Making Your Guests Feel at Home for Christmas and New Year: A Host’s Guide

The festive season is nearly upon us, and for many, it’s the perfect time to open up our homes to family and friends. 

With guests staying over during Christmas and the New Year, there’s a real opportunity to create a magical experience. Here’s how to ensure your guests feel comfortable, welcome, and ready to embrace the holiday spirit!

1. Prepare a Warm and Inviting Space

Guests should feel the festive cheer as soon as they arrive. Decorate your home in a way that captures the spirit of the holidays but also creates a cosy, lived-in atmosphere. 

Think warm lighting, blankets on the sofa, and a few festive touches in the guest rooms. Adding something thoughtful, like a small poinsettia or a sprig of holly, can help guests feel like they’re part of the celebrations.

Guest Room Essentials:

Fresh linens and extra blankets for the chilly nights

Toiletries they might forget (toothpaste, shampoo, soap)

Extra towels and a space for their belongings

2. Cater to Their Comfort

During the colder months, keeping your guests warm and comfortable is key. Make sure the heating is set to a comfortable level, especially in bedrooms and bathrooms. If they’re early risers or night owls, share any heating quirks in the home so they’re not left in the cold.

If you have a guest bathroom, stock it with spare essentials, like a toothbrush or razor, and a few festive treats, like cinnamon-scented soap or a peppermint candle. These small touches make a big difference.

3. Stock Up on Snacks and Drinks

Whether it’s mulled wine, hot chocolate, or a classic cup of tea, be ready with drinks that are easy to offer. Keep the kitchen well-stocked with snacks and easy-to-grab nibbles like mince pies, biscuits, or a cheese platter. For guests who like to help themselves, a small snack station with treats and drinks allows them to feel at home without having to ask.

If you’re hosting over New Year, you might want to add some extra champagne, sparkling water, and maybe a few cocktail mixers for a celebratory toast!

4. Plan Activities (But Be Flexible)

While some guests love a packed schedule, others will want to relax and do as little as possible. Strike a balance by planning a few activities but giving your guests room to say “no, thank you” if they prefer to rest. Ideas might include:

A wintry walk or visit to a local Christmas market

A classic Christmas film night

Board games or cards for cosy, indoor fun

A low-key New Year’s Eve celebration, even if it’s just to toast with a glass of bubbly at midnight

If you’re in the UK, consider an outing to see the local lights or a festive pub lunch.

5. Communicate the Festive Menu

Food is central to Christmas and New Year, so plan a menu that includes your guests' preferences. Ask ahead if they have any dietary restrictions, allergies, or particular dislikes. For a relaxed experience, plan meals that can be prepared in advance or cooked with minimal fuss. Offer a balance of hearty traditional meals and lighter options, so there’s something for everyone, and give them a rundown of what’s planned so they know what to expect.

Ideas for Low-Key Festive Meals:

Hearty soups and crusty bread for easy lunches

A traditional roast for Christmas Day

Leftover-friendly casseroles or pies

Grazing boards for evening nibbles

6. Create Space for Down Time

The holiday season can be overstimulating for some, so creating quiet zones can be just as important as festive gathering areas. Set up a reading corner or a quiet lounge where guests can take some time for themselves. Leave out some good books, magazines, or puzzles, so they have options when they need a breather from the festivities.

7. Add a Touch of Personalisation

Think about ways to make each guest feel truly welcome. Small touches like a personalised stocking, a thoughtful note, or a small festive gift at their bedside can show you’ve gone the extra mile. You might even add a printed itinerary or a list of local holiday events in case they want to do some exploring on their own.

8. Go Easy on the Clean-Up

Encourage your guests to pitch in, but don’t stress if things aren’t perfect. The most important part of hosting is sharing good times, not perfecting the table setting. Guests will appreciate a relaxed host far more than a spotless home. If there’s a big holiday meal, consider leaving some of the washing up until later, so you all have more time to enjoy the celebrations together.

9. Set Boundaries (in a Friendly Way)

Let guests know if there are any household routines or boundaries they should be aware of, like where they can store luggage or which rooms might be off-limits. You don’t need to overdo it, but a bit of structure can make everyone more comfortable.

10. Focus on Festive Spirit, Not Perfection

Hosting during the holidays can be an art, but it doesn’t have to be a masterpiece. When in doubt, focus on the joy of the season, and remember that your guests are there to spend time with you. Enjoy the little moments, laugh at any mishaps, and cherish the time you spend together.

With these thoughtful preparations, you’ll create a memorable holiday experience where everyone feels at home and ready to embrace the magic of Christmas and the New Year.