GETTING YOUR PROPERTY GUEST-READY

The festive season is upon us and, if you are getting ready to host family and friends, we have some handy tips for you.

Whether you celebrate Christmas or not, the colder months are a wonderful time to invite friends or family around for a meal or a drink. So, if you find yourself as the host of a dinner party or a simple get-together, here are some practical tips to help you accommodate multiple guests comfortably, even in a smaller space.

Maximise your space

Make the most of your available area with these clever solutions:

Rearrange furniture to create open areas for socialising.
Use folding chairs and tables for flexible seating options.
Consider investing in multi-functional furniture, such as Ottomans with storage, to help declutter the space.
Speaking of clutter, have a good declutter and rearrange furniture to make space for unwrapping presents, playing some games, or for settling down to watch a chosen Christmas film on the TV.

Plan meals in advance

Whether you are only cooking for one additional person or a large family and group of friends, cooking can be stressful. For this reason, we recommend planning the meals you want to cook in advance to help you reduce stress:

Choose meals that can be easily prepared and/or frozen. Then all you need to do before they arrive is ensure it is hot and ready to be served.
Stock up on easy-to-serve snacks and beverages.
Consider a pot luck-style gathering, where everyone brings a different dish, to share the cooking responsibilities.

Our expert advice: ‘Tablescape’ your dining table with a focal point, decorative place mats, and a table runner. Plan your seating arrangement in advance, so there’s no confusion as to where everyone should sit.

Create a festive atmosphere

Make your guests comfortable with warm, low lighting and if you have a fireplace, have it aglow, so everyone can settle down in front of it after the Christmas dinner. Fairly lights and candles will also help to create a relaxed atmosphere to help your guests unwind. You may also want to play some background music to enhance the festive mood.
If you have the space for it, features such as a ‘home bar’ will add that extra touch. This could be a drinks' trolley that you can wheel to your guests for their chosen drink or display a cocktail cabinet – handy for storing glasses and bottles. Make these festive by adding a few decorations or wreath.

Prepare comfortable sleeping arrangements

If your guests will be staying overnight, ensure that everyone has a suitable place to rest:

Transform your home office or study into a temporary guest room, by using a sofa bed, if you have one, and air mattresses for extra sleeping spaces.
Provide warm blankets and extra pillows for comfort.

Our expert advice: Pay attention to your bathroom and make sure it is clean and prepared for your guests. Finishing touches such as towels, restocking the soap dispenser and candles or diffusers to fill the room with nice scents, will ensure it is an inviting space. Have extra towels handy for your guests to use or, if you do not have enough, ask them in advance to bring theirs.

Set up a quiet area

Being around people for a long period of time may feel overwhelming at times. For this reason, you may want to also ensure everyone has space to relax. For example, you could:

Designate a quiet area for those who need a break from socialising.
Provide books, magazines, or puzzles for downtime activities.

Preparing your new home for festive guests does not need to be a daunting task and, in general, just getting your property ready for those winter months, will also ensure it is ‘Christmas ready’! Check window and door seals are intact and think about using draught excluders (you may want to use Christmas themed ones), to make sure your property is kept warm and cosy.

If you are still searching for your next property, then why not take a peek at what is available or talk to our colleagues in your local branch.

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