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How to Prepare Your Home for Guests this Christmas
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As Christmas draws near, it’s time to start preparing your home for the arrival of family and friends. Embrace the Danish concept of ‘hygge,’ which is all about creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere and focusing on making your home a place where everyone feels relaxed and comfortable.
Whether you’re hosting overnight guests or planning a Christmas party, our top tips will help you set the stage for a season filled with joy, laughter, and magical memories.
8 Tips to Prepare Your Home for Hosting Guests this Christmas!
1) Create the Dream Guest Bedroom
Your guest bedroom should be a calming retreat where visitors can relax after a day full of festivities. Start by dressing the bed with fresh, crisp sheets, plenty of cushions, and soft throws to add layers of comfort and texture. A cosy rug underfoot and warm, gentle lighting from table lamps and fairy lights can set a tranquil and inviting atmosphere.
Don’t overlook the little details that show you care! Stock the room with essential toiletries, place a pair of slippers by the bed, and provide extra blankets for added luxury. Thoughtful touches like fresh flowers, a scented candle, or even a handwritten note can make your guests feel truly welcomed and cared for during their stay.
2) Open Up Your Hosting Area
When you’re hosting, creating an open, inviting atmosphere can make all the difference. Bifold and sliding doors are a fantastic way to bridge the gaps between different areas of your home, giving the space a brighter, more spacious feel. These doors bring in natural light and create a seamless connection between rooms, allowing everyone to feel part of the gathering. Picture a kitchen flowing effortlessly into a dining and living area, where those preparing food and drinks can still join in the laughter and conversation. Whether it’s extending your living room to the garden or linking your dining area with another space, these elegant doors help everyone mingle and enjoy time together.
3) Offer Plenty of Inviting Seating
Having enough seating for all your guests is essential to create a comfortable atmosphere during your Christmas party. No one should have to stand around or fight for a spot on the sofa or at the dining table! Consider adding extra chairs, ottomans, or even floor cushions to make sure there’s enough room for everyone. The more space you provide for guests to sit easily, the more relaxed and enjoyable the festivities will be.
4) Declutter to Make Your Home Feel More Welcoming
It’s easy to get caught up in the festive hustle and bustle, but taking some time to tidy up can do wonders for how welcoming your home feels. Clutter can make spaces feel smaller and less inviting, so take a few moments to clear surfaces and create organised areas for guests to store their coats, bags, and personal belongings. This simple task doesn’t take much time but goes a long way in making your home feel more spacious and comfortable.
5) Embrace Christmas Décor & a Festive Theme
Choosing a Christmas theme brings your décor together, creating a warm and festive atmosphere. Whether you prefer the timeless charm of red and green or the elegance of silver and white Christmas decorations, a consistent theme sets the tone for the season. Start at the entrance to welcome your guests in style! Decorate your front door with a seasonal wreath, add festoon lights along the path, and include potted plants or small evergreen trees for extra evergreen charm.
And, of course, the centrepiece of it all: a beautifully decorated Christmas tree. Whether traditional or modern, place it where it can be admired from different angles. Setting it near sliding or bifold doors is a lovely choice, as its twinkling lights can cast a magical glow both inside and out, spreading Christmas cheer throughout your home.
6) Set the Scene with Stunning Tablescapes
One of the highlights of a Christmas party is sharing delicious food, so your dining area should be a focal point of the celebration. Set the table with winter touches like pine branches, berries, or holly to bring in the spirit of the season. Candles can add warmth and a soft glow, creating a welcoming ambience for your guests, while using name cards or small Christmas decorations at each seat adds a personal touch.
Why not spark your guests’ creativity with a DIY drinks bar? They can mix their own cocktails, sample seasonal tipples, or savour festive classics like mulled wine and eggnog. Thoughtfully designing your table setting helps create a beautiful and inviting space where everyone can gather to enjoy delicious food and wonderful company.
7) Use Lighting to Create the Perfect Christmas Ambience
Lighting is one of the most important elements in creating the right ambience for your home. Instead of using bright overhead lights, consider using table lamps, fairy lights, or candles to set a warmer, more inviting tone. The soft glow of Christmas tree lights and candles will instantly make your home feel festive and relaxed.
Additionally, welcome natural light into your home with skylights, sliding doors, and bifold doors, to create a fresh and airy environment. As evening sets in, close them to keep the warmth in and enjoy the gentle glow of your indoor lighting, creating a cosy and inviting atmosphere.
8) Turn Your Outdoor Space into a Winter Wonderland
Even in winter, your garden or outdoor area can be a wonderful place to entertain. Hosting a Christmas party outside offers a unique way to celebrate with loved ones, especially if you have covered spaces with pergolas, carports, and verandas. Keep everyone cosy with outdoor heaters, blankets, or even the crackling warmth of a fire pit or bonfire for a more intimate setting.
Aluminium patio doors provide an easy flow between the warmth of your home and the crisp winter air, making it simple for guests to enjoy both spaces. With a touch of creativity add Christmas decorations to your outdoor area transforming it into a magical setting filled with joyful cheer. For more inspiration on making the most of your garden this season, check out the blog from our sister company, Exterior Spaces, experts in premium alfresco living products.
Home Improvements to Keep You Warm and Stylish This Christmas
The winter season is the perfect time to make your home even more comfortable for you and your guests. If the chill of winter is creeping in, it might be time to upgrade your insulation. Installing energy-efficient, thermally broken aluminium windows and doors can help keep the warmth inside and the cold outside, making your home feel inviting and snug. Plus, with sliding doors, bifold doors, and skylights, you’ll have a better view of your frosty garden or the winter night sky, adding to the festive atmosphere.
At Express, our aluminium products not only provide stunning views but also help keep your space warm with Low E performance double glazing and thermal break technology, allowing you to enjoy stunning views without feeling the chill. Book a design appointment today or visit one of our showrooms to discover how our range of premium aluminium products can redefine your home for Christmas.
