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 for overnight guests, meal-time visitors, and the little ones.
Everyday Visits with Kids
- 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 favorites. Arrange them in jars or on a rack with mugs near the kettle and milk steamer!
- 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.
- 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).
- 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!
- Childproofing must-haves. If their kids are small but mobile, install temporary baby gates or provide outlet covers in key areas to ensure their
- Treats for the whole family. Bake a batch of kid-friendly cookies and have them ready to decorate together. Add fun aprons for the kids and adults―it’s an easy way to create memories without the stress.
Overnight Visitors with Kids
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.”
- 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.
- 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.
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