
Outdoor Lighting
Being sure to have plenty of light guiding the way to your door is key when hosting. This not only helps your guests to feel welcome from the moment they arrive, but it keeps them safe as well, especially if you live in the icy Midwest like me. Whether you've completely decked the halls with Christmas lights or are taking a more minimal approach, your guests will appreciate a well-lit path welcoming them to your home. You can even take it a step further and use this as the perfect excuse to switch out some of those outdated exterior light fixtures!
A Well-Shoveled Path
Just as it's important to have enough light guiding the way to your home, you want to be sure that the path from where they're parking their cars to your front door is clear of snow and ice. Nothing puts a damper on your holiday spirit like taking a fall when you arrive. Keep your guests safe by shoveling and salting the walkway so that everyone can start their celebration off on the right foot!
A Spot For Shoes + Coats
If you're in a snowy climate like me (I see you Minnesotans!), then you know all too well the layers of coats, scarves, hats, and boots that we're bundling up in each time we leave the house. When arriving, your guests will need a spot to drop their things, and maybe even a surface to set a dish they've brought to pass or their favorite wine to share as they remove the winter layers upon entering your home. Whether it's a temporary set up for your holiday party, or a permanent year-round solution, having a designated place for guests to place their belongings will help them to feel comfortable and taken care of from the moment they step into your home.
Drinks + Appetizers
What is more welcoming than offering a drink in hand and a bite to eat the moment your guests enter your home? Whether you're the type to make a crafted signature cocktail and gorgeous antipasto display, or more akin to swinging by the liquor store for a bottle of wine and store-bought meat and cheese tray, your guests will appreciate your preparedness and feel as though you've thought of everything!
Step Up Your Table Setting
Whether you want to go all out with a beautiful tablescape or wish to keep it simple with a small centerpiece, holiday charger plate + napkin ring at each placesetting, gathering around a festive table in whatever capacity you choose will keep your guests in the holiday spirit all throughout the night.
Create A Holiday Music Playlist
Have your guests rocking around the Christmas tree or relaxing fireside with festive tunes playing throughout the night. You can create your own playlist, or let Pandora or Spotify do the work for you! Either way your guests will have a holly jolly good time while holiday music fills the air.
Do The Work Ahead of Time!
Both you and your guests will benefit from you having taken care of the task work before they arrive. Spending your night prepping and cleaning will take you away from the festivities that you've worked so hard to put on, so be sure to finish any tasks that need completing ahead of time so that you can be fully present with your loved ones during this magical time of year.
I hope that these helpful tips and tricks will help you to be the host with the most this holiday season! If you're hosting overnight guests, don't forget to check out my 9 Tips To Host Like A Pro! I've even created a FREE downloadable graphic to help you display your WIFI password for your guests in style!
Click here to get the free download sent straight to your inbox!
Do you have any best practices for hosting? I'd love to hear them, let me know in the comments below!