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Having company over during the holiday season is a time-honored tradition among friends and family. Whether this will be the first time a guest steps into your home or the hundredth time you welcome them through your doors, it’s important to always strive to leave a good impression on your visitors.

Making your home ready to host company for one night or for many nights doesn’t have to be a complicated and drawn-out task. By simply cleaning up a little, organizing your rooms, and making a few accommodations for guests, you’ll have a home dressed to impress and a comfortable space to spend a few hours with your friends and family.

1.     Clean and then clean again

It might seem obvious, but you should make sure your home is as clean as possible. Clean the areas that your guests will spend most of their time in and then walk slowly back through the house looking at your space through the eyes of a guest.

Consider how you react when you are a guest at someone’s home and they haven’t cleaned properly. Putting your best foot forward and leaving a good impression means breaking out the deep cleaning supplies and dedicating a few hours to making the place spotless. The great thing about cleaning is that it can be done well in advance to the party.

2.     Organize the home

A simple reorganization of the furniture in your rooms can help accommodate guests and make the space feel more welcoming. Start by assessing where you think guests will be spending the most time – usually the living room, kitchen, dining room, and bathrooms. Think about how many guests you will be having over for the holiday season celebrations and if your space will comfortably seat them for at least a few hours.

For example, if your dining room has a small table with four chairs and you are expecting much more, consider having food and drinks outside in the garden or pull up some extra chairs from around the house. If people will be bringing food and drinks to the party, make sure you reorganize the kitchen and fridge to hold them. As for the living room, rearrange the TV and entertainment setup so all guests can enjoy watching movies and listening to music equally.

3.     Consider special accommodations

Be sure to make your home as accommodating for guests as you can. Coat racks are essential in the winter time for people’s heavy clothing. That being said, consider moving your own belongings from your coat rack or closet so guests have as much space to store their coats and jackets as possible.

If your guests are from out of town, they may need a ride to the gathering. Or a ride home for some! If you’ve offered to pick up your guests from the airport, make sure you clean out your vehicle beforehand. You don’t need a fancy vehicle to impress your guests, instead make a statement by making room for their luggage and a water to enjoy on the ride home. For those needing a cab afterwards, Uber or Lyft are both great options. Otherwise, drive them yourself to squeeze out a couple extra minutes together.

4. Prepare food ahead of time

It’s often recommended to freshen up your home by lighting candles, incense, or infuse fragrance into the air some other way. Instead of making the house smell artificially comforting, why not have the food do the job for you? A holiday roast, a tray of stuffing, or a slow-cooked broth will thicken the air with their delectable juices and water your guests’ mouths before they’re able to take their coat off. Regardless, you should begin preparing your food long before anybody arrives.

The purpose of a gathering is to have a good time with those in your life that you love most, so clean your vehicle, organize your kitchen, and serve up a delectable meal to ensure a warm and inviting holiday season!