Hosting visitors can be stressful at any time of year but it’s particularly daunting during the festive season. When welcoming guests, you always want to impress with great interior design selections and little festive touches. We’ve put together a simple five-step guide to help you prepare your home for those special occasions this December.
Step one: First impressions
When debating where to begin with your decoration, imagine the parts of your home that guests will encounter first – this can help to nail that initial first impression. Your front garden and front door will set the tone for holiday celebrations, so consider hanging a pretty wreath or add some white lights. Little touches, such as well-trimmed hedges and accentuating with spots of holly, or even having your garden professionally landscaped, can impress your guests from the offset.
Your hallway is the opportune way to set a precedent for the rest of the house. A well-lit room with homely touches, such as sophisticated wall art, scented candles and rich diffusers will make your home feel warm and welcoming.
Step two: Indulge in the ultimate festive decor
Christmas décor is a great way of celebrating the holiday so take some time to prepare all rooms in your home. Guests will be looking for festive fun across the entire house, especially for a Christmas party.
Combining luxurious interior design choices with the festive period can be difficult. You could invest in glamorous staircase decorations, gold-encrusted glassware or cosy throws to add a touch of opulence to your home while retaining that warm Christmas glow. The fireplace is also a huge focal point during the winter months – though if Christmas stockings are not your thing, try adding a small snow globe or an ornate wreath instead.
Step three: Create space for your guests
Pay close attention to where your visitors will spend most of their time – typically the dining room, the guest bedroom or the lounge. These should have the strongest festive finish and make everyone feel at home. However, this doesn’t mean cluttering the room with Christmas ribbons. Try adding some personal touches to show that you care – for example, a small scented Christmas candle on the bedside table. Or, if you’ve got shelves to play with, decorate them with delicate tree branches and snowflake-themed flowers.
Top tip – Chic, extendable wooden tables are a great addition to any dining room, helping you to prepare for those last minute guests without compromising on style.
It’s also essential to free up space for guests to sit and mingle when entertaining in the lounge. Consider rearranging the furniture to create an open space where conversation can flow and people can share nibbles. After all, there must be a central area to place the cheeseboard and port after dinner!
Step four: Consider intricate detailing
Minor details are often overlooked in December, as people are too busy worrying about other things. Small particulars, such as cutlery arrangement, matching dinnerware and table centrepieces leave a lasting impression.
Or, if you’re keen to stay ahead of the game, use the festive period to showcase your knowledge of 2019’s upcoming design trends. 
Top tip – floral fabrics, copper furniture and fibre wall art are all set to be huge in 2019.
Step five: Enjoy the party
Remember that the festive season is a time to unwind, indulge and enjoy, so don’t let the burden of entertaining spoil that. Remember to relax, pick up a glass of prosecco and have fun spending time with friends and family.
Merry Christmas from The Altin Family to yours.