Have a Holiday-Ready Home in 5 Steps

The holidays have a way of sneaking up. One moment, it’s pumpkin spice season — the next, you’re wondering where to put the extra chairs and whether your guest towels match. The good news? Creating a home that feels warm, welcoming, and ready for the season doesn’t take perfection. It just takes a little planning and intention.

Whether you’re hosting for the first time or the fifteenth, these five steps will help you prep your home (and your mind) for a stress-free, memorable holiday season.

1. Refresh Your Entryway

First impressions matter. Your entryway sets the tone for the rest of your home, so a quick refresh can make a big difference:

1. Wipe down doors, polish hardware, and replace burnt-out lightbulbs.
2. Add a new doormat or wreath that reflects the season.
3. Create a simple drop zone for shoes, bags, or coats to keep clutter at bay.

You don’t need to call Martha Stewart or overhaul your space, just concentrate on making it clean, well-lit, and welcoming entry for guests from the moment they arrive.

Tip: Plants (fake or real, we don't judge) or a lantern by the doorway will add warmth without requiring a lot of upkeep.

2. Focus on Guest Spaces

Dedicated guest room or the pull-out sofa in the sunroom—go the extra mile to make the space feel thoughtful. Fresh bedding, an extra blanket, and a small basket of essentials (toothpaste, snacks, water) will instantly communicate care and a sense of welcome.

If space is tight, a tidy corner with a reading lamp or a designated storage spot for luggage can help your guests feel settled.

Pro move: Smells are your secret weapon! Plug in your oil diffuser or light a candle — seasonal fragrances make a space feel cozy and calm.

3. Simplify Your Decor

You don’t need Buddy the Elf to make your home feel festive. Focus on one or two areas that make the biggest impact, usually the dining table and the living room.

1. Use natural materials like pine, citrus, or eucalyptus for earthy charm.
2. Layer lighting: a mix of lamps, candles, and string lights creates depth.
3. Choose a color palette but don't hyper-fixate on it. Lean into coordinating colors for details like napkins or ornaments.

The goal isn’t a magazine-perfect display — it’s a space where people feel welcome.

4. Clear the Clutter

A clean, simplified space feels peaceful and makes room for festivity — people, gifts, and food! Before decorating, do a quick sweep of surfaces and high-traffic areas.

1. Recycle old mail and magazines.
2. Clear off countertops and entry tables.
3. Store items you won’t need until January.

You’ll be surprised how much lighter your home feels when every surface doesn’t compete for attention. Plus, if you’re planning to list or refinance your home next year, this kind of deep clean can help you see it with fresh eyes.

5. Make Room for Memories

The most important step in preparing your home? Choosing your mindset.

Give yourself permission to slow down and enjoy your home. Turn off your phone and your mental to-do list! Enjoy a movie night, bake cookies, or take a walk through the neighborhood lights. Perfection isn't the goal; memories are!

When Your Home Isn’t Quite the Right Fit

Has holiday prep shown you that it's time to make a change? Maybe you’re running out of space for gatherings or it’s time to downsize to something more manageable. If that’s the case, it might be time to start planning for the season to come. With loan programs for every stage of homeownership, our team can help you find a space that fits your life and your family’s traditions.

The Holidays Start at Home

Preparing your home for the holidays isn’t about creating perfection; it’s about setting the stage for connection, gratitude, and rest. The right space makes that easier — and finding that space is what we do best.

If a new home is part of your goals for the coming year, we'll help you take the first step. Explore your loan options or connect with a TMF loan originator today.