How to Prepare for House Guests: Checklist For a Stress-Free Holiday

Hosting holiday guests? Feel overwhelmed with all the preparations to make your home feel warm and inviting? As a busy working mom, I know how easy it is to forget about something that can eventually screw up the experience in all this holiday rush, like running out of dishes or not having enough seating when the party is in full swing… In this post, let’s talk about how to prepare for house guests this holiday season and about the essential things to have for house guests to ensure our visitors are super pampered even if they are too shy to express it! 

How to get your home ready for holiday guests and why?

While the rest of the article will cover the hows, I’d like to say a few words about why we should make our home guest-ready. Having people around is a cool way to serve them and show love to them, especially on Christmas, a holiday that reminds us of God’s love. God came as a servant, so it’s natural for us to roll up our sleeves and make our homes able to deliver love in all the clean, tasty, and cozy ways they are capable of. It is not to show our status, impress with our level of income or cooking skills. We open our homes to family, relatives, and even strangers to share the miracle of God’s love and testify that He is here, with us, at our holiday dinner table. 

In my previous post on winter cleaning, I shared my process that helps me keep my house (and heart) clean throughout the holidays. This house guest checklist wouldn’t be complete without cleaning, so make sure you check it out! In this post, I want to focus on nice touches for house guests.

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How to prepare for house guests: the holiday step-by-step guide

Declutter your space

Decluttering should be the number-one step in your cleaning house for guests checklist. A clutter-free house always feels more spacious, beautiful, and serene. Try to see your home with your guests’ eyes. Staying in someone else’s home can already be stressful, but having to navigate other people’s mess is unbearable. Here’s how you create a calm experience for your guests:

• Clear the clutter. Begin by decluttering each room and removing unnecessary items. Make sure the guest room and bathroom contain only items meant for guests and are free of your personal or irrelevant belongings.    
• Organize entryways. First impressions matter. Create a designated space for your guests’ belongings, such as a coat rack or a shoe rack. This simple act shows your guests that you’ve thought about their comfort and makes it easier for them to feel at home.
• Tidy living spaces. The living room is the heart of holiday gatherings. Make it ready for cozy conversations and festive activities by decluttering areas like tables, couches, and shelves. Consider adding a few seasonal touches, such as a bowl of ornaments, candles, or a holiday-themed throw blanket, to create a relaxed atmosphere.

Implement a slipper system

If you are a shoes-off household like us, you may want to encourage guests to remove their shoes and wear slippers indoors. The best way to do it is to implement a slipper system that feels like love:

• Purchase inexpensive guest slippers or socks in different sizes to accommodate all your guests. Opt for cozy, washable slippers with non-slip soles for added safety and comfort.
• Set up a dedicated area near your entryway or foyer for the slippers. Use a decorative basket, shelf, or wooden crate to store and display the slippers neatly.
• To make it easy for guests to find their size, consider labeling slippers with size tags or using color-coded slippers for different sizes.
• Place a bench or a couple of chairs near the slipper station to give guests a comfortable spot to sit while they change into their slippers.
• Alongside the slipper station, provide a space for guests to store their outdoor shoes. This can be a shoe rack, a mat, or a basket designated for shoes.

Polish the look with quick fixes 

Here’s how to make your home guests-ready by removing annoying distractions and eye-sores:

• Repair leaky faucets. That dripping faucet is not only annoying but wasteful. Take a few minutes to fix any leaks in the kitchen and bathrooms to ensure a quiet stay for your guests.
• Fix loose handles and knobs. Tighten up any wobbly knobs and handles on doors, cabinets, and drawers for a neat and polished look.
• Replace burnt-out light bulbs. Ensure all lights are working, especially in common areas like the living room, kitchen, and bathrooms. Consider using warm light bulbs to create a cozy atmosphere.
• Fix squeaky doors. A little squirt of WD-40 on those squeaky hinges will keep things running smoothly, especially when everyone’s sleeping in.
• Refresh caulking. Inspect caulking around sinks, bathtubs, and showers. Fresh caulk prevents water damage and keeps everything looking clean.
• Ensure electrical outlets are functional: Make sure all outlets are working and easily accessible for guests to charge their devices. Extra power strips can be a lifesaver!
• Fix window treatments: Ensure your curtains or blinds are in good condition and easy to use. Guests will appreciate the privacy and control over the lighting.
• Remove scuffs. Use a magic eraser to get rid of scuff marks on baseboards, doors, and walls. It’s a quick fix that makes a big difference!
• Floor markings. Touch up any scratches on your hardwood floors with a hardwood floor marker. It’s a simple way to keep your floors looking fresh and new.

