Maximize Holiday Hosting: Easy Home Design Tips for a Festive & Guest-Friendly Space

The festive season is upon us, and for many, this time of year is synonymous with welcoming friends and family into their homes.

The joy of hosting during the holidays is undeniable, yet it can also bring a fair share of stress, given the myriad of tasks to be handled. Homeowners, therefore, can benefit greatly from any assistance that makes this hosting journey smoother, more efficient, and delightful for both them and their visitors.

Interestingly, a part of this assistance can come from an unexpected source: your home’s design and décor.

But what are the ways in which your home’s design and décor can be optimized to create a more welcoming environment for your guests this holiday season?

A recent piece on realtor.com delved into this topic, offering insightful tips on how home design and décor can simplify hosting duties while adding a festive touch. Here are some key suggestions:

1. Incorporate Couch Covers: The holidays often involve guests lounging on your sofa, enjoying festive treats or a glass of wine. To avoid the stress of potential stains, consider using couch covers. These not only protect your sofa from spills but are also easily washable, saving you the hassle of a full couch cleaning post-holidays. Opt for covers in holiday themes or colors to enhance the festive mood.

2. Opt for Washable Rugs: With increased foot traffic and the likelihood of spills during the holiday season, rugs can suffer. To prevent this, use washable rugs in areas that see a lot of activity. These rugs can be easily cleaned in your washing machine, eliminating the need for professional rug cleaning services once your guests have departed.

3. Invest in Firewood Storage: If you’re planning several cozy evenings around the fireplace, consider getting a dedicated storage solution, like a stylish basket, for your firewood. This not only helps guests know where to find firewood for a spontaneous fire but also keeps your space tidy and free from clutter.

By integrating these simple yet effective design and décor strategies, you can significantly enhance the holiday hosting experience in your home, making it more enjoyable and less stressful for everyone involved.

Please be aware that some of the products and services listed on our website may involve affiliate relationships. This means that we may earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase through our affiliate links. However, please understand that this does not incur any additional cost to you.

5 Cool Home Tech Gadgets

There are so many new tech gadgets on the market these days. Technology should make your life easier and more enjoyable. Here are 5 of the hottest tech gadgets to try right now. 5 Cool Home Tech Gadgets You Should Try Now

1. Motion Sensor Night Lights - Hate walking down a dark hallway at night? What about navigating the landmine of kids toys in the living room. These night lights have motion sensors built-in so they turn on as you walk by them.

2. Logitech Harmony Elite - One stop shop for your home smart devices. Harmony Elite is one control that handles all your devices in one place; lowering blinds, dimming lights, Alexa, Apple TV, Sony and much more.

3. Rubold Dog Dematting Tool - Make Rover happy and keep unwanted hair off your furniture and clothes. This device has rounded teeth to avoid scratching and reaches the undercoat without yanking the hair.

4. Ring Beams Home Security Lights - Ring is a household name for home security. Now Ring Beams cameras and doorbells add motion lighting to enhance security when using the system.

5. Smart Thermostats - A smart thermostat can not only put your home on a schedule, saving money and offering comfort, but also allows you to turn on the heat or air conditioning to prepare the home for your arrival.

Home smart devices and technology are improving all the time. With all the exciting products on the market, there’s never been a better time to experiment with smart technology.

The California Room is a Seasonal Space You'll Love

Some summer hours are too beautiful to be ignored. Whether those dewy dawns before the sun is at full strength, or the long evening hours when the heat bleeds off the day, there are times when being outdoors is a tremendous pleasure. 

But this doesn't mean you always want to spread out a blanket or a lawn chair. In fact, creating a "transitional space" which blends outdoor living with indoor amenities is a great way to maximize the season. The California room is just one of those spaces.

California rooms are typically situated in the rear of a home, sometimes connected to the home by sliding glass doors. The California room is usually a covered space with flowing outdoor fabrics and durable, luxurious "indoor" style furniture such as chaise lounges, couches, ottomans, and even coffee and accent tables. Walls give way to curtains. It often includes a dining space or even a protected (or moveable) entertainment center. Bluetooth music systems with outdoor speakers are also a nice touch.

If you see yourself spending a lot of time outdoors, you might consider supplementing your California room with an outdoor kitchen. A good grill, an outdoor sink in a stone or other durable counter surface, and some built-in refrigeration for drinks is a great way to upgrade your California room.

The California room is one of the hottest trends in home design right now. If you search Google images for "California room," you'll find hundreds of design examples from down-home country living to lavish, Mediterranean-inspired decor. Pinterest and Houzz are also great places to research California room styles.

The beauty of the California room is that it can be scaled to meet your budget. Even a modest transitional space with some cover and cozy furniture can make a small home feel larger and improve your quality of life.   

What does your dream California room look like? What are your must-haves and your nice-to-haves? How would you like to use your California room?

If you're looking for a new home with the ideal space for a California room, I'm happy to help you with your search. bit.ly/realtygoddesshomesearch