Creating a cozy, comfortable and festive space. That is the aim of hosts preparing to entertain family and friends this holiday season. Entertainers love to ensure our guests feel at home in our house and to create a merry and cheerful atmosphere. Below are five tips to enhance your holiday gathering. But keep in mind, the best gift you can give your guests is the gift of hospitality— sharing your home, friendship and spreading holiday cheer. That is what the holiday season is really all about.
Make it cozier. Just by throwing colored pillows on the sofa, you can cozy up a room. Consider fall colors—warm and spicy, or metallic. Metallic details catch light and add a glowing effect in a room which may help capture the festive mood of the holidays. Another quick fix is to add a throw rug in a high traffic area. What kind of lighting do you currently have? Candles, white lights, a fireplace and soft ambient light (versus bright fluorescent lighting) can change the mood of the room. Don’t forget about music too.
Tidy up. This one seems like a no brainer. Most hosts plan to clean before an event but don’t forget to remove clutter from your family’s high traffic spots – place bills in another location and remove clutter from your coffee tables. Sometimes these areas are hard for us to distinguish since we see them every day. It helps to have a friend tell you what they notice when in your home so you can adjust areas as necessary.
Stock your kitchen. The holidays aren’t only about spending time with loved ones; they are about celebrating traditions and also about eating. Do your guests have any guests with special dietary needs such as; gluten free, vegetarian, dairy allergy or non-alcoholic drinkers? Keep these in mind when selecting snack foods and beverages for the event. There is nothing worse than a hungry guest who isn’t able to eat what you are serving. 
Think about seating. How many guests do you plan to have? Is there ample seating for them in the living areas before the event and at the holiday table? I remember sitting at the “kids table” at holiday events (i.e. card or camping table). This is an inexpensive way to add more seating but if you don’t have enough chairs, consider renting so that everyone has a place to sit. You may also consider arranging your furniture into “conversation groups” so your guests have a comfortable place to gather and chat before the meal begins.
Create space for kids. Think about your guests. Do they have kids? If so what age? Consider a play space for young kids and/or games for the older kids to keep them occupied and help them enjoy the event too.
There you are…five tips to help you get ready for the holiday season. Do you have a favorite tip to share with our readers about how you prep for the entertaining season? We’d love to hear from you.
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