Hosting For The Holidays

The holidays are almost here, which means it’s time to start brushing off your at-home entertainment skills! Whether you’re a seasoned host-with-the-most or a first-time homeowner preparing the dinner party of your dreams, hosting your loved ones in your home can be a major ordeal. Taking time to prepare your home for hosting can ensure that you have a warm, inviting venue … and may sign you up to be the go-to host for years to come. Keep reading to learn about ways you can get your home ready for the holidays.

Guests tend to gravitate toward the kitchen – why not make it a place you’re proud to show off? There are countless ways to breathe new life into your kitchen space. Consider refreshing your cabinets with a new paint color, replacing your outdated backsplash or installing a new statement light fixture.

Looking to make a bigger change? It just may be time to swap out your existing appliances for newer, more energy-efficient models. Besides reducing your carbon footprint and adding to your home’s value, having new and reliable appliances ensures that preparing holiday dinner goes off without a hitch.

If your dinner table has seen its fair share of family dinners, board game nights and crafting sessions, it might be time to consider an upgrade. According to Maureen Welton, Vice President of Design and Creative for Article, a high quality and well-maintained dining set can last 15 – 20 years. While yours may still be in good shape after a decade of use, there’s a chance it no longer fits your taste or needs – which means a change is in order! Whether you opt to flip your existing set or splurge on a new one you’ve been eyeing for years, houseguests are sure to take note of your effort.

First impressions matter – and your home is no exception. While it may seem silly, consider what your guests will experience as they arrive and enter your home. Will they be greeted by clutter? Will the entrance be well lit? Will they know where to put their shoes and coats? What will your home smell like? These details, while seemingly minor, can make a world of difference in showing your guests that you care.

If you’ve got a spare room in your home (or a finished basement with lots of extra space), spend some time turning it into a guest room. It doesn’t need to be fancy – you can use an old bedroom set from storage or thrift a used one – but it does need to be inviting. Dress up the space with a fresh coat of paint, warm lighting, fuzzy blankets, framed photos and a candle. If you want to take your guests’ experience to the next level, equip the room with hotel-sized toiletries and their favorite candy (and don’t forget to share the Wi-Fi password)!

When’s the last time you used your fireplace? While it may not be a year-round necessity in your climate, it’s a staple for any picturesque holiday gathering. If yours is wood-burning, make sure it’s cleaned and you have chopped wood at the ready before your guests arrive. If it’s gas or electric, be sure to take it for a test run to ensure that it’s still in working order. And if you’ve always dreamed of having a picture-perfect fireplace, now may be the time to add one to your home. Besides being a great way to boost your home’s value, it’s sure to be a focal point for countless cozy nights to come.

If you don’t have time to go all out on a renovation project, remember that the small details are important, too! Do a walk-through of your home and take note of areas that need a refresh. Adding things like potted plants, floral arrangements, new throw pillows or framed photos to spaces can change the look and feel of any room. Seemingly minor touches – like forgoing paper plates for a matching dinnerware set, using cloth napkins rather than paper and preselecting the night’s playlist – are sure to make your guests feel comfortable and cared for.

The holidays are all about enjoying time with your loved ones in a space that is perfect for you. Holiday gift shopping, decorating and cooking can be stressful – and your home shouldn’t add to the stress. If you’re ready to turn your home into the space you’ve always dreamed of just in time for the holidays, a Rocket Loans^SM personal loan can help you handle the expenses.