Whether you're hosting Friendsgiving or having family in from out of town, getting your house prepped for guests can feel like a never-ending to-do list. So we’re here to help with the ultimate holiday preparation checklist.
Want to make getting ready for the holidays a breeze this year? Just follow this guide, and your house will be guest-ready in no time.
Deep Clean your Guest Room
When it comes to getting ready for the holidays, here’s how to get your guest room set up for this season's visitors:
Start by deep cleaning your mattress.
Refresh your bedding by cleaning your sheets and duvet or quilt (or consider an upgrade if your bedding has seen better days!).
Sweep, mop, and vacuum. After a long, hot summer, your floors could probably use a little love. Slide the bed out and get behind the headboard too.
Dust, dust, dust! Especially those areas that you don't hit regularly, like baseboards and window sills.
Clean the guest bathroom, especially if it's one you don't use regularly.
Clean all surfaces, including the tops of the dresser and side tables, mirrors, door handles, etc.
Touch up the paint. Look for any chips or scuff marks and give them a fresh coat for a clean look.
And of course, having the right mattress, pillows, and bedding is a must in a guest bedroom. We can help with that.
Refresh your Guest Bedding
No one wants to sleep on old, dingy bedding after a long day in a car or on a plane. If you have guests coming to stay, it’s a great time to refresh your guest bedding. Wash your sheets or splurge on some new ones, and make sure your duvet or quilt is in good condition. Be sure to provide enough pillows and blankets so that your guests are comfortable, especially as the weather gets colder.
Tip: If you don't need to replace all of your guest bedding, try switching out your throw blanket and throw pillows to refresh your old bedding. Bonus if the new pieces make the room feel seasonal—fall and holiday themes can be very welcoming.
Is it time to upgrade your sheets?
Have your sheets seen better days (or nights)? Maybe they're starting to get really thin or pilly after being washed so many times. Nothing beats that clean-sheet feeling, so welcome your guests with new, crisp sheets (our Bamboo Cotton Sheet Set is super soft, light, and comfortable).
Finish up by making the perfect layered bed so all that new bedding pops. Your guests will feel like they're staying in a luxury hotel.
Stock Fresh Linens in the Guest Bathroom
Make sure that your hall and guest bathrooms are ready for company. In any common bathroom, guests will be using, make sure there are clean towels for hand-drying and plenty of toilet paper. Lighting a candle during party time and making air freshener easily accessible is always a plus, too (especially in fall scents!).
For overnight guests, make sure the bathroom they'll be using has enough clean towels for showering, at least one hand towel, and extra toilet paper. Other items you may want to stock for your guests include cotton swabs, Q-tips, washcloths, and hand lotion. And just like the other spaces in your home, a candle or air freshener can bring the feel of fall into your bathroom.
Make your Home Smell like the Season
Your guests will feel comfortable and cozy when they're welcomed by the smells of fall. Here are some of our favorite autumn scents:
Pumpkin
Cinnamon (or any spice-inspired scent)
Birchwood
Vanilla
Cranberry or apple
Marshmallow
Pine or cedar
Many of those smells work great in the winter, too, especially woodsy scents like birch and pine.
The smell of baking cookies is also a great party trick in any season. Pop a dozen cookies or so in the oven. The aroma will fill the house, and your guests can enjoy freshly baked cookies. Or try making homemade potpourri (there are tons of recipes on the internet!).
Include Fall Elements Throughout your Home
Pumpkins and candles and plaid, oh my! Adding a little fall decor to your home can help cozy up your space and make your guests feel welcome. Try fall-scented candles (like we just talked about), pumpkins in different materials, shapes, and sizes, and accents that scream "fall."
We love anything in an autumn color palette: maroon, red, orange, mustard, navy blue, and sage green. Mix and match solids, patterns, and metallics in every space in your home to give those fall vibes. Plus, fall colors transition well into winter, so when the time comes, you can just switch out your pumpkins for snowmen and cranberries for holly. This strategy can save you time and money on holiday-specific decorations or complement whichever holidays you do celebrate.
You don’t have to spend a fortune to give your house a holiday makeover—there are tons of budget-friendly DIY decoration projects that you can do with things you probably already have. And while you’re crafting, you can even make some homemade gifts and holiday cards for your guests.
Tip: If you’re going to be traveling for the holidays yourself and need to prepare your house for vacation, opt for faux pumpkins and gourds that won’t go bad while you’re gone!
Shop Sales
Stretch your holiday budget further by shopping for Black Friday sales after Thanksgiving dinner. Take some time to make a list of each person you need to buy for, along with potential gift ideas. Then browse the holiday sales and keep an eye out for gifts that fit the bill.
If you don’t find anything right away, don’t stress! Most stores will have sales running throughout the busy holiday season, so you’re sure to find the perfect gift for everyone on your list—without breaking the bank.
Preparing for the Holidays with Leesa
Holiday preparations can feel overwhelming—but with Leesa, they don’t have to be! Whether you’re prepping for guests or need to prepare your house for vacation in the season ahead, use this handy checklist to make getting ready for the holidays stress-free.
And when it comes to keeping your guests cozy and comfortable, Leesa has your back (and theirs!) With quality bedding from Leesa, you can make your guest bed an inviting space and maybe even check off a few holiday gifts while you’re at it.
FAQs
What are the best color schemes for a festive home?
The best color schemes for a festive holiday home bring the look and feel of nature indoors. So when you're getting ready for the holidays, think of changing leaves, vibrant pumpkins, blooming mums, crisp apples, or snow-covered pines. To make your holiday preparation as easy as possible, coordinate your fall and winter decor with complementary colors so you can use the same color scheme all season long.
How can I ensure a comfortable stay for overnight guests during the holidays?
A comfortable, cozy bed and a clean, well-stocked bathroom will delight any overnight holiday guests. Start by cleaning and refreshing or updating your guest bedding, including the mattress. You’ll also want to make sure your guest bathroom is fully stocked with plenty of bath towels, hand towels, washcloths, toilet paper, and any toiletries your guests might need. Finally, fall-scented air fresheners and candles can help create a homey holiday atmosphere that your visitors will love.
How can I transition my holiday decor from fall to winter seamlessly?
The easiest way to transition your decor throughout the holiday season is to start with a color scheme that goes seamlessly from fall to winter. Dark green, maroon, sage, mustard, red, and orange can be adapted to fit your decor all season long. You can also focus on using natural elements, such as pine cones, acorns, and evergreen boughs, rather than holiday-centric decor, for a perfect holiday look from Thanksgiving to New Year’s.
