Hosting essentials: How to prepare your home for guests

It's the season of hosting, where your home becomes a cosy hub for friends and family to gather, eat, laugh, and stay a while.

Whether you’re welcoming overnight guests or hosting a dinner party, we’ve got all the design tips you need to make your home feel like a 5-star retreat—no red carpet necessary!

From prepping a guest bedroom that rivals the finest hotels to decking out your living room for winter gatherings, get ready to be the ultimate host.

Ready to take your hosting game to the next level? Book a free call with a designer to start discussing your dream space:

Become the host with the most

Image credit: My Bespoke Room

Before we get into our room by room break down, here's a quick check list to get your whole home ready for guests.

Declutter and clean: Sounds basic, but it’s the first step toward making sure your home feels welcoming. Clear out the main living areas of unnecessary items to create a sense of openness. Not only will it give you room to breathe, but it will also make your home look like you’ve been expecting guests all year. You know, like you casually keep things this tidy all the time.

Check the guest flow: As you move through your space, consider how guests will use it. Can they flow easily from the front door to the snacks without tripping over a rogue chair or table? Ensure there’s enough seating, standing space, and a natural flow between areas so no one feels stuck or crowded. This small adjustment makes a huge difference when you're thinking about how to host friends at home.

Add seasonal accents: Without overdoing it, consider switching up a few details like pillows, throws or ornaments to reflect the cosiness of the season. Layering textiles and decor in your living spaces can add a rich texture, making things feel warm and inviting without needing to go full-on festive.

First impressions count!

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When it comes to hosting, your entryway sets the tone for the entire experience, so make sure it’s as inviting as the rest of your home. A statement rug in the hallway not only looks great but also helps keep muddy winter boots in check. Choose something durable yet stylish, like a neutral rug with a pop of colour that ties in with your home’s decor. A pro tip from our designers is to use outdoor rugs - they can be just as stylish, but so much easier to clean!

And, don't forget adding some greenery or a candle can also go a long way toward creating that warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Make your entryway functional without sacrificing style by adding a console table with a mirror above it. This gives guests a spot to drop their keys or check their appearance before stepping into the party. And, of course, make sure your entryway is clutter-free, with a sleek coat rack or hidden storage. That way, your home is prepared for guests—and you're avoiding the chaotic pile of winter jackets by the door!

Feeling inspired? Start your room makeover today, and we’ll help you create the ultimate guest experience, right from the comfort of your home.

Set the mood in the living room

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The living room is where most of your guests will likely congregate, so it should feel both comfortable and open for conversation.

Shift your layout: If your furniture typically faces the TV, it might be time to rotate things for more face-to-face interaction. Move your sofa and chairs so they face each other, encouraging a natural flow of conversation. Incorporate side tables or ottomans that can double as extra seating or places to set down drinks—a key move in preparing your home for guests.

Create cosy zones: If you’ve got the space, arrange smaller seating clusters to allow guests to break off into more intimate chats. Think of this as the party equivalent of a dinner table seating plan—without the assigned seats.

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Lighting is key: For evening gatherings, avoid harsh overhead lights. Instead, opt for softer, layered lighting using lamps, dimmers, and candles. Not only does it set a warm mood, but it also makes your guests feel more relaxed. This is one of the subtle yet impactful ways to address your party hosting essentials.

Why not add an element of fun?: A pop up bar cart not only takes the stress away from serving guests drinks but also adds an exciting feature point which always brings the fun to any gathering. And how about creating a card or games table where guests can help themselves to their own entertainment?

Turn your living room into the ultimate entertaining space by reading our blog, here.

Don't let house embarrassment get in your way! Book a FREE 30-minute consultation with one of our professional designers to kickstart your room transformation!

Dinner party ready

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The dining room is where everything comes together—and by everything, we mean the food and wine (arguably the most magical part). But the setting can be just as enchanting as the meal itself. Let’s get into those dinner party hosting essentials.

Seating that works: No one wants to fight for a seat at the table, so make sure you’ve got enough space for everyone. A bench is a great way to add flexible seating or try stylish fold-away chairs that don’t take up too much space when not in use. Your dining area will look polished, while still having room for all your guests.

Table dressing with a twist: Keep your centrepiece simple but impactful—think minimalist candle arrangements or a tray of fresh greenery. These details keep things sophisticated without overwhelming the table. Plus, they make space for all those delicious dishes.

