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It’s always a special time filling your home with family and friends. From holiday and new year festivities to the just because, here are a few tips to help the hostess entertain with style and ease.

Pre-prep
Anything to make the party prep easy is key. Prepare food well in advance. Warming drawers in your kitchen is a great way to keep food at the perfect temperature. Chill perishable hors d’oeuvres in the fridge and place them on platters just before guests arrive.

Cocktail Station
Having a “serve yourself” plan for cocktails is easy with a serving cart. Have an ice bucket, limes, lemons and other cocktail garnishes pre-sliced and ready for your guests.

Sprinkle the Snacks
Think of your home and the party flow. Place platters of hors d’oeuvres in conversation areas.

Fresh Flowers
Bring fresh flowers in and arrange them around your home. From the kitchen to the dining room and even the powder room. Fresh flowers are a beautiful way to add color and beauty to every space.

Seating
When thinking of your guests comfort and groups of conversation make sure there is enough seating and tables to place their drinks.






Time for You
Give yourself some time to sit and relax before the doorbell rings. Put your feet up. It’s going to be a great party!

’Tis the Season for Guests Arriving. The tree is trimmed, the stockings are hung, and the doorbell is about to chime.

Family and friends are on their way to spend the holiday with you and yours. But what can you do to make your overnight guests feel right at home? Think, “Boutique Hotel” and you’re well on your way.

We gathered a few of our favorite things reminiscent of a boutique hotel in our House Guest Checklist:

BEDROOM

1. CRISP BED LINENS
You can never go wrong with crisp, white sheets.

2. FRESH FLOWERS
I say every room should have fresh flowers! It brings life and beauty to everything.

3. PERSONALIZED TOUCHES
To make your guests feel at home, think of the little things that make a big difference, like this personalized TV guide. If you know your guests love traveling and history be sure to include picks such as the Travel Channel, National Geographic, and the History Channel to their personalized TV guide. They will notice your hospitality and thoughtfulness!

4. WRITING DESK OR VANITY
Placing a mirror above a writing desk adds versatility, as this desk can now be used as a vanity for the guest while they are getting ready for the day. We love having one furniture piece that can be used in different ways.

5. PRETTY STATIONARY
Note cards and pencils or pens placed on the desk completes the “Boutique Hotel” feel.

BATH

6. FLUFFY TOWELS AND POSH BATH MAT
Who doesn’t love fluffy white towels and a soft, cozy bath mat?! Anything reminiscent of a luxury hotel is key in making your guests feel right at home.

7. MORE FRESH FLOWERS

8. LUXURIOUS TOILETRIES
One of our favorite places to find pretty packaged soaps and lotions is World Market. You can instantly add color and luxury with special soaps like this.

9. COORDINATED COLORS
Touches of the same colors used in the guest room(s) makes the bathroom feel connected to the bedroom – even if it is down the hall.

We hope you’ve enjoyed this checklist and that you have a wonderful holiday with family and friends!