Ah, Christmas! The time for mistletoe and holly and for people dropping in and out of each other’s homes! Perhaps there will be a few extra seats at your table during this holiday season.

Christmas guests can be a joy, but they can also be stressful. Whether they’re just over for the evening or are planning to spend a few days, the key to enjoying their visits is preparation. Here are a few hosting tips for making sure those Yuletide times with friends are happy times!

Take Some Moments to Declutter

In this hectic season, you may not have time to sweep the house from top to bottom and put everything in its ideal place. Nonetheless, picking up extraneous toys, magazines and so forth and stashing them out of sight will make everyone breathe easier when there are additional friends in the house! If you have to, put all the unnecessaries in bags and pile them in the corner of a basement. You can sort through them at a less frantic pace in January.

While you’re at it, get your hallway or foyer ready for the December traffic. Clear out most of your own shoes, and set out a shoe rack or tray for visiting footwear. A storage bench provides a convenient spot where guests can sit to wrangle off their boots. Make sure there are plenty of hanging racks. If there’s a hall closet, move out-of-season garments elsewhere. Let there be plenty of empty hangers. Top the entryway off with a holiday wall plaque or wreath for the season!

A Home That Says “Merry Christmas!”

A holiday home starts with decorations, and this is one season where it’s OK to go all out with seasonal holiday decor! Besides the usual assortment of wreathes, lights, gnomes and Santa statuettes, how about some holiday throw pillows or some seasonally themed hand towels in the bathroom?

A truly enchanting Christmas environment delights all the senses. Use candles and essential oils to create a layer of aromas that evoke the grandeur of the holiday seasons we all remember. Favorite scents include pine, cedar, vanilla and even apple cinnamon! Carols playing in the background are a seasonal standard, and possibly you could mix in some undiscovered songs that not everyone knows. One trick is to find Christmas music without the words, a teaser for your guest to come up with the lyrics.

And what would Christmas be without food? The spirit of the season piques every appetite, so there should always be plenty of snacks where people feel welcome to help themselves. To give your visitors a special treat, portion out trays of cookies in advance and slip them into the oven when everyone’s in the next room! The baking aroma will bring back memories for some of holidays past.

Christmas Time is Together Time

A few planned activities are welcomed, especially when guests expect to stay a day or two. Cards and games are always good but, for a new twist, try a group crafting session. A snow globe in a Mason jar or a wine cork Christmas tree allows guests to make a treasure to take home as a memory of your hospitality. You could be surprised how much fun folk can have with glitter when crafting. Don’t forget construction paper and pipe cleaner creations for the young ‘uns!

With everyone crafting away, there may be a shortage of surface space! The solution: folding tables and chairs, on hand when you need them and easy to store when you don’t. Also, a couple of barstools for those inevitable kitchen gab sessions bring the whole cheery crowd together. Remember, at holiday time folks gravitate towards the kitchen when meals and treats are being prepared.

Welcome Friends Who Stay Awhile

There are people you don’t get to see often enough, and it’s a pleasure to have them stay for a few days! If you’re fortunate enough to have a guest room, wonderful. If you’re not, you may need a futon, daybed or sleeper sofa in the rec room, home office or part of the living room. There are ways to make it comfortable and safe.

In a bedroom, make space in the closet and clear out a couple of dresser drawers. Guests in a common room might get some dividers for privacy and a small chest, storage bench or storage ottoman to keep a few clothes and personal items.

A bedside lamp is appreciated by anyone who’s sleeping in a strange room! Everyone has an electronic device or two, so some obvious and visible power outlets are a thoughtful touch. A few extra nightlights will guide folks safely through unfamiliar hallways. Bonus points if your nightlight is a Christmas tree or a Santa!

Whether it’s a full-time or convertible bed, guest season provides a splendid excuse to update your bedding. New blankets and comforters as well as a selection of pillows will enchant your company and also give you an extra dose of cheerfulness in the New Year! Add a holiday throw to the top of the bed when setting up guest rooms. Great for a warm up when taking a nap, reading comfortably or to use as an added blanket for those chilly holiday season nights.

Top off the festive atmosphere with a few special touches, such as a handwritten welcome note or a crafted basket of goodies. And set out a selection of toiletries in case your favorite visitor forgot one of the nighttime necessities!

Relax: You’ve Got This!

It’s not going to be perfect. And that’s OK; no one expects it to be. With a little preparation and imagination, you can set the scene where the next round of Christmas memories will be made. People enjoying the season with cherished family and friends, and celebrating love and friendship: who could ask for anything more!