How to Get Your Home Guest Ready

As the holiday season approaches, many of us anticipate hosting more guests than usual. It’s the perfect time to ensure your home is welcoming and well-prepared so you and your guests can relax and enjoy quality time together. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or accommodating overnight visitors, creating special touches in key areas of your home can make all the difference. From fresh linens to thoughtful decor, here are our favorite tips for getting your home guest-ready.

The kitchen is the heart of the home and often the hub of holiday gatherings. Start by styling fresh flowers or greenery in a vase on your island to add a natural, inviting touch. This is also a great opportunity to showcase beautiful serveware or your favorite collected pieces.

Before guests arrive, make sure your kitchen is clean and organized—including the pantry. A tidy space not only feels more welcoming but also makes hosting easier. For practical tips and organizing essentials, check out our guide: How to Organize Your Kitchen.

Wooden Cake Stand

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Spongeware Bowl

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Boylan Bread Board

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Enola Vase

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Avignon Marble Mortar & Pestle

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Antique Marble Cake Stand

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Salter Woven Square Basket

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Leather Pull Lidded Jars

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Brass Detailed Metal Bread Box

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If you have a home bar or a stylish bar cart, prepping it for guests is a must. Ensure it’s stocked with glassware, garnishes, and your beverage selection of choice. You don’t need much—just a thoughtfully curated collection of items like cocktail napkins and a decanter can elevate the experience.

For holiday-specific ideas, explore our Holiday Bar Cart Styling Tips to create a setup that’s both functional and festive.

Wade Glass Decanter

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Ballina Wine Glass

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Marick Highball Glasses (Set of 2)

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Stemmed Champagne Glass

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White Ball Footed Bowl

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Adrienne Brass Tray

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Dining together is at the heart of holiday celebrations, so give your dining room a little extra attention. Add a fresh floral arrangement or greenery, paired with lit taper candles, to set a warm, elegant mood.

Make sure your tablescape is fully prepped—think dinnerware, flatware, and details like marble salt and pepper shakers or ceramic pitchers. Shea shares, “I love to set the table the night before. It gives me time to focus on cooking and hosting the next day.”

Need inspiration? Browse our Top 10 Tablescapes for your next dinner party for ideas to elevate your gatherings.

Levine Ceramic Pitcher

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Ribbed Wine Glasses (Set of 4)

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Claridge Taper Holder

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Anarkali Block Print Floral Tablecloth

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Marble Salt & Pepper Shakers (Set of 2)

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Davin Placemat

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Don’t overlook the powder bathroom—it’s a space all your guests will likely use. Add a seasonal touch by styling a sprig of fresh greenery in a bud vase. Choose a beautifully scented soap, pair it with a matching hand lotion, and light a candle or use a diffuser to create a pleasant aroma.

A charming hand towel is the perfect finishing detail. If you’re hosting overnight guests, follow these same steps for their bathroom, and consider updating items like the shower curtain, bath mat, or towels to make their stay extra special.

Anzio Bath Collection

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Travertine Soap Dish

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Fera Bud Vase

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Salt & Sea Hand Wash

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Stinson Marble Bud Vase

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Frayser Bath Collection

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For overnight guests, a cozy and comfortable bedroom is key. Consider upgrading the sheets or even adding new furniture to make the space feel like a retreat. We suggests using a luxury laundry detergent for bedding and towels to create a hotel-like experience.

Thoughtful touches like a bedside carafe of water, a few books, or a small vase of flowers can make your guests feel truly welcome. For more tips, explore our full guide: How to Create a Welcoming Guest Bedroom.

Sutherland Bed

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Cassana Floral Pillow Cover

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Tali Burl Wood Dresser

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Dutch Landscape Study

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Mackenna White Oak Nightstand

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