The holiday season is a season of giving and receiving gifts. However, it's also a season of celebration, meaning parties will be held left and right. If you're hosting a holiday party, you need to be prepared. Not the stressed-and-busy kind of prepared, but just the right amount for you to be busy yet still enjoying the party. Whether you have just a few guests or many, this holiday hosting checklist will help prepare you for the season, with suggestions on where to start, what to do and what not to do. Plus, this list is super customizable to fit your personal needs, so you'll be able to prepare your home with confidence. Read on below to learn more.

1. KNOW YOUR HOME’S FLOW

Your guests will be walking around your home and exploring, so it's crucial to ensure they can make their way around with ease. Having a good flow of your home will help guests feel welcome and make the party flow smoothly. The flow should be easy if you have a formal living room, dining room, and kitchen. But if you have rooms off of your living room or dining room, you'll want to consider creating a visual path, so guests are aware of their surroundings. The path should also include an unobstructed walkway, such as a clean and clear coffee table, and it should be visible to your guests as soon as they walk in the door.

2. REARRANGE THE FURNITURE

Your furniture needs to be moved to help create the flow. It's also a great time to go through your home and make sure the furniture is the right fit for you and your space. Have you outgrown certain pieces? Are certain items too large for your space? Now's the time to reorganize to ensure you have a thoughtful and organized space.

3. DEEP CLEAN YOUR HOME

Your guests will be walking around and exploring, so your home must be clean. So grab a broom, dustpan, mop, and vacuum and get to work! If you don’t want to clean your whole house, prioritize the areas that will be used most. This means the bathroom, kitchen, and living room.

4. GIVE YOUR PET THEIR OWN SPACE

Your pet is part of your family, so it's essential to make sure it has a space to call its own. Pets are great to have around any time of the year, but especially in the winter when guests will be indoors for long periods of time. Your pet's area should include a clean bed, toys, and treats to keep it entertained.

5. - ALLOCATE SEATING SPACE

So you have the space, but now you need the seating. There are so many different types of seating you can use to create a beautiful and functional space. Think about where you need to seat your guests. Do you need a seat at the dining room table, counter space, or extra seating in the living room? How many people need to use this seating area? If it's a large space, you may want to use multiple pieces. Remember, you can always rearrange your furniture after the party.

The holiday season is all about spending time with friends and family. The party is your time to shine and show off your décor and home to all guests. Host the best party by going through this hosting checklist, and you'll put yourself in the running for the best host of the year. If you’re looking for a professional home organizer in Houston, Rescue My Space is the one for you! Our team of experienced organizing consultants can help you lessen the burden of decluttering your space. We can even recommend extra steps to ensure it stays organized for a long time. Contact us today to learn more!