Preparing Your Home for Holiday Entertaining

The holidays are almost here! You’ll more than likely be doing more cooking, preparing, and entertaining, especially if you’re hosting a holiday gathering. Entertaining during the holiday season can be incredibly stressful, but luckily it doesn’t need to be! The key is to begin planning early enough so that your home will be guest-ready and stress-free.

For many, this time of year means big meals, great company, and warm surroundings. Holiday entertaining is so much easier with the right furnishings in your home. When it comes to entertaining, many people often focus on the smaller details like décor. While accessories and décor are important, it’s also the big things that matter. For example, is your dining room table large enough to accommodate all your guests? Is your couch comfy enough? Do you have sufficient serving space so that everyone can enjoy the food?

The good news is that there’s still time to get your home ready for your holiday guests. With just a few updates, you can easily create a relaxing, spacious atmosphere your guests will love!

More Chairs and a Larger Dining Room Table

It’s important that you have a dining room table that’s big enough and that has sufficient seating for everyone. You want your guests to have room to enjoy holiday meals, toasts, and blessings. Now is the perfect time to shop for a lovely new table and seating. Consider this gorgeous Elements International Stone Dining Table Set with Bench that will be an excellent centerpiece in your dining room. The table is supported by an elegantly designed pedestal on each end accented with reverse scroll details. Adding to the classic appeal of the set is the dining bench inspired by a church pew.

Our exquisite Millennium North Shore Rectangular Extension Table and Chairs Set includes a breathtaking dining table and fabulous chairs. The dining table features four beautiful turned legs reminiscent of embossed ribbons, and the edge features beautiful serpentine ornate engravings. The attractive chairs feature turned legs reminiscent of wrapped ribbons, as well as embossed flowers on the exposed wood base board.

When you’re shopping for your new dining room set, consider how much space you’ll need. It’s a good to measure the area beforehand, taking into consideration things like how many people will be sitting at the table.

A Gathering Space for Guests

It’s true that the kitchen is the hub of sumptuous holiday meals. However, if you’re the cook, you might not want all of your guests congregating in your kitchen. The solution is to create a space specifically for gathering and lounging—away from the kitchen area. This way, guests will be comfortable relaxing before the big meal.

One way to create a gathering space in your living room is to make sure that you have enough seating. A comfy, roomy sectional is the perfect addition to add much-needed seating! One of our most popular selections is this contemporary Benchcraft Tracling Contemporary Sectional with Left Chaise that features curved track arms, five accent pillows, and a relaxed, modern style. There will be plenty of room to host family and friends with this sectional in your living space.

To add extra seating in your living room, consider our Signature Design by Ashley Malchin Contemporary Tuxedo Back Accent Chair. This handsome chair gives your living room the posh, sophisticated feel of a contemporary lounge, and boasts tall, tuxedo arms with a scalloped edge and a menswear-inspired upholstery fabric with a textural weave. Also, make sure your guests have a few accent and occassional tables to rest drinks and hors d’oeuvres.

A Buffet Table to Serve Drinks and Appetizers

Serving a lot of food and drinks, and need additional storage space? Consider a server or buffet table where guests can help themselves to cocktails and appetizers. Our buffets serve as storage and décor pieces as well! For example, this Signature Design by Ashley Coralayne Dining Room Server with Glass Doors & Silver Finish boasts a glam silver paint finish with a subtle sheen for an irresistible allure, and allows you to show off prized pieces. Our 900 Antique Multicolor Buffet with The 900 Antique Multicolor Buffet with 6 Drawers by International Furniture Direct will supply your space with a reclaimed look. Made of solid pine, this piece features a multi-step hand rubbed finish with a soft multicolor finish to resemble real recovered wood. Mortise and tenon case construction enhances the durability and stability of the piece so it will stay sturdy for years to come.

Get Your Home Holiday-Ready with Sam Levitz

The holidays are the perfect time to make your home dreams come true. Your home will be ready just in time for all your holiday parties and get-togethers with our fabulous collections. We wish you a wonderful season filled with joy!