Hosting Guests This Fall? Here's What You Can Do To Start Prepping Now, According To Experts

The pros are sharing their best tips for a stress-free hosting experience this fall.

Expecting visitors later on this season? You’re most definitely not alone. But rather than saving all of your Thanksgiving guest prep for the last minute, why not make an effort to tackle bits of your home week by week? When your loved ones finally do arrive, you’ll feel relaxed and refreshed as you greet them—and they’ll surely be awestruck as to how inviting your home feels and compliment you on your A+ hosting skills. Here are some simple tasks that you’ll be able to check off of your to-do list long before your sister even thinks about packing her suitcase.

Test Drive Your Guest Bedroom

As the date that your first guest will arrive approaches, why not take your guest bedroom for a spin? “Spend a night in it to see what is lacking or needs updating,” suggests Megan Evans, the founder of Megan Evans Interiors in Covington, Louisiana. For example, she says, take a moment to ensure your bedding is up to par for the season. “Refreshing the bed linens and making sure you have extra blankets easily accessible is a must, especially as cooler weather approaches.”

Stock The Bar

If you and your visitors plan to enjoy several glasses of wine or catch up over cocktails, you’ll want to make sure that your bar is well stocked ahead of time. This may mean swapping out summer entertaining essentials for more autumnal offerings, too. “Red wine and bourbon glasses should be washed and easily accessible, while margarita glasses can be stored until warmer temps return,” explains Emily Wallace Wood, the founder of Wallace Wood Interiors in Richmond, Virginia. “Have sugar, bitters, and fresh oranges on hand for a proper old fashioned, ever popular during cooler months.”

Treat Your Guests To Some Extras

Even the most well-prepared travelers occasionally leave essential items behind, and it’s always nice when a host sets out a few must-haves in the guest room prior to their visitors’ arrival. “I have a tray set up on an antique commode in our guest bedroom with bottled water, snacks, and assorted travel size toiletries including a mini first aid kit, toothbrush, razor, and floss,” Evans shares.

Wood notes that she also likes to set out a water carafe, a vase of seasonal flowers or greens, and current magazines when prepping her guest room.

Perfect Your Lighting Scheme

You’ll want your guest bedroom to feel warm and inviting (and smell nice and pleasant), so use this time to come up with a calming lighting scheme, Evans suggests. She prefers using lamps in lieu of overhead lighting. And don’t forget about the windows! “Windows should be treated with roman shades or drapes since not every guest wants to wake up with the sun,” Wood says. “It also adds yet another layer of softness for a cozy retreat.”

Experiment With Tablescape Styling

If you’re a bit stumped as to how you’d like your Thanksgiving tablescape to appear, take some time in the weeks prior to the holiday to start dreaming up some possibilities. “Table setting is an art and I allow myself plenty of time to play with ideas,” says Katie Armour Taylor, the Greensboro, North Carolina, based cofounder and creative director of Trudie. If you’re in need of some inspiration, take a page from Taylor’s book. “Gather fall foliage, pumpkins, and other gourds to create simple and charming centerpieces,” she offers. “Don’t forget to stock up on your favorite table linens before they sell out,” she adds.

Brainstorm Recipes Now

Rather than sorting out recipes at the last minute, do some brainstorming in the weeks leading up to when you’ll be hosting. Then, tackle as much meal prep as you can before guests arrive so that you won’t be rushing around hurriedly when your loved ones are in town. “Your guest will want to spend time with you,” notes Kim Wilson, the founder of Atlanta, Georgia-based Lucy’s Market. “Appetizers and entree items can be made ahead of time and warmed upon your guest’s arrival.”

Tackle Your Exterior

Don’t forget that your home’s exterior makes a key first impression. “Let that be the foundation for what your guest can expect inside,” Wilson says. “Make a statement so they are excited the moment they arrive.” Use the time you have now to make sure your landscaping and front porch shines!

Spruce Up Your Decor

To ensure your home feels as festive as possible when guests arrive later in the season, spend some time picking out fall decor that speaks to you. “Incorporating a palette of warmer-toned throw pillows in your living room area can be a great way to give your space a new life,” notes Megan Molton, the founder of Megan Molton Interiors in Charleston, South Carolina. Even something as simple as folding a throw blanket over the back of the sofa can make an impression, she adds. Don’t forget about the power of scent, too. “Adding musky fragrant candles and rustic potpourri are other ways to call in fall,” explains Traci Connell, the principal lead designer of Traci Connell Interiors in Dallas, Texas.

Get The Bathroom Into Tip-Top Shape

You'll want to ensure that your guests are greeted with a bathroom that looks and smells clean and is well stocked. Keep in mind that candles aren’t just for your main living spaces: They can make for a nice addition to the bathroom, too. Kristen Schwiers, the founder of Charleston Candle Co., turns to delicate flowery or coastal scents in this instance. “They effortlessly create a tranquil atmosphere,” she says.

Wood advises against placing linen hand towels in the powder room when hosting larger gatherings. “They can get overused, wrinkled, and soggy,” she says, noting that you can’t go wrong with disposable, personalized hand towels. 

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