Preparing Your Home’s Lighting for Holiday Guests

 As the holiday season approaches, and you begin to welcome family and friends into your home, it’s nice to curate a warm, inviting atmosphere for them. Thoughtful lighting is a nice way to set the tone, whether it's through a bright entryway to greet guests, a cozy dining area, or well-lit spaces that make everyone feel right at home. The right lighting can add warmth, highlight your holiday decor, and enhance the comfort and style of each room. Here are some simple ways to adjust and layer lighting to brighten up your home this season.

First Impressions: Entryway Lighting

This is the first space your guests see when they arrive, and we love a warm, inviting first impression. The primary purpose of entryway lighting is to ensure your entryway and foyer are always well-lit and provide clear visibility any time of day. Think about brightening the entryway with pendant lights or wall sconces for ambient lighting or installing motion censored smart lighting to greet guests automatically.

Let’s Eat: Dining Room Lighting

Nothing is more welcoming than a cozy and memorable tablescape for holiday meals. Think about being able to adjust and set the mood with dimmable chandeliers, candle-inspired fixtures, or layered lighting that allows a variety of brightness based on the type of meal and the time of day.

Feels Like Home: Lighting for Overnight Guests

The more the merrier! Make guests feel more comfortable and functional when they are spending the night with easy, accessible lighting. Add bedside lamps with soft, warm bulbs, blackout shades for restful sleep, or reading lights for bedside tables. 

Family Gatherings: Living & Family Room

Floor lamps are commonly used in the living room, typically tucked next to a sofa or chair, beside a cabinet or near an accent wall.  Floor lamps add a beautiful layer of soft ambient lighting to your room and create a warm and inviting space for relaxation and conversation.

Outdoor and Pathway Lighting

Creating a well-lit path not only enhances safety for guests, but also sets a welcoming tone for your holiday celebrations. Install durable LED pathway lights along walkways and driveways. Use ground-mounted or adjustable spotlights to highlight key features of your yard, such as trees or holiday decorations.

Accent Lighting for Holiday Decor

Accent lighting enhances the beauty of your holiday decorations. Use battery-operated candles or LED tea lights in decorative holders to create a soft, flickering light. Drape fairy lights over bookshelves, mantels, or around windows to add a twinkling effect. These lights create a warm ambiance and are perfect for highlighting smaller decor items.

As you begin to welcome loved ones into your home, remember that the ambiance you create can significantly enhance their experience. By thoughtfully layering and adjusting your lighting, you can highlight the beauty of your holiday decorations while fostering a sense of warmth and comfort. With the right lighting, you’ll transform your home into a welcoming space that celebrates togetherness and joy.

Guest Room Welcome Basket Item Ideas

Do your holiday plans include overnight guests? If so, we have a way to ensure their stay is as comfortable and enjoyable as possible with a welcome basket filled with all the essentials. Add these to a basket or bin that you already own and leave it on the bed they’ll be sleeping in.

• Local Guide: A brochure or map of nearby attractions and restaurants
• Toiletries: Travel-size shampoo, conditioner, soap, and lotion
• Activities & Reading Material: A selection of magazines, puzzles or a book
• Snacks: Assorted nuts, granola bars, or chocolate treats
• Beverages: Bottled water, herbal tea, or coffee packets
• Cozy Touches: A soft blanket and rolled towels
• Scented Candle: A small candle to create a relaxing atmosphere
• Notepad and Pen: For jotting down thoughts or plans during their stay