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Get your home ready for holiday guests

December 6, 2019

Are you decking your halls with seasonal decor? Will you be hosting overnight visitors? Norfolk Homes has some tips to help you get your home ready for holiday guests.

A warm welcome starts at the front door. Decorate your entrance, inside and out. Hang a fresh wreath on your door. Festoon the porch with poinsettias, a topiary, or wintry container garden with sparkling lights. Place a holiday welcome mat by the door.

In the foyer, think holiday colors—silver and gold is a nice choice—and lights. Place a seasonal flower arrangement or a small themed tree. You can also add a festive flair with a small display of gift-wrapped boxes stacked, along with garlands draped across the stair railing. And don’t forget the fragrance. A scented candle or essential oil diffuser presents a nice complement to your entryway. 

Another idea for welcoming holiday guests to your home is a basket of slippers and cozy socks near the foyer or in the family room—maybe by the fireplace. When you’re out doing your shopping, look for plush, soft additions to your collection.

Continue the coziness in your living room. Drape some plush throws over the furniture so they’re easily within reach. You might also want to switch out the toss pillows for something soft and seasonal that encourages your visitors to get comfy. 

Spread out magazines and books that might interest your guests. Out-of-town visitors will appreciate anything that tells them more about your area. Pick up copies of traveler magazines at brochure displays in local hotels and restaurants.

Serve the early risers and night owls. Set up a beverage station in the kitchen. If you have a coffee maker, leave a selection of coffees and teas, along with bottled water placed in an ice bucket (just remember to replace the melted ice as needed). Set out mugs and a sampler of sweeteners, creamers, and maybe flavored syrups.

Stock up the guest room. Think like an innkeeper! Provide your holiday guests with storage so they don’t have to live out of their suitcases. Clean out at least one dresser drawer for each person. You can stash the contents in a laundry basket or container and put it out of sight during their visit. Clean out the closet and be sure to provide hangers—maybe an over-the-door hook. 

Spruce up the guest room with a holiday throw and pillows. Leave a supply of fresh towels and extra blankets nicely folded in a basket by the bed. Be sure to have a nightstand with a clock and a lamp. Providing a USB cord so they can charge their electronics is another thoughtful step. Leave a note card that gives them the Wi-Fi network and password.

Set out a basket of snacks in each guest room. Fill it with non-perishables, like fruit, nuts, crackers, granola bars, cookies, or chocolates. If you’re hosting out-of-town visitors, they’ll appreciate some local favorites, like chocolates or anything else that’s unique to your area. 

Make your bathroom guest-friendly. We’ve all had those moments away from home when we realize we forgot to bring something. Stock your guest bathroom with travel-size toiletries, including toothbrushes, toothpaste, mouthwash, dental floss, deodorant, lotion, and disposable razors.

Check the bathroom’s supply of shampoo, conditioner, body wash, soap, and toilet paper. It’s nicer to replace half-empty items with a brand new one. Just stash the used items for later. 

A plunger may not seem like a particularly pleasant addition to your bathroom but it can prevent awkward moments.

Welcome your canine guests. Are your visitors bringing a canine family member? Make it a point to show that you’ve included them in your hosting plans as well. Set up a feeding station with a water bowl and food dish. 

As you’re getting your home ready for visitors, think about how it fits your lifestyle. Do you have a guest room that’s easy to prepare for overnight stays? Does your kitchen support your entertaining needs? And are you proud to share your home with others? If you’ve answered “No” to any of these, your home is not living up to your needs. Take a look at what Norfolk Homes can offer. From fully appointed, new construction townhomes to luxurious single-family homes, we have move-in ready homes for sale in Greater Ann Arbor. There’s still time to make your move before New Year’s Eve! Contact us to give yourself a very warm “Welcome home!”