Preparing Your Home for Holiday Guests

The holidays are a special time to open your home to loved ones. Creating an atmosphere that feels welcoming goes beyond simple decor — it’s about small, thoughtful touches that make your guests feel comfortable and cared for. Whether you’re hosting for a day or for a few nights, here are some detailed, practical tips to ensure your Shea home feels like a holiday haven.
 
1. Create a Cozy Guest Room Retreat
If you’re hosting overnight guests, turn the guest room into a cozy retreat. Go beyond fresh linens — add a soft throw blanket to the bed, extra pillows for personalized comfort, and even a lavender pillow spray for added relaxation. Set out a phone charging station (with a universal charger) and provide a small bedside water carafe. Adding a small tray with a few late-night snacks — like chocolates or granola bars — makes the space feel like a boutique hotel. And don’t forget to clear a few drawers or closet space for their belongings! Homes in the Lyric™ community, with their spacious layouts and thoughtfully designed guest rooms, offer the perfect setting to create this welcoming feel.

2. Create a Personalized Welcome Kit
Surprise your guests with a small welcome kit in their room. Fill a basket with thoughtful items like travel-sized toiletries (think toothpaste, lotion, and a spare toothbrush), a bottle of water, and even a local guidebook if your guests are from out of town. Add a handwritten note to make them feel truly welcome. This small gesture is both practical and thoughtful, and shows you’ve gone the extra mile. Living in a Shea community means having access to local attractions — don’t forget to include recommendations for nearby trails or parks like the ones surrounding The Canyons™.

3. Set Up a Self-Serve Coffee and Tea Bar
Mornings are easier when your guests can help themselves to coffee or tea at their leisure. Set up a self-serve coffee bar in your kitchen or dining area with a variety of options: regular and decaf coffee, herbal teas, hot cocoa packets, and sugar or alternative sweeteners. A variety of creamers — dairy and non-dairy — will ensure everyone has something they like. Add mugs, spoons, and napkins so guests don’t have to rummage through your kitchen to start their day. Shea Homes™ kitchens, with their spacious countertops and open layouts, make setting up a self-serve coffee station easy and stylish.

4. Prep the Bathroom with Essentials
Before your guests arrive, make sure the bathroom is stocked and guest-ready. Provide plush towels, washcloths, and extras like shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. A small basket with essentials like cotton pads, Q-tips, and travel-size toiletries adds a thoughtful touch. To make things extra cozy, consider adding a heated towel rack or providing fluffy robes for your guests to use during their stay.

5. Stock the Fridge with Their Favorites
Nothing says "welcome" like stocking the fridge and pantry with your guests' favorite snacks or drinks. Ask ahead about dietary preferences or favorite holiday treats, and have those items readily available. Whether it’s a favorite brand of coffee, dairy-free creamer, or a beloved holiday dessert, having their go-to items on hand makes guests feel immediately at home. You could even create a “help yourself” snack station in the kitchen to encourage your guests to feel comfortable grabbing something on their own.

6. Offer a Late-Night Snack Station
After a long day of holiday festivities, your guests may want something light to snack on. Set up a late-night snack station in the kitchen with easy-to-grab options like popcorn, fruit, cheese, crackers, or cookies. Include a few festive treats like holiday cookies or spiced nuts for a seasonal touch. Having a designated spot for snacks ensures guests can help themselves without feeling like they’re intruding.

7. Light the Fire or Turn on Ambient Lighting
As your guests settle in, create a warm and inviting atmosphere by lighting your fireplace or turning on ambient lighting. If you don’t have a fireplace, consider lighting a few candles or turning on decorative string lights to create that cozy holiday glow. Battery-operated candles can work just as well for an inviting, flickering effect without worrying about open flames. Shea Homes™ offers homes with spacious living areas with fireplaces — perfect for creating a welcoming holiday ambiance.

8. Create a "Forgot Something?" Drawer
We’ve all been there — your guests arrive only to realize they forgot something important. Stock a small drawer or basket with items like extra toothbrushes, razors, contact solution, or even a spare phone charger. This way, if anyone forgets something, they’ll know right where to go without needing to ask.
 
By paying attention to these small details, you can transform your home into a welcoming retreat for your holiday guests. It’s the thoughtful, personal touches that make all the difference, helping your visitors feel truly at home during their stay.
 
Ready to make your home the heart of holiday hospitality? Find the perfect space for gathering with loved ones this season within our Shea Homes™ communities.