The holidays have officially arrived, and that means multiple friends and family gatherings, meals with those you love, baking cookies, exchanging gifts and so much more. It also means a rotating schedule of holiday guests.

To help you survive the holiday houseguests, we have put together some tips and tricks that will make it all go a little smoother this holiday season.

Declutter Your Home

This is no project to start the day before guests arrive – so plan ahead! Declutter, especially the guest rooms and public areas — foyer, kitchen, living room, den and dining room. Remove anything unnecessary from countertops, coffee tables, and ottomans. Not only will this help you feel less frazzled, it will help you keep up with the cleaning during your guests stay.

Add Night Light

This one may seem obvious, but you may know your house like the back of your hand, but your guests don’t. Adding nightlights in key areas will help your guests feel more at home, and alleviate unexpected loud noises in the middle of the knight.

Make Space in the Entryway

First impressions mean everything. Make space in the entryway for rugs, places to hang coats or remove shoes. And, ensure that there is enough space to welcome them in the home, without being overcrowded!

Add a Coffee Station and Extra Stools 

We love this one! Move the coffee maker to a convenient location – preferably, out of the kitchen! You don’t need extra bodies around when you are trying to make the magic happen in the kitchen! Add extra stools around the table or island for guests to sit if needed, as well as extra seating in the main areas to ensure everyone feels welcome.

Create Extra Sleeping Space

If you have a spare room, ensure it is as cozy as you would want your own room to be! Have extra blankets available and a fan in room for warm sleepers. If you are looking to add some creative sleeping spaces in public areas, pull-out beds and cots are great additions. Go the extra mile and provide some ‘privacy’ by adding a folding screen or rolling bookcase.

Bathroom Supplies

There’s nothing worse than rifiling through someone else’s things to find that one last roll of toilet paper. Bring toilet paper, towels, air freshener sprays and toiletries out of hiding, and place them on open shelves so guests can find them easily. If you don’t have enough wall space for shelves, place these items in open baskets around the bathroom.

Don’t be caught unprepared for your holiday guests this year! What is your favorite tip to prepare for a house full of guests? Let us know in the comments below!