Tis the season for all of the kids, grandkids, friends, and loved ones to gather at your home. While the cleaning and organizing and finding space for everyone to sleep can take a lot of planning, the little hosting extras can be the icing on the cake for you and your guests. We’ve put together a list of ideas to make your houseguests feel extra welcome this Christmas, whether they’re over for dinner or staying until New Years. Add a little bit of fun, thoughtful moments, and extra holiday magic to your big gathering―and the prep before!
Here’s how to level up your hosting this holiday season for overnight guests, meal-time visitors, and the little ones.
For Overnight Guests
- Personalized itineraries. Create a custom guide with local activities or festive outing ideas, including your favorite restaurants or holiday events.
- Put a fresh bunch of eucalyptus in the shower. This holiday greenery doesn’t just look fresh and inviting, it smells amazing and feels great on the sinuses. Your guests will feel rejuvenated and relaxed, like they’ve just been to the spa for a steam!
- Revamp the pillow treat. You’ve heard of a Lindt chocolate on the pillow when your guests arrive, but what about something a little more personal? A personal note, favorite treat, or a printed photo. (But adding the chocolate too doesn’t hurt!)
- Customized guest kits. Put together a small welcome basket with essentials like a mini hand lotion, lip balm, cozy socks, and a handwritten note saying how excited you are to host them. Personalize the basket with their favorite snack or a book you think they’ll love.
- Bring out childhood favorites. Do you still have favorite family games, kids books, or other items stored away? Place them in bedrooms or a common family space.
- Signature scent for the season. Place a reed diffuser or room spray in their space with a luxurious holiday scent like cedar, orange, or cinnamon. It’s a small detail that feels thoughtful and indulgent. Skip this one if your guests are scent sensitive.
- Make recharging easy. Set up your guest rooms with an all-in-one charging spot or multi-outlet wall station to make charging after a long travel day easy!
- Bathroom bliss. Stock their bathroom with quality toiletries, like shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. Add a luxurious hand towel rolled and tied with ribbon. Make it extra special by splurging on brands you know they love but don’t buy for themselves (Aesop, Kiehl’s, salon-quality shampoo and conditioner). Remember, this can be part of their Christmas gift this year.
- Put guest slippers at the bedside. This hotel-like luxury is something many can’t travel with but will love to get cozy in. Get a pack of reusable spa slippers and let the relaxation begin!
For Midday & Dinner Guests
- Make a holiday stovetop potpourri for a warm and inviting space. Try simmering orange, clove, cranberry, vanilla, cinnamon, or rosemary. Play around with different earthy, decadent, and sweet combinations!
- Stage your bathroom counter. Make your guests feel at home with everyday essentials. Repurpose a few jars, glasses, or trays and fill them with go-to items like Q-tips, feminine products, makeup pads. Add a hand lotion or refreshing face spray for a spa-like experience.
- Create a hot cocoa and tea station. Get the holiday staples to make personalized hot drinks for guests! Think individual hot chocolate sachets in fun flavors, apple cider spiced tea, and other cozy Christmas favorites. Arrange them in jars or on a rack with mugs near the kettle and milk steamer!
- A holiday favor basket. Send your guests home with a small parting gift. Think holiday cookies, a mini candle, or even a tiny potted plant. For a creative and personalized twist, tie the items together with a handwritten note: “Thank you for making our holiday season brighter!”
- Build a DIY kids’ activity corner. If your visitors include children, set up a small activity station to keep them entertained. Include coloring sheets, festive craft supplies (like DIY ornament kits), storybooks, and small toys. It keeps the kids busy and makes parents feel like their needs were anticipated.
For Guests Traveling With Kids
- Baby essentials basket. Prepare a small basket with baby and toddler necessities like diapers, wipes, baby lotion, and a small pack of baby food or pouches. This simple touch saves parents from having to haul these essentials with them or needing to restock mid-trip.
- Kid-ready meals. Stock up on child-friendly snacks and meals, such as applesauce cups, string cheese, or macaroni and cheese. Have a few disposable bibs and toddler-sized plates, utensils, and cups on hand.
- Portable high chair or booster seat. Provide a high chair or booster seat for mealtimes. If you don’t already own one, a foldable, portable version is a thoughtful investment that makes dining stress-free for visiting families.
- Mini play zone. Set up a corner with toys, books, and puzzles appropriate for your guests’ kids. Include a mix of quiet options (for winding down) and active ones (for keeping little ones entertained).
- Pack-and-play or crib setup. Set up a travel crib or pack-and-play ready in their room, complete with fresh sheets and a baby blanket. For extra comfort, add a white noise machine or nightlight.
- On-the-go stroller or carrier. Have a lightweight stroller or baby carrier available for their use if your guests are traveling far. Bonus if it’s already cleaned and ready to roll!
- Parent survival basket. Create a little survival kit for the parents, including energy bars, sparkling water, a mini bottle of wine, and a travel-sized pack of Advil or Tylenol. Add a humorous note: “You made it! We’ve got you.”
- Childproofing must-haves. If their kids are small but mobile, install temporary baby gates or provide outlet covers in key areas to ensure their stay feels safe and they are able to relax.
- Laundry station for kids. Set up a small laundry basket and have gentle, baby-safe detergent available. This makes it easy for parents to clean during their visit without worrying about their sensitive-skinned little ones.
- Holiday treats for the whole family. Bake a batch of kid-friendly cookies and have them ready to decorate together. Add festive aprons for the kids and adults―it’s an easy way to create holiday memories without the stress.
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