Designer Tips For When Guest Are Coming For The Holidays

By Natalie Weinstein, Allied ASID
Guests are coming!
This is what we’ve been waiting for – a houseful of friends, family and fun. We’ve worked hard and we’re ready – or are we? But ready or not – here they come (or will be really soon).

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​So how can we keep down the stress during the last minute crunch time?

• Set the table early – today, if possible and actually use the things you were saving for company – your best china, silver and stemware, the beautiful tablecloth that was Grandma’s.  (The earlier you do, the less time your dining room table will be the drop off for non-dining room “stuff”).
• Make sure all serving pieces are washed thoroughly and silver is polished (in advance).
• Look at the rest of your dining room and see if it’s neat, orderly and user-friendly for entertaining. If serving buffet is your style, make sure there’s enough room for all the food and adornments on your serving table. Don’t be left to scrounge for more set-up space when company is walking in the door.
• Do your decorations overwhelm your guests? Is there still room for comfortable seating or should you move things around in advance to accommodate everyone?
• If you can’t deal with all the cooking yourself, suggest a potluck where “everyone brings a dish.” It’s not really about the food but about the good time everyone will have when they get together. (Just make sure everyone doesn’t bring sweet potato pie or three bean salad.)
• To ensure that guests don’t turn up when you need to get in the shower or bath for the only private time you can salvage, set the time for folks to arrive and don’t leave it too open ended.
• If guests are staying over, make sure their quarters are prepared and user friendly (empty drawers and closet space, clean towels, fresh bed linens). Do you want to decorate that area with holiday décor?
•  Is your coat closet empty? Are there extra hangers in it?
•  Do candle holders have candles?
•  Is a caterer a new option for growing family gatherings to relieve stress?
•  If you’re the “caterer,” did you plan and write out your entire menu and the time you will serve so you know how the event will flow?
•  What about the kids? Have you planned anything special for them to keep them happy and occupied?
• If gift giving is part of your celebration, be sure you’ve wrapped a few extra presents. If additional guest turns up, no one will feel left out.

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Enjoy the holidays and best wishes from
​the Weinstein staff to you this holiday season!