Prepping Your Home for Holiday Guests: An Organizational Checklist
The holidays are a time for gathering with loved ones, but hosting guests can feel overwhelming without a plan in place. Whether hosting overnight visitors or having friends over for a festive meal, a well-organized home ensures you and your guests feel comfortable and relaxed. With a little prep work, you can welcome everyone with open arms and a clutter-free space.
To help you stay on track, we’ve created a simple, room-by-room checklist to make preparing for holiday guests easier and stress-free.
1. Declutter and Refresh Common Areas
The living room, entryway, and other shared spaces are where guests will gather, so they deserve extra attention.
Checklist for Common Areas:
Declutter Surfaces: Clear off coffee tables, shelves, and side tables. Keep a few meaningful or seasonal decorations, but remove anything unnecessary to avoid visual clutter.
Use Storage Baskets: To keep things tidy, stash remote controls, magazines, or toys in decorative baskets.
Rearrange Furniture: If needed, bring in extra chairs or cushions to ensure there’s enough space for everyone to sit comfortably.
Add Seasonal Touches: Swap in cozy throws, festive pillows, or string lights to create a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Pro Tip: Use small trays to group items like candles, coasters, and remotes—it keeps surfaces organized and stylish.
2. Set Up Guest Rooms for a Warm Welcome
Whether you have a dedicated guest room or you’re making space in a multi-purpose room, a few thoughtful touches will make your visitors feel at home.
Checklist for Guest Rooms or Sleeping Areas:
Clear Out Clutter: Remove any personal items or things that don’t belong (laundry piles, we’re looking at you!). Create a clean, calm space for your guests.
Provide Extra Linens: Lay out fresh sheets, blankets, and towels for your visitors. A spare blanket will ensure they stay comfortable if temperatures drop.
Create Storage Space: Make room for guests to unpack by clearing part of the closet or providing a drawer or luggage rack.
Assemble a Welcome Basket: Include items like toothpaste, shampoo, snacks, or a spare phone charger so your guests don’t need to ask for essentials.
Bonus Tip: Add a small vase of flowers or a scented candle for a thoughtful, personal touch.
3. Prepare the Entryway for Holiday Traffic
Your entryway is the first thing guests see, and it can quickly become cluttered with shoes, coats, and bags. A little preparation will keep things tidy and manageable.
Checklist for Entryway Prep:
Set Up a Coat Station: Use hooks or a coat rack to give guests an easy place to hang jackets. If space is tight, designate a bed or spare room for extra coats.
Add a Shoe Tray: Encourage guests to leave shoes at the door with a tray or basket to corral footwear. It protects your floors and keeps things organized.
Create a Drop Zone: Provide a small table or tray for keys, mail, or holiday cards.
Pro Tip: Leave an umbrella by the door, just in case the weather turns.
4. Organize Your Kitchen for Smooth Holiday Hosting
The kitchen will be the heart of the action, so keeping it organized will make cooking and entertaining easier. Whether you're preparing a big holiday meal or just serving drinks and appetizers, an organized kitchen is key.
Checklist for Kitchen Prep:
Declutter Countertops: Store any appliances you won’t be using to free up workspace for meal prep.
Organize the Pantry: Check that you have all your holiday staples (sugar, flour, spices) and toss expired items. Use bins and baskets to group similar items.
Set Up a Coffee or Drink Station: Create a self-serve drink area so guests can help themselves to coffee, tea, or cocktails.
Lay Out Serving Platters and Utensils: Check that you have everything you’ll need for serving food, and place it all within easy reach.
Pro Tip: If your kitchen gets crowded, consider setting up a folding table as a temporary prep station to give yourself more elbow room.
5. Prepare the Dining Area for Festive Meals
The dining room is where guests gather to share meals and memories. A little planning will help the space feel organized and ready for holiday celebrations.
Checklist for Dining Area Prep:
Set the Table Early: Lay out plates, utensils, and glasses the night before to avoid a last-minute scramble.
Iron Tablecloths and Napkins: Get linens looking their best ahead of time, so you can focus on cooking or entertaining on the big day.
Add Simple Décor: A seasonal centerpiece, candles, or place cards can elevate the table without adding clutter.
Pro Tip: If you’re short on seating, borrow folding chairs or use benches for a flexible, cozy setup.
6. Tidy the Bathroom for Guests
The guest bathroom should be clean, stocked, and welcoming. Even if your visitors aren’t staying overnight, they’ll appreciate a tidy, well-prepared bathroom.
Checklist for Bathroom Prep:
Stock Up on Toiletries: Make sure there’s plenty of toilet paper, hand soap, and towels. Bonus points for adding a few extra amenities, like toothpaste or hand lotion.
Declutter the Countertop: Clear off any personal items and leave space for guests to set down their own things.
Add Fresh Towels: Lay out hand towels and bath towels where guests can easily find them.
Bonus Tip: Add a holiday-scented candle or room spray to keep the space smelling fresh.
7. Carve Out Time for Yourself Amid the Prep
Hosting guests—especially during the holidays—can be a lot of work. Be sure to take care of yourself, too, so you can enjoy the festivities without stress.
Self-Care Tips for Hosts:
Set Boundaries: It’s okay to say no to things that don’t fit your schedule or capacity.
Delegate Tasks: Ask family or friends to pitch in by bringing a dish or helping with clean-up.
Enjoy the Process: Remember, the goal isn’t perfection—it’s about making memories with the people you care about.
Pro Tip: Give yourself permission to sneak away for a few quiet moments during the celebration. A little break can recharge your energy for the rest of the day.
Final Thoughts: An Organized Home Makes Hosting a Joy
Prepping your home for holiday guests doesn’t have to be stressful. With a little planning and a few organizing strategies, you can create a welcoming space that makes your visitors feel right at home. By focusing on key areas—like the entryway, guest rooms, kitchen, and common areas—you’ll be ready to host with confidence and enjoy the holiday season to the fullest.
Need a helping hand with holiday prep? Happy Lark Home Organizing is here to assist! Whether it’s decluttering, setting up guest spaces, or organizing the kitchen, we’ll help you get everything in place so you can focus on what really matters—making memories with your loved ones.