Getting Your Home Ready for Holiday Hosting (Without Losing Your Mind)

With the holidays around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about hosting. Whether you’re cooking Thanksgiving dinner or preparing for an invasion of out-of-town relatives, getting your home “holiday ready” can feel like running a marathon you didn’t sign up for. Suddenly, those cleaning projects you’ve blissfully ignored are glaring at you like they’ve been on your to-do list for years (spoiler: they have).

But before you go into full panic mode, remember: the goal here isn’t perfection. It’s making sure your home is functional enough to host your loved ones. Prioritize the spaces that matter most, and don’t stress about the rest. We’re aiming for a relaxed holiday vibe and host, not a five-star hotel.

The Heart of the Home: Your Kitchen

They say "the kitchen is the heart of the home," and during the holidays, that couldn’t be more true. This is where you’ll crank out multiple Thanksgiving side dishes, entertain those “just in the neighborhood” guests, and create the breakfast your family will talk about until next Christmas. If your home is anything like mine, this is also where everyone seems to gather—whether they’re helping cook, swapping stories, or just sneaking a taste before dinner’s ready.

With that in mind, getting your kitchen and pantry organized is key. It doesn’t need to be Pinterest-perfect, but it does need to be functional. A good starting point? Group pantry items like ingredients for meals, snacks, or holiday treats together. Toss anything expired (seriously, when was the last time you used that half-empty bag of flour?), and make some room for the essentials.

Pro tip: stock up on a few easy-to-assemble items for when unexpected guests arrive. Crackers, cheese, olives, and nuts are lifesavers—and if you’re really feeling fancy, throw in some seasonal jam for a cheese board that says “effortless hostess” without the actual effort. Bonus points if you have some pre-made freezer meals ready to go. Chili, enchiladas, and chocolate chip cookies are favorites in my house.

Trust me, nothing disrupts your holiday zen like a frantic search for that meat thermometer that somehow disappeared into the abyss of your utensil drawer. So, take some time to sort through your cabinets. It might not feel like a game-changer now, but future-you will thank you when you’re juggling five dishes and everything’s right where it belongs.

China Cabinet or Buffet Table: Avoid the Avalanche

Back in the day, China cabinets were filled with about six sets of dishes, mismatched crystal glasses, and those weird party favors from weddings you haven’t thought about since. These days, we're aiming for a bit more simplicity—and, let’s be honest, fewer moments where you’re holding your breath, hoping the wine glasses don’t cause an avalanche when you open the door.

Take everything out, group similar sets, and decide what’s really worth keeping. Don’t overthink it: if that champagne flute with someone’s wedding date embossed on it doesn’t spark joy (and you’ve never actually used it), it’s probably time to let it go. You don’t need three sets of holiday dinnerware, either—opt for something neutral that works year-round with maybe one set of festive dishes if you’re feeling sentimental. And seriously, if a tablecloth doesn’t fit your table, you don’t have to hang onto it out of guilt.

Organize what you’re keeping in a way that’s both practical and easy on the eyes. Group sets together, tuck linens into drawers or baskets, and only display what you truly love (or use frequently). The result? Setting the table becomes a breeze, and you won’t be at risk of shattering crystal every time you reach for a wine glass.

Guest Room: From Storage Room to Sanctuary

The guest room often pulls double duty as a multipurpose or storage space, which means it’s probably not always the most inviting room in the house. But with a few tweaks, you can turn it into a cozy retreat your guests won’t want to leave. If you’re hosting guests who overstay their welcome, maybe you can just skip this section.

Start by figuring out what actually belongs in the room. Clear out any random items that have found their way into the guest room (we’re looking at you, rogue exercise equipment), and make space for your guests to feel comfortable. Try to clear at least two drawers and the nightstand so they can put their belongings away and not live out of a suitcase.

Ideally, the guest closet should be reserved for extra pillows, linens, and a few hangers, but let’s be real—we don’t all have extra storage space in our homes and sometimes we need to utilize the guest closet. If you need to store things there, just be sure to leave room for guests to hang their own clothes. And if you can, make a donation run for anything you no longer need.

If your guests have their own bathroom, keep it simple. Clear some counter and drawer space, and stock it with essentials like toothpaste, soap, and fresh towels. If the guest bathroom doubles as your own, a basket with toiletries in the guest room works just as well.

Coat Closet: Because You’ll Need Somewhere to Toss Your Jacket

An often-overlooked area during holiday prep, the coat closet can be a game-changer. It’s also a space that tends to collect a lot of random clutter (hello, old jackets, shoes, and that hat you never wear). The good news? An organized coat closet can keep your entryway and living room from looking like a disaster zone and is really easy to set up.

Start by removing any coats that no longer fit or that you don’t wear anymore. Be ruthless here—if you haven’t worn it in two years, chances are you’re not going to reach for it this season either. Once you’ve cleared the unnecessary stuff, organize what’s left. Hooks or baskets for shoes, bags, and keys will help keep things tidy, and you’ll avoid that last-minute scramble to find your wallet on the way out the door.

For inspiration on keeping your entryway organized, check out my 5 Simple Ways to Organize Your Entryway.

Kid’s Playroom and Bedroom: Making Room for Santa’s Delivery

If you’ve got kids, you know the toy collection tends to grow exponentially—especially around the holidays. And the last thing you need is Santa adding to the chaos. So, before the presents start piling up, take some time to declutter the playroom or kids' bedrooms.

Go through the toys and donate anything your kids have outgrown or don’t play with anymore. It’s a great way to make space for new toys, and you can teach your little ones about the importance of giving to those in need. Plus, you’ll feel less overwhelmed when it’s time to clean up after Santa’s visit.

For any toys that are on their last legs, it’s time to say goodbye. Toss anything that’s broken or missing too many pieces. And pro tip: you can get your kids involved in the process. Not only does this teach them the importance of decluttering, but it also helps them feel more in control of their stuff. They’ll be more likely to part with things if they’ve had a say in it.

Conclusion: Function Over Perfection

At the end of the day, holiday hosting isn’t about creating a picture-perfect home. It’s about functionality and making sure your home works for you, not against you, during the most chaotic time of the year. Focus on the areas that will make the biggest difference in your hosting experience and forget about the rest. After all, your guests are here to spend time with you, not inspect every corner of your house. (And if they are, maybe it’s time to reconsider that guest list!)

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