The holiday season is quickly approaching, and with it comes the joy of welcoming family and friends into your home. As the days grow shorter and the weather cooler, now is the perfect time to complete a few quick design projects that will make your home feel cozy, festive, and inviting for the holidays.
Here are some easy upgrades you can tackle before the guests arrive.
1. Create a Guest-Friendly Entryway
The entryway is the first impression guests will have of your home, so making it functional and inviting is essential.
- add a bench where guests can sit to remove shoes
- place hooks or a coat rack for outerwear
- include a mirror to open up the space and give guests a convenient spot to check their appearance
- add a seasonal wreath to the door and a decorative mat to welcome guests
2. Add an Electric Fireplace for Instant Warmth and Ambiance
An electric fireplace is one of the quickest ways to create warmth and ambiance in your home as you prepare for the holidays. Electric fireplaces are easy to install, making them a perfect weekend project, and they don’t require venting or special wiring.
- choose your style—wall-mounted, freestanding, or insert options
- provide the cozy glow of a traditional fire without the hassle of wood or gas
- add practical warmth to any room
- can run the flame independently of the heat, so you can enjoy the ambiance year-round
3. Add or Upgrade Your Fireplace Mantel
The fireplace is often the heart of the home during the holiday season, making it the perfect place to focus your design efforts. If you don’t already have a mantel, consider adding one to create a beautiful focal point for your living room or family room.
A fireplace mantel not only provides a place to display holiday décor like stockings, garlands, and candles but also adds architectural interest to the room.
- get it in various styles, from traditional wood mantels to modern floating shelves
- update an existing mantel with a fresh look with new paint or stain
- add new mantel decorations to suit the season
- easy to install, can complete in a day
4. Upgrade Your Lighting
As daylight fades earlier, lighting becomes an essential part of creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Swapping out old light fixtures or adding sconces, pendants, or other styles, can instantly elevate the look of any room.
- add sconces in hallways or entryways to greet guests with a warm glow
- install a statement chandelier over your dining table to set the tone for holiday dinners
- replace bulbs with warmer tones
- add dimmers to create a cozier environment
5. Switch Out Accessories & Accents
An easy way to refresh your home for the holidays is by updating accessories like throw pillows, blankets, and area rugs.
- add rich textures like velvet, faux fur, or knitted fabrics bring in warmth and comfort
- opt for holiday-themed or seasonal colors such as deep reds, greens, and golds
- go with deep pile rugs to keep things cozy
6. Add Floating Shelves
If you're short on time and looking for a way to bring holiday charm into multiple rooms, consider installing floating shelves.
- display holiday décor such as small ornaments, candles, or framed family photos
- install in living rooms, hallways, kitchens, and even bathrooms
- switch out decorations after the holidays to keep the look fresh year-round.
7. Refresh Guest Bedrooms
If you're expecting overnight guests, giving the guest bedroom a quick update can make their stay more comfortable.
- refresh the bedding with cozy blankets, fresh linens, and plush pillows
- add personal touches such as a small holiday-themed decoration or a scented candle
- declutter any unused spaces
- consider adding a luggage rack or bench to make your guests feel more at home
8. Enhance Curb Appeal
Prepare your home’s exterior for the holidays with a few simple touches.
- hang outdoor lights
- add potted plants with seasonal greenery
- place lanterns along the pathway
- consider a fresh coat of paint for the front door
- add a seasonal wreath
9. Update Your Dining Table with Festive Settings
Since many holiday gatherings center around meals, upgrading your dining table settings can transform the experience.
- swap out everyday placemats, napkins, and table runners for more seasonal options
- consider adding a festive centerpiece, like a simple arrangement of greenery and candles
- add chargers, special holiday dinnerware, or glassware to elevate your tablescape
10. Revamp Your Guest Bathroom
The bathroom is often overlooked when preparing for the holidays, but small updates can make it more welcoming for guests.
- change out the shower curtain
- add new bathroom fixtures
- update lighting
- swap out old towels for plush, holiday-themed ones
- add a few festive touches like candles or scented soap
11. Add a Seasonal Touch to Your Kitchen
Since the kitchen is often a gathering spot during holiday preparations, give it a festive flair by adding small, holiday-themed updates.
- switch out your usual dish towels, aprons, and oven mitts for seasonal versions
- add a seasonal arrangement, or a few sprigs of greenery to brighten up countertops
- include small holiday touches to open shelving, like displaying festive mugs or seasonal plates
12. Organize and Declutter Living Spaces
One of the quickest ways to make your home guest-ready is by decluttering high-traffic areas like the living room and family room.
- remove any unnecessary items to free up space
- organize books, magazines, or remotes in stylish baskets or trays
- consider adding extra seating like poufs or ottomans to accommodate more guests
By tackling these quick design projects, you’ll not only create a beautiful and cozy space for your holiday guests but also enjoy a refreshed and inviting home all season long. Whether you’re adding a new mantel, upgrading your lighting, or simply swapping out soft furnishings, each of these projects will help set the stage for a memorable holiday gathering.