Sarah Heffernan and Ellie Compton, from the Merchandising team at Southern Sky Home, share advice on how to prepare your home for the holidays for you and your guests to enjoy without all the stress!
Plan ahead.
Planning ahead and making to-do lists will help set you up for success. Start by organizing a list of all tasks to be completed around the house, such as cleaning and decorating. Then, conceptualize your party theme and food & drink menu. Consider the approximate head count and always prepare for more guests than expected.
Prepare your living space for lounging.
Create a warm, inviting environment for you and your guests to enjoy. Prepare your space for your upcoming gathering by providing ample seating for lounging and socializing. We suggest displaying your sofas and chairs in a way that invites conversation and maximizes seating so all guests have a comfortable place to sit. Bring in accent furniture such as accent tables, C-tables and martini tables, which are great for guests to put their appetizer plate or beverage.
Maximize dining seating
Consider your dining table and chair requirements to accommodate your guests comfortably. If you have a group of 8 people, we recommend having a dining table that's 72-84 inches in length or a 60-inch round table. If your guest count exceeds that amount, we suggest having a 96-108 inch rectangular table that seats up to 10 people. Lastly, if you are hosting a more extensive gathering of 10-12 guests, a 120-inch-long table will best accommodate a group that size.
Personalize your decor.
Incorporate holiday-inspired decor, such as seasonal greenery or accessories, into your home that reflects your unique style. Decorate with accents such as statement pillows, tabletop decor and candles to create a festive, welcoming ambiance. A few key places in your home to create holiday vignettes are your entryway console, mantle and dining table.