Lighting for the mood: Overhead lighting can be harsh, so go for soft, warm lighting like pendant lamps or dimmable chandeliers to create an intimate dining experience. If possible, layer with candles or smaller table lamps to keep it cosy. Your guests will love the ambience, and you’ll have nailed how to host friends at home in style.

Looking to discuss your home project? Book a free call with one of our experts to find out how we can help:

A downstairs loo worth talking about

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If you're hosting for more than an hour or two, then be prepared that your downstairs loo will be having a few visitors—so why not make it a talking point?!

Bold is beautiful: In small spaces, you can afford to go big without overwhelming the room. Rich, dramatic colours like deep navy, forest green, or even jewel-toned wallpapers can add instant glamour. Pair this with striking tiles or even a statement mirror to create a space that feels luxurious and exciting.

Attention to detail: Make the loo host-worthy by focusing on the little things. Fluffy hand towels, high-end soaps, and a scented candle will have your guests feeling like they’ve entered a chic boutique hotel bathroom.

Functional and fabulous: Even though it’s a small space, you still want it to be functional. Add some shelving for extra loo roll and stylish trays for essentials like hand lotion and tissues. Consider quirky artwork or even a gallery wall for added personality—guests will leave talking about more than just the dinner.

Want to make your cloakroom as unique as you? Check out our 7 creative cloakroom ideas.

Outdoor spaces: Yes, even in winter

Who says your outdoor space is off-limits just because it’s chilly? Because we all know the best parties always spread outdoors.

Light it up: No need for festive light overload here—just a few fairy lights, lanterns, or candles can create a warm and cosy vibe. Perfect for guests who want a breather from the indoor buzz.

Warm it up: If you’ve got a fire pit or outdoor heater, this is the time to show it off! And don’t forget to provide a few blankets for guests who want to gather around the fire with a hot drink in hand.

Want to know how we add the wow-factor to your home to impress all your guests? Click below!

Create that hotel feel in the guest bedroom

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When it comes to guest bedroom design, your family and friends may not be staying forever, but they should feel like they’re stepping into their own private retreat. With the right guest room décor and guest room furniture, you can easily transform your spare room into a space that feels warm, welcoming, and hotel-worthy.

Keep it neutral: The key is to keep the guest room décor neutral—because no one wants to feel like they’re sleeping in someone else’s bedroom, right? Neutral tones like soft pinks, soothing greys, or warm whites create a calm, welcoming vibe without being too personal. But neutral doesn’t mean boring! You can still add pops of colour with textiles, artwork, accent furniture or plants to keep things fun!

Freshen up the bedding: Nothing says "welcome" like a crisp set of sheets and an extra throw for chilly nights. You don’t need to be a five-star hotel, but adding an extra layer of comfort with fluffy pillows and soft sheets will win you some serious hosting points. It’s all about creating a guest room that says “Stay a little longer!”

Want to make your guests feel right at home? Follow our expert guide to decorating your spare room.

Image credit: My Bespoke Room

Give them space: Make sure your guests have room to unpack, even if it’s just a couple spare drawers or a cute little luggage rack. Trust us, they’ll appreciate it. 

Keep it functional: While making the room comfortable, ensure it’s functional too. A bedside table with a lamp is essential for nighttime readers or early risers who need a soft glow before breakfast. If you have the space, adding an accent chair is a great touch. It provides a spot for guests to relax or simply toss their clothes (let’s be honest, they’ll need it!)

Hosting season is upon us—are you ready? Chat with our experts and let's make sure your home is prepared for guests!

Bathroom bliss

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Even if your guests are only staying for a night, a well-designed bathroom can elevate their experience. The goal here is to make them feel like they’ve wandered into a spa, minus the robes and awkward chatter with strangers. 

Stock up on essentials: No one wants to awkwardly ask for a spare towel. Have fresh towels, toiletries, and a hairdryer ready to go. And for bonus points, leave out a basket of small toiletries—think mini soaps, a toothbrush, and some hand cream. You’ll have them thinking, “Wow, they really thought of everything!” It’s a no-brainer when it comes to holiday hosting essentials.

A welcoming glow: When it comes to lighting, avoid harsh overhead lights that feel more like a department store than a relaxing space. Instead, opt for soft, flattering lighting around the mirror to make mornings feel a bit more glamorous.

Never enough storage!: Giving your guests ample storage to stow away their toiletries is another must-have. And to add that extra touch of glamour, why not incorporate a chic tray with luxury soaps, candles, and a little greenery? It’s the perfect finishing touch for how to prepare your home for guests or any winter stay.

Turn your home into the ultimate social space by booking a free consultation with one of our lovely, professional Interior Designers: