If you will be the lucky enough to host this seasons festivities, you will have a lot of exciting things to prepare. But don’t worry, it’s not all washing tablecloths and endless shopping trips, it is getting into the holiday spirit and looking forward to spending time with your loved ones. But how can you make sure you have everything ready?

Make all the necessary fixes

If you have a stain on the wall that you have been meaning to cover for the longest time, or an uneven floor tile you’ve been meaning to replace, but you’ve constantly been putting it off – now’s the time! Get your tools out or call a handyman and use this opportunity to make your home a better place.

Organise the menu

Thinking about the menu in advance will ensure you are not running around and panicking, trying to get everything you need. Creating a feast for a lot of people is a big commitment, so a good idea is to ask everyone to bring a certain dish, and get some load off your shoulders. Regardless, you should always have a backup that can be a quick fix if someone doesn’t do their part.

Decorate accordingly

It’s a bit too easy to go overboard with the Christmas décor. And sometimes, that can be perfectly fine. But, if you want something more elegant and subtle, you can stick to a single-color scheme, and keep the décor very minimal. Pine branches over the mirror are a nice touch, but covering every corner of the bathroom with them might make your guests feel uncomfortable. Focus the majority of the décor in the rooms where you will be spending most of your time, and simply scatter a few more details around the house.

Set a festive table

We all know that the dinner table is where you will be spending the majority of your time, so you have to make sure that it is set in a festive mood. Decorative dinnerware such as Royal Doulton will bring just a little something extra to the table and help create an even more festive atmosphere. For a classic look, you can set a white tablecloth and a thin strip of dark burgundy cloth along the length of the table. Finish it off with a festive arrangement as a centerpiece and you will be good to go.

Have spare supplies

Think about what the things people use most are, and make sure you have plenty of them. Buy extra soap, toilet paper and similar essentials, because they will be in high demand. If any of your guest have a baby, have a changing station prepared somewhere to make them feel more comfortable. If any of your guests will be staying the night, make sure you have clean linen, towels, slippers and similar amenities.

In the end, all you need to do is provide everyone with the opportunity to have a good time and create a good atmosphere. You, as the host, will have a lot on your plate, but make sure you don’t overwork yourself too much, and lose the spirit and the will to be with your loved ones.

Remember: It is perfectly fine to ask for help and delegate work, it is your home and if someone is doing something you don’t approve of, you have the right to ask them to stop, or even leave. And if you know that you will have guests that don’t get along too well, feel free to create a seating order that sits them on the opposite sides of the table, so you can all have a merry, festive dinner!

What are some of you’re top tips to prep for a family Christmas? Do you visit relatives or do they all come to you? Let us know in the comments below!