New hosts should do a few things to prepare for the holidays. Get your home ready for friends and family by following these festive tips and tricks.
Newlyweds often get the honor of hosting the holiday gathering. While this privilege is flattering, it’s also a huge commitment. You’ll have your hands full cooking meals, getting your home ready, and entertaining guests from both sides of the family.
As new hosts, there are a few things you should do to prepare for the holidays—last-minute planning will be your ultimate downfall. Add these chores to your to-do list and get your place ready for tons of festive fun.
Optimize Your Dining Space
Much of celebrating the holidays with family revolves around eating meals together. You’ll need plenty of space to accommodate your growing guest list. When decorating your dining room, make sure there’s enough room for people to navigate around your table, chairs, and décor comfortably.
You might need to set up additional dining space in your kitchen or breakfast nook. If the weather’s nice, you could even take things outdoors and eat on your patio. Don’t wait until everyone gets there to find extra seating, as that will only make people feel unwelcome.
Prepare for Overnight Guests
Traveling for the holidays is exhausting, especially if people live far away. If you have any long-distance relatives, expect some overnight guests. Prepare your guest room with fresh sheets, candles, and open closet space.
Stock up on extra towels and bathroom supplies, too. Mini soaps, shampoos, and toothpaste tubes aren’t expensive and will come in handy if someone’s forgotten something. Go the extra mile by providing your holiday guests with cozy house slippers.
Declutter Your Kitchen
To prepare for the holidays, new hosts should take time to declutter their kitchens. Get rid of any expired food, old seasonings, and damaged cookware. You’ll need plenty of refrigerator and pantry space to store your special holiday ingredients.
If you need to upgrade your stove or update your kitchen cabinets, now’s the time to schedule an appointment with a contractor. This would also be a good opportunity to take inventory of your current spices, dry ingredients, seasonal décor, and utensils. This way, you’ll know exactly what you need to cook a delicious meal from scratch.
New hosts need all the help they can get to prepare for the holiday season. However, this is the perfect time of year to invite others to witness the joys of your new marriage. With these tips, you’ll be ready for every gathering that comes your way.
