The holidays arrive quickly and quietly. One moment you are admiring fall leaves and the next you are bringing out garland and greeting guests at your door. Thoughtful preparation makes the season feel calmer and more meaningful. This Holiday Home Prep Checklist will help you create a space filled with comfort, joy, and welcome.
Step One: Start with a Clean Slate
A clean home always sets the stage for peaceful moments. Begin with a simple reset before you decorate. You can choose high traffic zones first such as the entryway, kitchen, and guest bath. Remove clutter, donate unused items, and clear surfaces to make room for seasonal décor. A clean space helps you feel settled and ready.
Try a thirty minute timer in each room if your schedule feels full. We always say a clean space creates mental space and a tidy home gives you room to breathe. A small checklist can help you move with purpose.
• Wipe baseboards
• Clean mirrors
• Vacuum corners
• Refresh throw blankets
• Empty trash cans
• Clear kitchen counters
A clean foundation gives your holiday home gentle calm and beautiful flow.
Step Two: Tidy Then Tinsel
Now you can begin layering in the charm. Start with textures that blend fall warmth with holiday sparkle. Place cozy throws on chairs and add warm colors through pillows and pottery. Use natural touches such as dried oranges, pinecones, or eucalyptus. A warm candle fills your home with comfort.
As December draws closer, you can transition your home easily. Replace pumpkins with fresh greenery and add velvet pillows for soft elegance. Twinkle lights make every corner feel magical. Local favorites such as The Nest and Heirloom Market Co. offer décor that moves beautifully from autumn to winter.
Here are a few décor ideas can help you shift your home naturally.
- Place seasonal branches or stems in a tall vase to create a simple and dramatic centerpiece
- Use wooden bowls to display seasonal items like acorns and pinecones
- Arrange apples, pomegranates, or pears in a bowl for a vibrant, edible display
- Add greenery to your stair rail
Small touches create a big impact without overwhelming your space.
Step Three: Prepare for Overnight Guests
Holiday guests add warmth to the season. A little preparation helps them feel loved. Begin by washing bedding and fluffing pillows. Add bottled water, a phone charger, and a candle to the nightstand. You can place a small basket with toiletries so guests have the essentials, and a sprig of greenery or fresh flowers for a cozy touch.
Here are a few thoughtful welcome basket ideas that are sure to say, “We are so happy you’re here!”
• A pair of cozy socks
• A small snack
• A travel sized lotion
• A holiday scented soap
• A handwritten note
If you don’t have a guest room, you can still create a beautiful space for guests. A comfortable air mattress with crisp linens feels special when you add a tray of essentials. Guests always notice and appreciate simple preparation and warm care.
Step Four: Kitchen and Pantry Prep
The kitchen becomes the heartbeat of every holiday gathering. Before guests arrive, take a quiet moment to review your pantry, as a stocked pantry keeps gatherings running smooth. Restock baking staples, breakfast items, and your favorite coffee. Clear your counters so you have space for cookie trays, charcuterie boards, and serving dishes. Grab a few freezer friendly appetizers help you host with ease, or local favorites such as The Mad Mexican’s dips or Meat N Greet’s pimento cheese to bring simple joy to your table.
Your fridge works even harder during the holidays. A clean and organized fridge makes hosting feel lighter and more relaxed. Remove old items and wipe the shelves. Create room for large dishes and leftover containers. Freeze a few meals for busy evenings.
A holiday bar cart can bring even more charm to your gatherings. You can stock it with sparkling water, mixers, and a bottle of something special. Add pretty glasses and a small bowl of garnishes for quick and easy serving. A festive napkin or bottle brush tree brings seasonal cheer and completes the setup.
You can also prepare a small entertaining kit for the upcoming gatherings. Keeping everything together makes it easy to grab what you need and add thoughtful touches without stress.
• Cheese knives
• Linen napkins
• A pretty serving board
• Holiday sprinkles
• Fresh herbs
These simple tools help hosting feel effortless and fun.
Step Five: Set the Mood
Atmosphere is everything when it comes to the cozy and comfortable vibe in your home. Think of it as a way to gently wake up the senses. Lighting influences how a room feels, so mix table lamps and floor lamps to create soft layers. A warm playlist brings a cozy sound and sets an inviting tone.
You can also use scent to guide the season. Simmer pots create warm, clean scents, and you’ll find one of our favorite recipes here. If you prefer to use candles, choose a warm spice candle for November and a fresh pine candle for December.
Mix in soft textures such as plush throws and velvet pillows invite guests to relax and settle in. A neutral palette helps your décor transition from Thanksgiving to Christmas with ease. Choose cream, warm green, and natural wood for gentle flow.
Step Six: Do the Little Fixes
Small details create a polished feel. Try to walk through your home with a fresh set of eyes before guests arrive. Touch up scuffed trim. Replace burned out bulbs. Clean light switches. Refresh hand towels in the guest bath. Add a seasonal soap to the counter.
A simple checklist keeps it easy.
• Check batteries in remotes
• Wipe stainless steel appliances
• Restock tissues
• Clean windows near doors
• Add fresh hand towels
Little updates help your home feel cared for and welcoming.
Step Seven: Enhance Your Outdoor Entry
Make sure your guests feel welcomed even before they reach your door. Sweep the porch and clean your doormat. Add lanterns, a plant, or a seasonal wreath. Soft lighting creates a beautiful glow in early evenings. If you need some visual inspiration, this blog has lots of great options.
A few thoughtful touches help your entry feel warm.
Step Eight: Refresh the Linen Closet
Your linen closet often becomes busy during the holidays. You can fold towels neatly and remove worn items. Add drawer sachets for a gentle scent. Place guest towels on one shelf so they are easy to reach.
A tidy closet brings calm to the “behind the scenes” of your home.
Step Nine: Prepare for Kids and Teens
Families with children feel grateful for a simple corner created just for them. Add a basket with crayons and paper. Place puzzles on a side table. Set out hot chocolate packets for a fun treat. Teens enjoy a cozy corner with blankets and a simple snack tray.
Small touches help every guest feel included and thought-of.
Step Ten: Simplify and Enjoy
Holiday Home Prep creates a welcoming beginning, but joy comes from connection. You can embrace slow moments, warm meals, and gentle laughter. A home filled with love matters more than perfect décor.
Light a candle. Breathe deeply. Let your home feel like you. When your home feels lived in and loved, it becomes the place where memories grow.
Happy Holidays from Good To Be Home
We send warm wishes to you and your family this season. May your home feel cozy, loving, and full of small moments that make you smile. Whether you’re welcoming a house full of guests or savoring a quiet evening, we hope it all feels peaceful and meaningful. Most of all, we hope you are surrounded by the people who feel like home, whether that’s the family you were born with or the family you’ve chosen along the way.
Happy Holidays,
The Gals at Good to Be Home 🐝
