The holidays revolve mainly around three things: food, giving, and guests. Whether you have family and friends staying over for the duration of the holidays or simply for a long weekend, being a host can be a fundamental part of this time of year.

However, hosting parties on top of accommodating overnight family and friends can quickly turn from enjoyable to overwhelming.

Ease your worries and turn your home into a five-star hotel with our tips to get you prepped and de-stressed for the upcoming season. Worry about those cookies burning in the oven, not whether grandma has clean bath towels.

Freshen up your space 
You may be used to the pet smell, but your guests are not. And no matter how much they love you, no one wants to be the bearer of bad-smelling news. Lighting a candle or adding fresh winter flowers as a kitchen table centerpiece can instantly add a cozy, fresh feel to your home. But make sure to clean, vacuum, and bathe your animals thoroughly, because masking a scent will only prolong the inevitable.

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Give them the necessities 
Necessities mean different things to different people, but everyone wants the Wi-Fi password and clean towels at the ready. Don’t forget to have those tricky internet and Netflix passwords written down (or framed if you want to go all out). Make sure to also put out extra toiletries, reading material, spare hangers, and other necessities that guests may need. Water bottles and an assortment of snacks go a long way too, especially if you want to leave a good impression and make your home bed & breakfast worthy.

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Keep the bar cart stocked 
Having drinks ready to be shaken, not stirred, is a holiday essential. Plus, this is the perfect time to try out all of those fancy bookmarked cocktails with ingredients no one can pronounce. Guests will appreciate the extra touch to their meal, and it will instantly make your home feel like the most Instagram-worthy holiday destination.

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Declutter inside and outside 
You remembered to clean the inside of your home, but don’t forget about the front porch and walkway. As it starts getting darker and colder this time of year, you want to make sure you add an inviting feel to your home, so guests can clearly tell you’re ready for them. Adding luminary bags along the walkway, a holiday wreath to the door, and sweeping the area free of cobwebs and leaves will instantly make your family and friends feel like they’re entering a holiday weekend haven.

Make room in your coat closet or entryway 
Avoid the awkward situation of cramming your guest’s coats into your closet as they stand and watch, and clear out that space ahead of time. This doesn’t need to be an extreme reorganization ordeal, but rather taking a few of those bulky winter coats and putting them in your personal closet instead for the duration of their stay.

Printable Home Passwords Sheet

The holiday season is an exciting time surrounded by people you love, but it can easily become overwhelming with the amount of responsibilities on your list. The above reminders are simple ways to make you feel more prepared for overnight guests. Make sure being the host of the season is all of the fun and none of the stress.

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