Our first opportunity to host this holiday season was, by all definitions, a mad dash. We used Thanksgiving Day as the driver of our new home’s construction deadlines and dream kitchen details; and if it weren’t for our out-of-town holiday guests—my in laws—I don’t think we all would’ve taken the deadline so seriously! Miraculously, the move and the design execution came together, and our door was open for an intimate family meal that I will forever cherish.
When it comes to hosting guests, your core elements of hospitality can be consistent despite your style or routine. Sure, I wish I had more furniture or decor in my guest rooms other than a bed and nightstands — but the mattresses were plush and comfortable, and magically, nothing else seemed to matter.
Here are my key ingredients to preparing a guest-ready home for the holidays:
Photos by Christen Jones Photography
COMFORT
Happiness consists of getting enough sleep, am I right? When starting from scratch in our new house with multiple guest rooms, I leaned on an organic, hypoallergenic, and affordable mattress that would arrive on time and unbox with complete ease. My Green Mattress was the perfect choice.
The best proof point? My in-laws bought a Green Mattress for their home after visiting us!
FLORALS + GREENERY
A centerpiece — whether a moss mound, a simple vase with branches from the backyard, or a professional organic masterpiece like this one by Everbloom Design — brings life and energy to a space. A couple of blooms in the bathroom or a corner plant from June Wren does so much for your home—and your mood—with little effort.
FINE WINE
Need I say more? Opening a bottle with your guests to enjoy over a meal or beforehand welcomes a warm toast and opportunity to celebrate simply being together. I loved the Rombauer Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa for an earthy yet balanced sip.
DELICIOUS FOOD
This is a non-negotiable. Snacks in the pantry, charcuterie on the countertop, cookies in the oven, and a soup on the stove — no matter the level of formality, feeding your guests with a sense of intentionality is the greatest gift!
