Hosting holiday guests is one of the best parts of the holiday season, and one of the busiest. Family and friends coming to stay is a treat, but hosting guests also means extra cooking, cleaning and planning. A little planning before they arrive makes the visit relaxed for everyone, including you. This guide covers how to prepare for holiday guests step by step: the guest room, the guest bathroom, the kitchen, the entryway, a basket of forgettables, and the small touches that make visitors feel at home.
Holiday Guest Prep Checklist
| When | To do |
|---|---|
| 2 weeks before | Confirm dates and arrival times, plan meals, order anything you need |
| 1 week before | Clear and clean the guest room, wash bedding and towels, declutter the entryway |
| 3 days before | Grocery shop, prep make-ahead food, set up the guest bathroom |
| 1 day before | Make up the guest room, put out a welcome basket, add fresh flowers |
| Day of | Quick tidy, light candles, turn on porch lights, set out snacks |
Prepare the Guest Room
Whether it's a dedicated guest bedroom, a home office or a pull-out in the den, make the space feel ready for overnight guests.
- Clear space: Empty a few drawers and part of the closet, and add hangers.
- Fresh linens: Wash bedding and add extra pillows and a warm blanket.
- Lighting: A bedside lamp and a night light help guests find their way.
- Temperature: Leave an extra blanket, and a space heater or fan if the room runs cold or warm.
- Charging: Put a power strip or charger near the bed.
- A place for luggage: A bench, luggage rack or clear corner.
- Nice touches: Water bottles, a few snacks, a book and fresh flowers.
If you don't have a closet in the guest room, a freestanding wardrobe gives guests a place to hang clothes. The Tela Compact Wardrobe is 31.5" wide, with full-height wardrobe storage and integrated drawers. See our small closet ideas for more.
Make Up a Basket of Forgettables
Guests always forget something. A small basket in the guest room or bathroom saves a late-night store run:
- Extra toothbrushes and toothpaste
- Hand soap, shampoo, conditioner and lotion
- Razors and shaving cream
- Pain relievers and bandages
- Hair ties, a comb and a blow dryer
- Phone chargers
- Earplugs and an eye mask
- A card with the WiFi password
Prepare the Guest Bathroom
- Deep clean, including the shower and mirror.
- Stock plenty of toilet paper, tissues and hand soap.
- Put out fresh towels for each guest, with a hook or bar to hang them.
- Clear a shelf or drawer for their toiletries.
- Add a plunger and a small trash can with liners.
Prepare the Kitchen
- Plan meals and make a shopping list. Prep make-ahead breakfasts and freezer meals.
- Stock coffee, tea, snacks and drinks guests can help themselves to.
- Clear space in the fridge.
- Give guests a kitchen tour: where mugs, glasses and snacks are.
- Set up a self-serve station on a sideboard or island with coffee, mugs and water.
A sideboard doubles as a buffet for holiday meals. The Orbis Rounded Edge Sideboard has a tabletop that holds up to 110 lbs, with drawers and cabinets for linens and serving pieces. For big meals, see our guide on how to host Christmas dinner.
Refresh Your Entryway
Holiday guests arrive with coats, boots and bags. Make room before the front door gets crowded:
- Clear space on hooks and in the coat closet.
- Put out a boot tray or shoe cabinet for wet shoes.
- Add a bench so guests can sit to take off boots.
- Leave a bowl for keys.
- Add seasonal decor and good lighting.
A shoe cabinet keeps a busy entry tidy. The Travero Sensor-Lit Shoe Cabinet has built-in lighting and a top that holds up to 88 lbs, so it also works as an entry table. See our Christmas entryway decor ideas.
Keep Them Connected
- Write the WiFi password on a card in the guest room.
- Share the house key or door code, and how the alarm works.
- Leave a note with your schedule, nearby stores and things to do.
- Show guests how the TV, shower and thermostat work.
Establish Boundaries Ahead of Time
Clear plans prevent stress. Talk about arrival and departure dates, any house rules (pets, quiet hours, shoes off), and which meals you'll share. It's fine to plan some time apart; guests often appreciate a break as much as hosts do.
What Is the 3-Day Rule for House Guests?
It's an old saying, often credited to Benjamin Franklin, that guests, like fish, begin to smell after three days. In practice, it's a reminder that shorter visits are usually easier on everyone. For longer stays, build in downtime and shared chores so the visit stays relaxed.
How to Make a Houseguest Feel Welcome
- Greet them at the door and give a quick house tour.
- Show them where everything is in their room and bathroom.
- Offer a drink or a snack right away.
- Invite them to help themselves to food and drinks.
- Plan one special activity, such as a holiday walk, a movie night or a baking session.
- Let them rest; not every minute needs to be planned.
Prep the Rest of the House
- Declutter shared spaces and store extra blankets where guests can find them. See our blanket storage ideas.
- Set up extra seating for gatherings.
- Put seasonal decor out early so the house feels festive.
- Make space for kids' toys and games if families are coming.
- Create ambiance with candles, fairy lights and holiday music.
Hosting on a Budget
- Shop your house first for spare bedding, towels and baskets.
- Plan meals around a few simple basics and one special dish.
- Ask guests to bring a dish or drinks.
- Invest in a few good-quality extras you'll use every year, like an air mattress, a set of towels or a folding table.
- Use greenery from outside for decor.
Small Touches That Make a Home Feel Inviting
- A handwritten welcome note on the pillow
- A candle or diffuser to set the mood
- Local treats or a favorite snack
- A cozy throw on a chair
- Fresh flowers or a small plant
- Board games and puzzles for downtime
Most importantly, guests remember feeling relaxed and welcome far more than a perfect house. Keep the basics covered and spend your energy on time together. When guests feel at home, everyone can enjoy the holidays, and you might even get some sleep.
Reduce Holiday Hosting Stress
- Prepare as much as you can in advance.
- Accept offers of help.
- Keep meals simple; one special dinner is enough.
- Have a backup plan for bad weather.
- Take a break for yourself every day.
FAQ
How do you prepare a house for holiday guests?
Clean and set up the guest room and bathroom, stock the kitchen, clear the entryway, put out a basket of essentials, and share the WiFi password and house details.
What should I put in a guest room?
Fresh bedding, extra pillows and blankets, a lamp, a charger, hangers and empty drawer space, water, snacks and a welcome note.
How far in advance should I prepare for guests?
Start about two weeks ahead with planning, and do the cleaning and room setup in the final week.
How do you make overnight guests comfortable?
Give them privacy, a comfortable bed, storage for their things, easy access to food and drinks, and clear information about the house.