The holidays bring joy and…guests. Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner or welcoming overnight visitors, a little prep goes a long way toward creating a warm, stress-free environment. Instead of scrambling the night before, declutter key areas now so you can enjoy the season (and your company!) without chaos creeping in.
Here’s how to tackle the three spaces that matter most when entertaining: the kitchen, the guest room, and the entryway.
1. The Kitchen: Clear the Counters, Clear the Stress
The kitchen becomes the hub of the holidays. From prepping meals to serving drinks, this space needs to work with you—not against you.
Decluttering Tips
✔ Create space for holiday cooking.
Remove non-essentials from countertops: small appliances you won’t use, decorative pieces, random mail, or everyday clutter. This gives you room to prep and serve without juggling piles.
✔ Edit the fridge and pantry.
Toss expired items, combine duplicates, and donate unopened goods you won’t use. Make room for holiday groceries, leftovers, and drinks.
✔ Prepare “guest-friendly” zones.
Designate easy-access drink stations or snack areas so guests aren’t digging through cabinets. Keep clean dish towels, extra utensils, and serving pieces visible and ready.
✔ Simplify your surfaces.
Keep counters minimal with only what you need for hosting—this makes cleanup quicker and keeps the space feeling calm and welcoming.
Source: Julie Soefer, Better Homes & Gardens
2. The Guest Room: Cozy, Functional & Clutter-Free
Giving guests a comfortable place to land is one of the kindest things you can do—and it doesn’t require a full room makeover.
Decluttering Tips
✔ Clear the surfaces.
Nightstands, dressers, and chairs shouldn’t be storage zones. Remove piles of clothes, paperwork, or decor overload. Leave space for your guest’s belongings.
✔ Make space in the closet or dresser.
Even a small section with empty hangers or a few empty drawers makes visitors feel at home.
✔ Remove the “just for now” items.
Gift bags, out-of-season clothes, or Amazon boxes often end up living temporarily in guest rooms. Relocate or donate them to reclaim the space.
✔ Add thoughtful, simple touches.
Extra blankets, a water carafe, tissues, a bedside lamp, and a phone charger make the room feel intentional—not last-minute.
3. The Entryway: First Impressions Matter
This is the first thing guests see—and one of the easiest areas to declutter quickly.
Decluttering Tips
✔ Contain the everyday clutter.
Shoes, backpacks, mail, and coats add up fast. Use baskets, bins, hooks, or trays to keep everything in its place.
✔ Create parking spots.
Add an empty hook for guest coats, a clear tray for shoes, and a neat spot for purses or bags. Pre-labeling helps everyone know where things go.
✔ Minimize the decor.
Seasonal décor is great, but too much can create visual clutter. Choose a few statement pieces: a wreath, a winter candle, or a warm welcome mat.
✔ Keep it well-lit.
Soft, warm lighting instantly makes the space feel inviting—even if the weather outside is anything but.
Final Tips for Staying Sane During the Holidays
✨ Decluttering doesn’t have to be perfect—just purposeful.
The goal is functionality and warmth, not magazine-level staging.
✨ Focus on the areas guests will actually use.
No need to overhaul every closet or bedroom.
✨ Do a final 10-minute sweep before people arrive.
Clear counters, fluff pillows, empty trash, and straighten entryway items.
✨ Remember, people come to see you, not your perfection.
A welcoming home is created through intention, not immaculate surfaces.
Want help making your home feel warm, functional, and styled just for you? Let’s work together! Visit Home Space Harmony or follow along on Instagram @homespaceharmony for more ideas and inspiration.