It’s Christmas, the time where the biggest and the best parties are happening all over the world. It’s a time for family and friends, and for get-togethers with people you haven’t seen all year.

If you’ve thought about, or are planning, your own party at home this year, then there are some things you’ll need to think about in advance. We wanted to provide you with some tips when it comes to welcoming your party guests.

Ideas such as hiring a festive booth from Photo Booth Rental Fort Worth as a fun way to create memories of the occasion.

Prepare the guest room

Even if you haven’t planned for anyone to stay, there might be that person whose lift doesn’t turn up, or a train gets cancelled, or someone decides they’d prefer to stay and have a couple more drinks instead of drive home. You should always be prepared just in case someone decides they’d like to use the guest room.

You can do this by preparing the bedding, and maybe even buying new from somewhere like Julian Charles. Even if you buy new, make sure you wash it before putting it on the bed to give that amazing ‘fresh bedding’ smell.

You’ll need to make sure the room has all the basics like a wardrobe with hangers and bedside lamps. You might also want to add some homely touches such as candles, plants and throws.

Prepare the food

Depending on the tone you want to set for the party, you’ll need to decide on your food choices. Are you going to do a sit down meal? Are you going to do a casual buffet? The former is more effort for you, and you’ll need to think of the number of people you’ll be inviting. Can you realistically cook a two- or three-course meal for 15 people? If you’d rather have more people there in a casual setting, a buffet is the easiest way to go.

You’ll need to consider the vegetarians, vegans and anyone with allergies. Will you do a vegan dessert for everyone, or provide multiple options? There’s so much to think about!

Spring clean

In a survey done by Julian Charles, they found that 85% of people will be doing last minute tidying and preparing right up until their guests arrive. This could include lighting candles, laying out snacks or plumping up pillows. People care about their homes and what the rooms look like to guests. It’s a time to wow people and give them an amazing impression of your home.

The day of the party is the time to vacuum and dust any room guests might enter. This includes both the downstairs and upstairs bathrooms; make sure there’s enough toilet roll,  soap and a clean hand towel in there too. Floors should be mopped, and if you’ve done any food prep in the kitchen, it should all be cleaned away and set in the fridge for when you need it later.

There’s tons to think about when you’re having a party, but you want to welcome your guests and make them feel instantly at home.

How else might you prepare your home for when you have guests over?