Having guests come for the holidays is a major part of the season for many families. Whether they’re stopping by for the day or staying for a week, having friends and relatives gather for special meals and time together can be a way to create great memories together. But these get-togethers can also cause stress and worry for some, especially when it comes to preparing and impressing those guests.
If that sounds like you, you aren’t alone—in a survey by OnePoll, results showed that it took families an average of three hours to prepare for hosting guests, with hosts pulling out all the stops with cleaning and preparation before that preparation even starts. One main highlight for preparation is the kitchen—in fact, the room often called the heart of the home was the most-discussed house feature for 37% of those surveyed!
If you’re thinking about how to impress your guests and make your kitchen look its best for the holiday season, we’re here to help. We’ll break down some ways to dress up your home for the holidays—and let you know how The Tub Pros can be a part of your holiday preparation team in the Memphis Metro Area, Germantown, Collierville, Arlington, and North Mississippi and Arkansas, so that your kitchen can bask in the glory of vain beauty.
What impresses guests?
You probably know that there’s a lot more that goes into decorating your home than putting out some festive ornaments. That means you might be pleased to know that all the cleaning you do in advance of hosting guests (like washing the floor, cleaning your cabinets, and doing the laundry) go a long way towards helping your home look (and smell) impressive.
In fact, 72% of people surveyed reported that a clean home felt more homey and welcoming—meaning that this is a big step towards making your home look its best. So before hosting, spend some time decluttering, organizing, and cleaning – so pull out the bleach and Fabuloso.
If you find that you’re planning to spend some time doing a last-minute renovation, you aren’t alone—23% of hosts took on a project, with the kitchen topping the list of rooms most in need of some love. Plan your time well to make sure you aren’t left with a torn-out wall or half painted hallway for the holidays, though—simple updates can go a long way. So if you’re wondering how to revitalize Corian countertops, for instance, this might be the time to hire a pro to refinish the surface—this process only takes a few hours. Paint, a new rug, or some revamped art on the walls can refresh the space, too.
What decorations can add razzle dazzle style?
Decorations don’t need to be extra-fancy to impress guests, either—about 30% of those responding to OnePoll’s survey took the easy step of buying fresh flowers, and 47% reported lighting a scented candle. Pleasant smells, nice snacks, and even plentifully stocked toilet paper show preparation for guests. Scents like cinnamon, rosemary, nutmeg, or pine can bring up fond and festive memories for many guests, though don’t stress if candles or air fresheners aren’t your cup of tea—guests appreciate when a home feels tidy, cared for, and lived in, and the scent of a nice drink, a meal, or some sweet treats can just as easily impress.
When it comes to flowers, some bright red poinsettias can brighten up a kitchen, as can fresh (or faux) pine boughs—these can look great around pendant lights, framing windows, or hanging from island stools. Wreaths aren’t just for the outside, either—you might hang one over a doorway or window as a focal point in the room. For larger kitchens, a small Christmas tree might fit in a corner—and if there’s extra counter space, a small one might perch in a corner. Just make sure you keep real or artificial greenery well away from sources of heat—burns and smoke won’t add to the holiday décor.
You might also use the practical functions of your kitchen to add a touch of cheer. Simmering some seasonal fruits (like cranberries or oranges) in a pot of water on the stove can add a delicious smell, while a corner of the counter (or a morning coffee bar) can be transformed into a cocoa station for guests, complete with mugs, candy canes, and decorative cookie tins.
The kitchen table can easily be given an elegant centerpiece to highlight the dining space. A full tablescape—with candles, napkin rings, and dishes—can also transform the ordinary kitchen table, or can extend the cheer into the dining room, something that looks particularly nice if the rooms connect. These decorations can range from store-bought ornaments and tinsel to natural pinecones or branches—just make sure to be careful with candles.
Most importantly, make whatever decorating you do your own. It’s easy to feel that the holidays are about measuring up to others, but remember that simple cleaning and decorating in a way that works for you and your family will make the space feel lived in, cozy, and personal—big parts of impressing any family or friends who come to stay.
Where can I find a counter and sink reglazing near me?
Whether you love the newest kitchen trends or a tried-and-true look, The Tub Pros are here to help you get your home looking its best all year round. It can be stressful to prepare for a holiday and find that dated colors or cracks, chips, burns, or other damage are dragging down the look and feel of your kitchen, stopping you from using your home to its fullest.
Luckily, you don’t need a full kitchen remodel: ideas abound for fixing up your space and taking it to the next level, from spot repairs to faux granite countertops in a variety of modern colors. We’re here with refinishing and reglazing surfaces that can get tile, sinks, and countertops looking great in a matter of hours.
When you’re ready to get started, give us a call at (901) 871-8827 or use our online tool to get your project in the works and your home in the Greater Memphis Metro Area up and running again in time for the holidays ahead. More value added FREE information can be found in our online articles.
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