The holiday season is fast approaching, and if you plan to host family and friends, now is the perfect time to start preparing your home. A crucial part of this preparation is ensuring your furniture is up to the task of accommodating your guests comfortably and stylishly. From a new dining set for those grand Thanksgiving dinners to guest bedroom furniture that makes your visitors feel right at home, getting a head start on these upgrades is essential. Here’s why you should consider ordering your new furniture now, and the other early prep steps you should take to get your home holiday-hosting ready.

The Importance of Early Planning

Ordering new furniture is not something you want to leave until the last minute. By ordering custom furniture well in advance, you avoid the last-minute rush and potential delays that can disrupt your plans. Even if you are selecting in-stock items, it’s a good idea to build in some extra time to schedule delivery, assembly and time to arrange - or perhaps even rearrange your new pieces until you are satisfied. Additionally, you’ll want time to decorate around your new items, turning your home into a welcoming and festive retreat.

Key Furniture Pieces to Consider

A well-furnished home with ample seating, a spacious dining area and comfortable guest accommodations creates a welcoming atmosphere that allows everyone to relax and enjoy the festivities. Thoughtful decor and functional furniture arrangements reflect your hospitality and attention to detail, making your guests feel valued and cared for. Ultimately, early preparation allows you to focus on creating memorable experiences rather than scrambling to get everything ready at the last minute. If you are planning on hosting this holiday season, you may wish to consider buying or upgrading hosting furniture essentials. These include:

• Large Dining Room Table: A large dining room table is the centerpiece of holiday gatherings. Whether it's a cozy family dinner or a larger festive party, having a table that can accommodate everyone is crucial. An extension dining table is a versatile choice, offering the flexibility to expand when needed and save space when not. You may wish to look for tables made from durable materials like solid wood to ensure they stand up to years of celebrations to come. Also consider, is it a time to invest in extra chairs for guests for the holiday table festivities?

• Guest Bedroom Essentials: Creating a comfortable guest bedroom is key to making your visitors feel at home. Consider upgrading your guest bedroom furniture to include a cozy bed with quality linens, a nightstand and a dresser. Is there room to add a comfy reading chair or bench at the foot of bed for your guests? Small touches like a new reading lamp, fresh flowers and a welcome basket with toiletries can make a big difference as well. It’s always best to try to think about the needs of your guests and ensure the room is equipped with everything they might need ahead of time, so you can be fully prepared when they arrive.

• Living Room Comfort: Your living room is another focal point during the holidays. It's where guests will gather to chat, relax and enjoy each other's company. You may want to consider updating your seating options with a new sofa or additional lounge chairs to ensure there is enough comfortable seating for everyone. Additionally, adding some festive decor, like holiday-themed pillows and throws, can also enhance the atmosphere and make your home radiate the energy of the holidays.

• Flexible sleeping options: If you don't have a guest bedroom or plan on hosting multiple guests, you may want to consider versatile sleeping options like a sleeper sofa or sectional, or a Murphy cabinet to ensure enough space for your guests to stay the night.

Guest Bedroom Ideas for Ultimate Comfort

Creating an inviting guest bedroom goes beyond just the basics. Here are some guest bedroom ideas to take your room to the next level:

• Quality Mattress: Invest in a high-quality mattress to ensure your guests have a restful sleep—depending on the size of your room, you may be able to get a larger size bed for guest comfort or two twin beds to accommodate your visitors.

• Storage Solutions: You will also want to provide ample storage for your guests. A dresser and additional storage, whether in a closet or storage furnishings, allow ample space for your guests to put their belongings. A luggage rack or upholstered bench can also be a convenient addition for guests to place their suitcases.

• Entertainment Options: Another great addition to a guest space is entertainment items. These can include a TV, some good books or even some tabletop games that can keep your guests occupied during their downtime.

• Personal Touches: Beyond traditional furnishings, a guest room isn’t complete without adding personal touches like framed photos, a cozy throw blanket, unique throw pillows and a few plants to make the space feel homier. A snack basket that includes bottled water, packed snacks and cookie or chocolate treats will make your guests feel right at home.

• Note: Do not forget pets that may be visiting with their owners. They love pampering too!

Decor Upgrades for a Festive Home

In addition to furniture, consider making some decor upgrades to enhance the holiday spirit in your home:

• Festive Lighting: String lights, candles and lanterns can create a warm and inviting ambiance that will enhance the vibe of any gathering.

• Holiday Decor: Incorporate seasonal decorations such as wreaths, garlands and holiday-themed ornaments to set the festive mood.

• Front Door Decorations: Is the front door decor ready for the holidays? Make sure to decorate it to set the tone for guests when they arrive.

• Table Settings: Invest in a seasonal table runner, matching placemats and elegant dinnerware to make your dining table shine.

• Comfort Accessories: Soft blankets, plush pillows and a cozy rug can add warmth and comfort to your living areas. Choose warm holiday colors to enhance the festive setting.

Start Now for a Stress-Free Holiday

The key to a successful holiday hosting experience is preparation. By ordering your new furniture now, you ensure that everything arrives on time and you have plenty of opportunity to arrange and decorate your home to perfection. From a large dining room table perfect for family feasts to a cozy guest bedroom that will make your visitors feel right at home, every detail matters. Don’t wait until the last minute—start planning and ordering today to create a holiday season filled with comfort, joy and beautiful memories.