Get your home ready for the holidays with these tips

The holiday season brings together friends, family, food, and unforgettable memories. As the temperatures begin to dip, it’s time to start planning for the joys of entertaining. Preparing your furniture and spaces can go a long way in creating a welcoming atmosphere for your guests while making your home feel warm, festive, and functional.

In this post, we'll walk you through holiday hosting essentials, focusing on the furniture and décor that will transform your house into the ultimate gathering place. We’ve got everything you need to create a holiday haven that your guests will rave about.

Start with a Deep Clean and Declutter

Before diving into rearranging or decorating, it's best to begin with a thorough clean-up. Dust furniture surfaces, vacuum upholstery, mop floors, and wipe down windows. A clean home sets the stage for any enhancements you plan to make.

As part of this process, take a moment to declutter each space. Remove everyday items that might crowd the room, like excess mail, magazines, or toys. This will help your seasonal décor stand out and give you more room to rearrange or add holiday touches.

Rearranging Furniture for Comfort and Conversation

Featured: High Profile - Living Room Set

One of the simplest ways to give your home a fresh, festive feel is to rearrange your furniture. A new layout can enhance both the aesthetics and functionality of your space, especially if you’re expecting guests.

• Maximize flow: Arrange furniture to allow for smooth movement throughout the room. Avoid crowding walkways or blocking doors and windows.
• Create conversation zones: Place seating to encourage conversation. For example, face sofas and chairs toward one another rather than toward the TV (unless you’re planning movie nights).
• Open up the space: Consider putting extra or bulky furniture into storage. Removing one or two pieces can make a room feel more spacious and inviting.
• Utilize corners: Create cozy nooks with an armchair, floor lamp, and side table for additional seating or reading spots.

Sometimes, a slight tweak, like turning your sofa at a new angle or repositioning a coffee table, can make a big impact.

Create a Warm Welcome with Entryway Essentials

The entryway is your home's first impression. Set the tone for holiday cheer with a welcoming vignette:

• Entryway Bench or Console Table: Add a rustic wood or upholstered bench where guests can sit to remove shoes. A console table adorned with garland, candles, or a holiday sign instantly evokes the season.
• Storage Baskets: Keep clutter at bay with woven or metal baskets under a bench for scarves, umbrellas, and shoes.
• Festive Lighting: Add a lantern or a battery-operated LED candle arrangement for a soft glow that says, "You're home."

Dining Room Hosting Staples

Featured: Tallenger - Upholstered Swivel Barstool (Set of 2)

Whether it’s turkey, tamales, or smoked brisket, the holiday table is where memories are made. Here's how to ensure your dining space shines:

• Dining Table: Invest in a solid, extendable table that can grow with your guest list. A farmhouse-style table adds a warm, inviting feel and is durable enough to withstand kids’ crafts and wine spills alike.
• Seating: Mix and match dining chairs and benches to create a relaxed, lived-in vibe. Add accent chairs from the living room for extra seating with a touch of elegance.
• Table Décor: Layer natural elements like pinecones, eucalyptus, or magnolia leaves down the center. Use cloth napkins, simple chargers, and neutral dinnerware for an elevated, yet approachable setting.

Find more tips on hosting guests in the dining room on our blog.

Make the Living Room Lounge-Ready

After dinner comes lounging - and this is where your living room needs to shine. Aim for cozy, conversational, and flexible.

• Seating Strategy: Sectionals are fantastic for large gatherings. Add an oversized ottoman or a storage bench that doubles as a coffee table. Accent chairs and poufs are perfect for flexible, movable seating. Bonus: they can be styled year-round.
• Comfort Essentials: Soft throw blankets in plaid or cable-knit instantly bring in seasonal warmth. A mix of throw pillows with holiday motifs or rich textures (think velvet, sherpa, and faux fur) enhance coziness.
• Entertainment Zone: If you have a fireplace, style your mantel with garland, stockings, or a wood bead garland. Consider a bar cart or sideboard as a self-serve drink station with hot cocoa, cider, or cocktails. Learn how to set up the ultimate entertainment space on our blog.

The Kitchen: Stylish and Functional Prep Space

The kitchen is the unofficial gathering place during the holidays. Make it functional and festive:

• Add bar stools to your island for casual conversations and impromptu taste tests.
• Use tiered trays or wood boards for a beautiful (and space-saving) way to serve snacks or display décor.
• Install under-cabinet or string lighting to bring in that cozy glow while you cook.

Guest Room Glow-Up

Featured: Belachime - Bedroom Set

If you're hosting overnight guests, give them a space they’ll appreciate as much as your cooking. Essentials to include:

• Clean, cozy bedding and extra pillows
• Nightstand with a reading lamp and charging station
• Towels, toiletries, and a small welcome basket
• Space to hang or store clothes, even if it’s just a few hooks on the wall

Learn how to set up the perfect guest room on our blog.

Festive Outdoor Spaces

In many parts of Texas, outdoor entertaining is still viable deep into December. Use your porch, patio, or backyard as an extension of your entertaining space.

• Outdoor Furniture: Weatherproof sectionals and fire tables make outdoor areas just as cozy as inside. Add cushions and throws in weather-resistant fabrics for extra comfort.
• Decorative Touches: Use bistro lights, hanging lanterns, or solar-powered holiday string lights for ambiance. A decorated porch swing or a few rocking chairs with plaid pillows scream "Southern holiday charm."

Small Accents That Make a Big Impact

Sometimes, the little touches are what truly transform your home for the holidays:

• Candles & Warm Lighting: Opt for cinnamon, pine, or vanilla scents to cozy up your space.
• Mirrors: A strategically placed mirror reflects light and makes your home feel larger and brighter.
• Layered Rugs: Add dimension to your space by layering a jute or hide rug under a holiday-themed area rug.

Find additional advice on how to make your home feel warmer and more welcoming on our blog. If you’re also looking for thoughtful décor and furniture pieces to gift this season, check out our holiday home décor and furniture gift ideas for inspiration.

Swap Art and Wall Décor Seasonally

Featured: Leithan - Multi - Wall Art

Refreshing the wall art in your home can make a room feel transformed. Seasonal wall changes can be simple and budget-friendly. Ideas for temporary art swaps:

• Frame your children’s holiday crafts
• Print and hang snowy landscapes or rustic winter scenes
• Create a DIY garland of holiday cards or photos from past holidays
• Use removable decals or wall stickers with festive sayings

If you’re artistically inclined, consider painting or drawing your own holiday scenes. It adds a personal touch and gives your space something truly unique.

Visit Us for Your Holiday Home Makeover

Holiday hosting in Texas means more than just setting the table. It’s about creating a space that feels like home to everyone who walks through your door. With the right furniture in place, you’ll be ready to host with style, comfort, and that signature Texas charm.

Review our tips for holiday furniture shopping, then visit us today in-person or shop online. Let’s get your home ready for the holidays!