How to prepare for house guests: the guest room prep

How to prepare for house guests who are going to stay overnight, or maybe for the entire holidays, like visiting family? Whether it’s a guest room, a corner in your living room, or just a pull-out sleeper couch, here’s how to make it guest-ready!

• Fresh linens. Start with the basics — make sure the bed is made with fresh, clean linens. Fluff them in the dryer with a fabric softener to give them a super fresh scent. This small step sets the tone for a comfy stay.   
• Cozy touches. Dress the bed with a cozy throw blanket and a few decorative pillows. These touches add warmth and make the room feel more inviting.
• Personalized welcome. Leave a welcome note (it’s a cute way to provide the WiFi password) and a small gift like a book, a scented candle, or some local goodies. It’s a sweet way to make your guests feel special and at home.  
• Snack basket. Provide a basket of snacks and drinks for your guests to enjoy. Think nut packages, cookies, crackers, chips, soda, and bottled water. This thoughtful gesture ensures they have a treat at hand whenever they need it. 
• Closet space. Make sure there’s ample closet space or at least some hangers available for your guests to hang their clothes.
• Fresh towels. Leave a stack of fresh towels in the room, so your guests don’t have to ask. You can also include washcloths and hand towels for added convenience.

Additional things to have for house guests’ comfort:

• Bible (can be a gift if your guest is an unbeliever)
• A small heater to keep the room warm
• A night light for those who prefer a bit of light at night
• A trash can for convenience
• A hairdryer
• An extra blanket for chilly nights
• Hand sanitizer and hand lotion
• A phone charger
• A sound machine if you’re worried about their night’s sleep
• A coloring book and some crayons (for guests with kids)

Ensure the room is thoroughly cleaned before your guests arrive. Wash windows, dust surfaces, vacuum the floor, and check for any hidden cobwebs. A clean room is a welcoming room.

How to prepare for house guests: the bathroom prep 

Whether you have a separate guest bathroom or your guests will use your bathroom, ensure it is ready to shine! Here’s how you can make your bathroom feel like a spa retreat by adding some nice touches for house guests:

Fresh towels and toiletries. Start with the essentials. Make sure to have fresh towels ready—fluffy and clean. Consider a short refreshing cycle in the washing machine if you’ve bought new towels, just to make them extra soft. Stock the bathroom with all the toiletries your guests might need, including:

• Face cloth
• Soap
• Toothpaste and extra toothbrushes
• Floss
• Razor
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Body wash
• Deodorant
• Body lotion
• Toilet paper
• Flushable wipes
• Q-tips
• Medicine for a headache
• Feminine hygiene products
• Makeup remover
• Makeup mirror

Pamper with shower steamers. These little scented tabs are designed to release lovely fragrances when placed on the shower floor. I recommend eucalyptus and lavender, which are also great when you’re feeling under the weather.

Replace the shower curtain. The shower curtain is often the first thing to get grimy. Consider replacing it, or at least the liner, to keep everything looking fresh and clean. 

Little extras:

• Add a small heater if your bathroom tends to get chilly.
• A night light can help guests navigate the space in the dark.
• Ensure there’s a trash can for convenience.

How to prepare for house guests in the kitchen

Getting ready to host holiday guests means ensuring your kitchen is ready to handle the festivities. Here’s how to guest-proof your kitchen with these simple tips:

1. Polish your silverware

Make your silverware shine like new! To polish, soak your silverware in a mixture of warm water and a few drops of dish soap for about 10 minutes. Then, use a soft cloth to gently rub each piece, rinse with clean water, and dry thoroughly. If you have stubborn tarnish, a bit of baking soda paste (baking soda and water) can do wonders!

