As the holidays approach, you might be hosting events for family or friends. If this is the first round of holidays in your new home, you might be feeling a little overwhelmed. After all, you just got to know the space — how can you know how best to adapt to others? Here are five holiday hosting tips for surviving with your home’s newness — and your sanity — intact.
Plan for accidents
With extra bodies in your home, accidents are nearly inevitable. Plan ahead for these by stocking up on paper towels and cleaning supplies. Serve light-colored drinks to avoid stains. Mentally prepare for the extra cleanup you’ll have to do.
Do what you can for shoe prevention
In an ideal world, your guests would remove their shoes at the door. But that can be unrealistic and could even make some guests uncomfortable. But you can take some steps to prevent guests from tracking in mud or other debris. First, make sure you have a mat on the inside and outside of the door. This simple step can make a significant difference in the amount of debris that’s tracked in. Try to keep your guests in rooms with hardwood or tile floors and avoid carpets if possible. Don’t be afraid to pull up valuable rugs or other floor coverings so they aren’t accidentally ruined during your event.
Share the WiFi
Everyone wants to be connected to your WiFi, and no one wants to have to ask for it — especially if it’s a long, complicated password. Save you the time of looking at the router and repeating the password multiple times by having the WiFi information written down and posted in a prominent location.
Stock the bathroom
One of the most important holiday hosting tips is to make sure the bathroom is fully stocked before your event. These items are must-haves:
Soap
Hand towels or paper towels
Toilet paper (more than you think you will need)
Deodorizing spray
Trash can (emptied prior)
Plunger
Asking for items like toilet paper or a plunger can be awkward, so save your guests the trouble and make everything easily accessible.
Make sure you have enough food
Plan for more food than you think you will need for your holiday party. Your guests are more likely to remember your event fondly if they leave with full bellies. Make as much food ahead of time as possible to help reduce your stress on the day of. If you are hosting a dinner, include snacks or appetizers as well to ward off hunger.
Christening your new home with holiday events is the perfect way to spend the holidays this year. These holiday hosting tips will help ensure your home is still happy after the guests have gone.