With Christmas lights adorning the neighborhood, holiday music playing in stores, and tacky Christmas sweaters becoming a wardrobe staple, that can only mean one thing: the holidays are here! It also means that you may be hosting loved ones soon. Make the most of the holiday season with these hosting tips from Norm Hughes Homes! Whether you’re hosting for the first time or just looking to add a special touch to your guest’s stay, we’re here to help you prepare for the holidays.
Daily Essentials and Extra Blankets
Some of the easiest things to forget when packing are daily essentials. Ensure the bathroom is stocked with travel-sized (or even full-sized) toiletries like shampoo, conditioner, body wash, toothpaste, and any other necessities your guests might require. This will prevent any stress they may experience if they realize they forgot to pack certain items.
To make your guests feel even more at home, provide plenty of extra pillows and blankets in their room. Your guests will not only be warmer in this cold season, but it’ll also save them the hassle of bothering you for extras. And on that note, make sure to wash all of the towels and bedding before your guests arrive!
Child-Proofing If Necessary
If your guests have little ones coming to stay with them, it’s essential to child-proof your home before their arrival. This can look like covering up electrical outlets with caps, adding a baby gate to the stairs, placing child locks on cabinets, covering sharp edges with corner guards (don’t forget the fireplace!), and securing heavy objects or furniture in place. Consider also blocking off the oven from curious, little hands. Not only will this result in a safer environment for children, but it’ll also help your guests feel more relaxed since they won’t have to worry about a potential accident. You may even consider providing toys to keep the kids entertained or a portable crib for infants. Gestures like these will especially mean a lot to young parents who are traveling with their small children for the first time.
Lifestyle Accommodations and Dietary Restrictions
Be prepared to accommodate your guests if they have mobility restrictions or need additional assistance in certain rooms of the house. This means making sure they‘re staying in a bedroom on the main floor, providing accessible bathroom tools like a shower seat and grab bar, clearing pathways between different areas of the home, and communicating with guests beforehand about what they need to be comfortable.
Make sure to double-check with your loved ones before their stay to see if they have any dietary preferences or restrictions. Prepare ahead of time and make beloved recipes gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, or provide tasty alternatives. This way, they can enjoy special meals with the whole family and not have to worry about anything on the table potentially upsetting their stomachs.
Going the Extra Mile
Some personalized care goes a long way, and small things can really make your guests feel at home. Consider adorning their room with holiday-themed bedding and decorations for festive cheer, or you could surprise them with a little treat basket that has all of their favorite snacks, candy, and refreshments. Other ideas include gifting them a personalized ornament, reserving a special seat for them at the dinner table, or giving them cozy slippers to wear around the house. The options are endless!
Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff
Some of us want everything to go perfectly and play out exactly how we imagined. However, it’s important to stay flexible and remain calm if things don’t go according to plan. Remember that your guests are there to spend time with you and create cherished memories together. At the end of the day, accidentally putting a eucalyptus candle in the bathroom when they prefer lavender is not something to worry about and certainly won’t make or break their stay. Focus on the present and making the most of your precious time together.
Get a Free Estimate on Any Home Renovation with Norm Hughes Homes
Your home is a safe haven for loved ones and guests during this holiday season. What if you could make hosting easier with a home renovation like a larger kitchen, entertainment room, or enclosed porch? Gift yourself a well-deserved, customized home renovation from Norm Hughes Homes! We offer FREE consultations and estimates on any home project and are here to help make home your favorite place to be. Happy holidays from Norm Hughes Homes!