2. Restock dishes, steak knives, and drinking glasses

Preparing for the holidays is the perfect time to review your kitchenware. Family dinners with guests mean more pieces are needed, so calculate the exact number of dishes, steak knives (or dinner knives), and drinking glasses you’ll need for a holiday meal, and always have a few extras for those surprise visitors.

3. Check spatulas and serving spoons

Double-check that you have enough spatulas and serving spoons. Some guests might bring their own dishes but forget serving utensils. If your spatulas look old or untidy, treat yourself to some new ones for the big holiday feast.

4. Wash or replace your oven mitts

You don’t want to be caught with stained or burnt oven mitts when guests are helping out in the kitchen. Freshen them up with a wash, or better yet, get some new winter-styled mitts to start the season off right!

5. Clean and organize

A clean and organized kitchen makes cooking and hosting much more enjoyable. Wipe down surfaces, clean out the fridge, and organize your pantry. I explained how in my winter cleaning guide. 

Other things to have for house guests in the kitchen:

• Stock up on essentials. You’ll need plenty of napkins, paper towels, and trash bags. These items can run out quickly when hosting guests.
• Prepare serving dishes. Ensure you have enough serving dishes for all the food you’ll be preparing. It’s helpful to label them with sticky notes so you know what each dish will be used for.
• Coffee and tea station. Set up a little coffee and tea station so guests can help themselves. Stock it with coffee, tea, sugar, creamer, and mugs.

With these thoughtful preparations, your kitchen will be ready for the holiday hustle, making your hosting experience smooth and enjoyable.

6. Welcome your guests with baked goods

Nothing says “welcome” quite like the comforting aroma of freshly baked goods. As your guests step into your home, greet them with the delightful scent and warm taste of homemade treats.

Here are some ideas to make your guests feel extra special:

• Bake a batch of cookies. Classic chocolate chip cookies, snickerdoodles, or festive gingerbread cookies are always a hit. They’re easy to make, and you can even prepare the dough in advance and bake them fresh just before your guests arrive.
• Create a variety of breads. Banana bread, pumpkin bread, or a simple homemade loaf can be both comforting and versatile. Serve slices with butter, jams, or cream cheese for a delightful snack.
• Whip up some muffins: Blueberry, apple cinnamon, or chocolate chip muffins are perfect for breakfast or a quick snack. They’re easy to grab and go, making them a favorite among guests.
• Seasonal pies and cakes. Celebrate the season with pies like apple, pecan, or pumpkin, or a festive cake decorated with holiday themes. 
• Personal touch with homemade jam or butter. Pair your baked goods with these spreads to show your guests how much you care.

Remember to set up a welcoming display in your kitchen or dining area, complete with plates, napkins, and utensils, so guests can easily help themselves. Adding a pot of hot coffee or tea alongside your baked goods creates a cozy, inviting atmosphere that will make your guests feel LOVED and right at home.

How to prepare for house guests without stress?

Hosting guests takes some planning, expenses, and… prayer. The latter is a key ingredient of a warm welcome. It gives us much-needed peace and relieves stress during this holiday rush. Prayer plus a few thoughtful touches and a little extra planning makes smooth hosting experience. And don’t forget to welcome your guests with the comforting aroma of freshly baked goods. It’s the perfect way to kick off the holiday cheer.

What did I miss? Drop me a suggestion in the comments and let’s make this the best holiday season ever!

If you loved my “How to Prepare for House Guests Guide”, grab more inspiration:

• Heartwarming Family Traditions For Christmas: Gifts, Decorations, & MORE
• Winter Cleaning As Worship (Checklist to Get Your Home and Heart Ready for Holidays)
• Christian Christmas Books for Kids Centring Little Hearts on Jesus
• How to Clean Carpet Stains With Baking Soda: a Step-by-step Guide
• KonMari Method Steps For Busy Mamas: PURGE Clutter & Refind Focus
• Stressed Out Mom? Try These 9 Simple Mindset Shifts for Inner Calm and Outer Order