"Christmas is a time for family and friends, it's for getting together and celebrating..."
It sounds brilliant written down like that, but real life doesn't always happen the way we might expect. While it's always great to catch up with relatives we don't get to see very often, there's a definite art to navigating the festive season, and the guests that might be coming to stay, without too much stress.
As much as we love our family, we all know that spending too much time together can lead to tension. Whether it's an overly-critical mother-in-law, your brothers who still bicker like teenagers or your own teenagers who are more interested in Facebook than family, every family comes with a little baggage. Planning ahead and making sure your home is ready for every eventuality and knowing how best to navigate potential fallouts is key...
Having house guests, especially over-nighters, can be stressful at the best of times. But when you've got a roast dinner to deal with, hordes of excited children running around with new toys, and a healthy amount of christmas spirit consumption taking place, Christmas visitors can run the risk of tipping us over the edge if we don't plan well in advance! As the next instalment of our christmas blog series, we thought we'd put together a few ideas on how best to prepare for festive guests, so you are free to enjoy their company!
Think of the Little Things...
A comfortable guest is a happy guest, so taking the time to make sure you've thought of the little things before they arrive is a must. Make sure essentials like mugs and towels are easy to find and guests know how to work things like the shower and the television. Making your visitors feel comfortable to see to themselves will not only make them feel more at home, but it'll give you space and time to relax too. In terms of sleeping spaces, if possible it's great to make sure that guests have a place to put their things and get ready. Make sure the WiFi password is easy for your guests to see, so that they can get connected and share their Christmas memories as they wish! Another home comfort is to make sure they have subtle bedside lights which they can operate from their beds to create a homely and welcoming atmosphere. If you need to invest in some new bedside lamps before your guests arrive, we have a stunning range of affordable options at Pagazzi Lighting.
Teamwork Pays Off!
There's nothing less pleasing that rushing around last minute in your marigolds to create the image of domestic bliss, only to have the kids ruin it all with their incriminating comments in front of the in-laws! Also, make sure you've recruited the help of your significant other and kids, or whomever you live with, to make sure you've got a team of helpers to get your through when there's plenty to be done. We know that no-one wants to do the dishes, but if you can agree to split out the tasks between a few people, it won't feel so bad...
Stock up on the Essentials
It's always good to remember, that even if you don't like something, your guests might, so don't overlook the essentials in terms of food, drinks and more! With guests coming, make sure you're stocked up on the essentials: tea, coffee, milk, sugar, butter and chocolates! As long as you've got these to hand, things can't go too far wrong, right? Also make sure you're aware of any particular dietary requirements, as this can quickly turn a christmas dinner into a nightmare! Most guests who either choose not to or can't eat or drink particular things often offer to bring their own, but having their preferred brands on hand when they arrive is a lovely welcoming touch. Essentials don't just have to be reserved for the kitchen though, make sure your bathroom is stocked with lovely toiletries for your guests too!
Avoid The Silence
Once the initial excitement has worn off and your guests have settled in, things to talk about with some family members can dry up quite quickly. I'm sure we've all experienced a frosty atmosphere or hint of awkwardness when conversation slows to a stop. When you're not catching the best of the christmas television, or your favourite blockbuster from the year, make sure there's something to pick up as a discussion point. Having plenty of reading material lying out in the open is the perfect way to showcase your interests and give your guests something else to look at. Whether it's magazines, newspapers, or coffee table picture books, reading (or pretending) to read something is a brilliant way to navigate those awkward silences without having to force conversation.
Think Home, Not Hotel...
It's natural to want to be the best host you can be, but it is important to keep in mind your house isn't a hotel and shouldn't be treated like one. Make your guests feel at home and encourage them to act like it! If guests feel comfortable to fetch themselves a drink, it means you can take some time to relax and enjoy yourself too. Most guests are great at cleaning up after themselves and helping out the host. If your guests aren't as thoughtful, then it's important to be polite, but don't be a pushover. Get comfortable asking for a little help if you need it, and know where to draw the line.
Make The Most of Christmas!
Guests can be a little stressful, but deep down we really love having them. Plus, it's Christmas! So make sure you take the time to relax, let the cards fall where they may, and have a great time with your loved ones! Make sure you share your christmas homes with us using #Pagazzi on social media !
From everyone at Pagazzi Lighting - we'd like to wish you a very merry christmas, and hope that you have a great festive period!
