From Dining Room to Guest Room: Holiday prep starts here
As Autumn begins, the pace of life starts to shift. The air is cooler, evenings are darker, and in Canada, Thanksgiving is just around the corner. For many homeowners, this is the moment they suddenly realize: my home isn’t ready for hosting. Whether it’s a dining room that doesn’t flow, a guest bedroom that feels neglected, or lighting that falls flat, last-minute fixes can make the season stressful instead of joyful.
The good news? With a few intentional design moves in early in Fall, you can get ahead of the rush and enjoy a beautiful, functional home for the holiday season and beyond.
1. Rethink Dining + Flow for Family Gatherings
The holiday season is all about gathering around the table. That means your dining and living spaces should feel comfortable and flexible. A few simple changes, like adding a bench for extra seating, rearranging chairs, or adjusting the layout, can make a big difference in how people move and interact. You will also want to take time to declutter and deep clean. Clear off those surfaces & refresh those book cases.
Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to mix and match dining chairs if you don’t have a full matching set. Done intentionally, it creates character and still feels cohesive.
2. Set the Mood With Lighting
As summer closes and evenings grow noticeably darker, lighting becomes one of the most powerful ways to shape how your home feels. A thoughtful, layered lighting plan (overhead + task + accent) doesn’t just brighten a room, it creates mood, atmosphere, and comfort for both everyday living and special gatherings. Imagine the soft glow of a floor lamp that makes a reading nook inviting, sconces that add a touch of elegance to a hallway, or the warm ambience of dimmable bulbs above the dining table that shift seamlessly from family meals to festive holiday dinners.
Even simple updates, like swapping in warmer-toned bulbs or adding a stylish lamp, can instantly transform your space into one that feels cozy, welcoming, and ready for hosting.
3. Guest-Ready Bathrooms + Bedrooms
If you’re hosting family over the holiday season, guest spaces matter just as much as the dining room. Prepare your guest room with a fresh set of linens, good bedside lighting, and thoughtful styling touches like a carafe of water or extra blankets that will make guests feel at home. Bathrooms can be refreshed with a deep clean and adding soft towels, updated mirrors, and simple storage solutions.
These spaces are perfect for a Dream Room in a Day, where we can transform a powder room or guest bedroom into something you’re proud to show off before your family arrives.
Wait, This all sounds great! Help me get my home ready for the holidays!
4. Think Ahead – Order Now for December
While Thanksgiving is the first big milestone, now is also the time to think ahead to December. Custom window coverings, furniture, and rugs often take weeks to arrive. Waiting until November means you’ll likely miss the window. Planning early allows you to choose pieces you truly love, rather than settling for what’s available last-minute, and ensures your home feels polished and complete when guests arrive.
Even small updates, like a new rug to anchor the living room or drapery to soften a dining space, can make the holidays feel more inviting and effortless.
Takeaway:
The best way to enjoy the holidays is to prepare early. By making intentional design decisions in the Autumn, you’ll not only host Thanksgiving with ease, but you’ll also be set up for the entire holiday season.
Ready to get started?
- You can then schedule a 2-hour Design Strategy Session, where you’ll get expert advice and a clear action plan that you can put into place – right away.
- If you’d like to go further, you can book a Dream Room in a Day, where together we’ll transform your dining room, living space, or guest bedroom, just in time for the holiday season.
By planning your space now, you can host with ease and focus on what really matters during the holiday seson: enjoying time with the people you love.
Warmly,
