Christmas is in fast forward mode yet again - how come it seems to come around faster and faster every year? Soon we will start prepping for it, like the press, in June! So now is the time to assess whether you are truly ready for the onslaught of guests, especially given this is our first 'normal' Christmas in two years.....
Our advice is that if the house is 'Christmas-ready', everything will flow more easily, as all your guests will feel expected and even welcome (unless they are your in-laws and you want them out faster, of course).
Three quick wins:
- Declutter the busy rooms where everyone will gather so that your Christmas decorating does not get lost in a jumble of other areas and so that you create space for the inevitable overflow which happens when entertaining. Less chaos means less stress when tidying on an epic scale after drinks/Christmas lunch/presents opening etc. Less stress means a happier Christmas 🎄.
- Give your guests a nice place where they can retreat to and leave you in peace while you cook/tidy/get your bearings back/steal a minute for a guilty latte. What we mean: prepare their bedroom with some thought. Nice crisp luxurious white linen & towels, a few carefully chosen smellies like a nice bath oil or bath salts, a fun shampoo etc. They will feel really welcome and like they’re in a mini spa. Complete the look with a nice blanket and a couple of cushions on the bed, a small bunch of fresh flowers (whatever is left in your garden like a couple of roses together with a few sprigs of mint, rosemary or thyme etc) will be lovely too.
- Go all the way with the guest bedrooms and deck them out with intent for the best results (we mean this in the nicest way of course). The final touches will make all the difference once you have covered the basics of a lovely fresh bed and an inviting bathroom if they have one. A bit like closing a deal: it's all in the final details. So don't forget a small carafe with mint/lemon water and a few good books or magazines matching your guests’ interests (lifestyle, gossip, interiors, cars, cooking, cross-stitching if need be!). Trust us on this. You will have to drag them out of the bedroom, which is a good result. It just takes a little bit of advance planning but will definitely smooth proceedings for all involved and make for a happier Christmas.
Do let us know how it worked for you, and as ever please share your best shots & videos on Instagram. Happy Christmas!