Holiday Ready Starts Here: How to Create Comfortable Spaces Your Guests Will Love
Design Consultant Debbie Casey created this inviting sitting area with four swivel chairs, perfect for conversation and entertaining near the bar.
The holidays are approaching fast, and with them come family gatherings, festive dinners, and cozy evenings at home. Now is the time to make sure your home is ready for guests, with spaces designed for comfort, convenience, and plenty of room for everyone.
Here are our top Design Consultant-recommended ways to make your home guest ready this holiday season:
Make Sure Everyone Has a Place to Sit
Seating is the foundation of a comfortable, welcoming home. A spacious sectional allows everyone to relax together, while sofas and armchairs create cozy conversation spots. Dual-function pieces like ottomans and benches add versatility, providing extra seating when needed and even serving as temporary surfaces for drinks and snacks.
For those aiming to refresh their seating before the holidays, timing matters.
If you’re looking for a truly personalized look, special ordering ensures your frame and fabric selections perfectly fit your style and space. As our in-home Design Consultant Debbie shares: “Shopping for furniture by September 30th helps alleviate the stress of finishing a room for our-of-town guests coming in November and December. Planning ahead means you’ll have pieces you love not just for the holidays, but for the next 5 to 10 years. It’s an investment in creating a space that feels both timeless and personal to your home.”
If you need a seating solution more quickly, our floor models are a great option. Available in our showroom for immediate delivery, they give you the opportunity to see, feel and test each piece in person. Floor models offer the same high-quality furniture as custom, without the wait.
Flexible and functional: this layout ensures that everyone has a spot, with ottomans and accent tables that can be rearranged to create additional seating or surface area as needed.
Incorporate Functional Accent Furniture
Accent pieces like drink and console tables make a big difference in everyday comfort and entertaining. They ensure that every guest has a place to rest their plate or drink and help keep your home feeling organized during gatherings. These pieces offer flexibility since they can be moved around as needed and seamlessly incorporated into your existing layout.
Whether its a side table for a grouping of swivel chairs or a console behind a sofa, these functional pieces help your home feel effortless and ready for entertaining.
Layer in Cozy Textiles
Accent pillows and throw blankets are more than just decorative: they make your home feel warm and inviting. Guests can curl up on the sofa with a soft throw, while pillows add comfort and create a polished, finished look for your seating areas. Having a variety of textures and layers ensures your home feels cozy and accommodating, even in high-traffic areas during holiday gatherings.
Anchor Your Spaces with Rugs
A well-chosen rug does more than tie a room together; it creates a soft, welcoming foundation for your furniture and your guests. Rugs define seating areas, add comfort underfoot, and help protect floors from high holiday traffic.
For larger rooms or dining spaces, planning ahead ensures you secure the right size, texture, and pattern before the season starts.
Choose the Right Dining Table
Your dining table is the centerpiece of holiday meals, so it’s important to choose one that fits both your space and your hosting needs. Large tables give everyone a place to sit comfortably, while extendable options provide flexibility for bigger gatherings without taking up extra space year-round.
Think about the flow of your room and how guests will move around during meals. Pair your table with chairs or benches that can be easily added or rearranged to accommodate extra seating. Planning ahead ensures that everyone has a spot, making holiday dinners more relaxed and enjoyable.
Add Buffets and Sideboards for Serving and Storage
Buffets and sideboards pull double duty, keeping your serveware and table linens organized while giving you extra surface space for meals and entertaining. With a dedicated station for prep and serving, you’ll keep your main table clear and your hosting flow smooth. Plus, having a devoted place for dishes, platters, and seasonal items makes it easier to prep for (and clean up after!) holiday dinners.
Finish with Thoughtful Details
Once your larger pieces are in place, add functional finishing touches that enhance comfort and convenience. Layered lighting, seasonal candles, artwork and accessories create a space that feels collected, welcoming, and ready for guests.
At Curated Furnishings, we make it easy to get your home holiday-ready. From family-friendly sectionals and storage-savvy sideboards to cozy rugs, pillows, and accent furniture, you’ll find everything you need under one room. Our Design Consultants are here to help you plan ahead and create comfortable, inviting spaces your guests will love this holiday season, and for years to come!
