5 Items You Need for Your Guests This Holiday Season
Hosting this holiday season? These five simple items will make your home feel cozy, organized, and welcoming — without the stress.
The holidays have a way of sneaking up fast, don’t they? One minute it’s pumpkins on the porch, and the next your guest room needs to be ready for company. Whether you’re hosting overnight guests or just having family in town for a few dinners, a little prep goes a long way in making your home feel warm and welcoming.
Here are five simple things I always like to have on hand before guests arrive — small touches that make a big difference.
1. A Thoughtful Guest Basket
This one is my favorite. I love putting together a little basket of essentials for guests — think travel-size shampoo, a toothbrush, tissues, a mini lint roller, maybe even a snack or a handwritten note. It doesn’t need to be fancy, just thoughtful.
It’s one of those small details that makes guests feel instantly at home (and saves them from that awkward “Do you have toothpaste?” moment).
2. Fresh Linens and Cozy Layers
Fresh sheets and soft towels are a must. I like to wash everything a few days before guests arrive so it smells clean and feels crisp. Add an extra blanket at the end of the bed or draped over a chair — people love having options if they get chilly at night.
And if your guest bedding lives in storage most of the year, give it a quick fluff in the dryer or spritz with a linen spray to freshen it up.
3. A Bathroom That’s Ready to Go
The guest bathroom (or the one everyone’s sharing) deserves a little attention too. Make sure it’s stocked with the basics: toilet paper, soap, fresh towels, and maybe a few extra toiletries in a small basket.
I love adding a candle or a little vase of greenery — it instantly makes the space feel intentional and put-together, even if you didn’t have time for a full scrub-down.
4. A Simple Coffee or Tea Station
If your guests are anything like mine, the first thing they want in the morning is coffee. Setting up a small coffee or tea station is such an easy way to make them feel comfortable — and it saves you from early-morning questions about where everything is.
All you really need is a few mugs, a small jar of coffee or tea, and some sugar or honey. If you have an extra coffee maker or kettle, even better.
5. A Spot for Bags and Belongings
Give your guests a place to land. A few empty hangers in the closet, a clear dresser drawer, or even a bench or basket for their bags helps them settle in without feeling like they’re in the way.
It doesn’t have to be perfect — just intentional. A tidy little drop zone instantly makes the room feel more inviting and organized.
Hosting doesn’t have to be overwhelming — sometimes it’s the simplest touches that make people feel most at home. A cozy bed, a stocked bathroom, and a warm cup of coffee can go a long way.
With a few of these things in place, you’ll be ready to open the door, light a candle, and actually enjoy the holidays — which is what it’s all about anyway.