Holiday Hosting Made Easy

The holiday season is officially here– a time to gather, celebrate, and create memories with loved ones! Whether you’re hosting festive gatherings for your home or business, our Interior Design experts are here to transform your space for seamless, stress-free hosting. From thoughtful space planning to cozy décor, we’ll help you create a warm and welcoming environment for your guests. Dive into our guide to elevate your holiday hosting experience and enjoy the season to the fullest.

Creating an Inviting Entryway

Think of your entryway as the first impression of your space– it sets the mood and expectations for what lies beyond. A well-designed entryway not only welcomes guests but also manages their flow seamlessly.

To create an inviting atmosphere, consider incorporating a small bench and stylish coat hooks. This designated space for belongings allows your guests to feel both comfortable and organized as they step inside.

Additionally, lighting plays a crucial role in making your entryway feel warm and welcoming. Soft, ambient lighting can enhance the overall vibe, making it the perfect backdrop for season décor. Adorn your space with festive wreaths or fresh flowers that reflect the spirit of fall or winter, adding a touch of seasonal charm. And don’t forget the exterior! By adding seasonal accents outside, you can create a cohesive experience as your guests enter your space.

An Entertainment-Focused Flow for Holiday Hosting

When hosting a large group of people, it is imperative to consider how your space will be used. Consider how many people you will be hosting, where the areas of entertainment and focus are, and how you intend the traffic to flow.

You want to ensure you have ample seating to accommodate your guests. Do note that it is not essential to have the exact amount of seating for all guests as often some will be seated while others are standing or walking around. We love having flexible furniture options like barstools, cocktail tables, or even floor pillows on hand as they are functional seating options that can easily move from space to space.

If you are wanting your guests to be engaged in conversation, try arranging the furniture so sofas and chairs are facing each other rather than the television. If you have a large gathering space, consider creating intimate seating zones by placing furniture in small groups to encourage personal conversations.

Lastly, ensure your space is set up as open as possible to avoid congestion and encourage smooth traffic flow. Our favorite design element for clients who enjoy hosting at their home or business are built-in bars. If you love hosting and are thinking of redesigning your space in the near future, a wet or dry bar is an absolute must! If you’re not quite there yet, we recommend self-serving stations on tables or carts to create a seamless experience and reduce kitchen congestion. By setting up a serving station against a wall or near a corner, your guests can serve themselves and walk freely among the space.

Décor Ideas for Holiday Hosting

We love decorating for the holidays. It adds warmth and creates memorable sensory experiences. Through décor, scents, and lighting, you can create an environment that stunning and unforgettable. When hosting guests in your home or business, it is important to make sure your holiday styling is tasteful and not overwhelming.

Try to avoid cluttered décor, and instead opt for simple yet tasteful holiday decorations. Things like wreaths, garland, and picture frames can make a space festive without becoming too overwhelming. By keeping the décor focused on the walls, mantle or shelves, you also avoid an overly cluttered look.

When it comes to using scents in your home for the holidays, be conscious about potential sensitivities to overpowering perfumes and oils. Our favorite way to add an irresistible holiday scent is to create an all-natural simmer pot filled with holiday favorites. For fall, try this Cinnamon & Citrus simmer pot or for December, try this Rosemary & Cranberry simmer pot! This will fill your space with a delightful scent that is non-toxic and delightfully aromatic.

Lastly, by incorporating layers of lighting throughout your space, you will provide an ambient hosting experience for your and your guests. Use a variety of lamps, candles and dimmable overhead lighting that can be adjusted throughout the day to set a warm and comfortable tone.