Ottawa’s winter charm sets the stage for the perfect Christmas gathering. If you’re expecting guests this holiday season, giving your home a festive makeover can turn their stay into a magical experience.
From cosy corners to festive linens, here are 10 practical ways to transform your home into a haven of comfort and holiday cheer for your friends and family.
-
Warm welcome: Welcome your guests with open arms … and a doormat to save your floors. A sturdy, holiday-themed, weather-resistant mat not only adds a touch of holiday cheer, it also helps keep snow and mud in check. And provide a boot tray for messy footwear, keeping your floors clean and your guests’ feet from getting wet.
-
Festive linens and towels: Swap out your everyday linens for festive alternatives. Consider holiday-themed bedspreads, throw pillows, towels and napkins. These subtle efforts add a touch of Christmas magic to every corner of your home.
-
Hot beverage station: Set up a hot beverage station featuring a variety of teas, coffees and hot chocolates. Include festive mugs, whipped cream and marshmallows for a DIY experience. Your guests will appreciate having a comforting drink that they can create on their own.
-
Winter-ready windows: Thermal curtains not only enhance insulation, but they add a touch of elegance. Layer them with festive, decorative curtains for a warm and inviting look.
-
Holiday scents: Fill your home with classic Christmas scents — think cinnamon, cloves, orange peels and pine candles — to create an aromatic holiday atmosphere.
-
Thoughtful guest baskets: Assemble personalized guest baskets filled with winter essentials. Include items like fuzzy socks, travel-sized toiletries and a handwritten note expressing your excitement for their visit!
-
Warmth in every room: Make sure your guests are toasty by placing extra blankets and throws in key areas like bedrooms and living spaces. Have chilly corners? Invest in a small portable heater for those tricky-to-warm spots.
-
Guest-ready technology: Ensure your Wi-Fi password is readily available and consider creating a charging station for guests’ devices. A thoughtful tech setup keeps everyone connected and charged for important holiday photo sessions!
-
Entertainment: Curate a list of holiday movies, games and activities to keep your guests entertained. Whether you have a classic Christmas movie marathon, or a friendly board game night, providing options helps keep your guests entertained on their own.
-
Bathroom needs: Stock your bathrooms with essentials like extra towels, toiletries and holiday-themed air fresheners. A small basket of must-need items that may have been forgotten in their travels can go a long way for your guests.
As you start to create your holiday-inspired guest space, you’re not only creating a welcoming home, you’re encouraging new, happy memories for your visitors. Cheers to joyful celebrations and a wonderful holiday season!
Christiane & Your Redpost.ca Team