While the idea of hosting a holiday party or event might automatically make you think of excess, it doesn’t have to be this way. In fact, adopting a minimalist mindset as you plan and prepare can help you get your space in order and execute a streamlined and stunning soirée.
With this in mind, we turned to a few of our favorite minimalist and organizing experts to find out what they suggested people declutter before hosting guests.
Meet the Expert
- Anjie Cho and Laura Morris are feng shui experts, co-authors of Mindful Living, and co-founders of the Mindful Design Feng Shui School.
- Tina Priestly is the owner and CEO at Ready, Set, Refresh.
Clear the Energy
The Spruce / Margot Cavin
Before you begin removing any physical items, feng shui expert Anjie Cho suggests clearing out the energy before—and after—your guests arrive.
“It’s a great way to prepare and welcome loved ones into your home,” Cho says, who also notes it’s a beautiful and simple way to encourage family energy, too.
If you’ve never cleared your home’s energy before, Cho says it can be as simple as burning some incense or misting with orange essential room oil spray.
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Clean Up the Entry
Emily Henderson Design / Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp
Along with decorating your front door and adding any festive touches to your foyer, Cho says she also likes to declutter the entryway to make physical room for her guests.
“The entry represents the portal in which you can receive guests,” she says. “Put away what’s not required and create some space for coats, shoes, and create an open space as much as possible.”
This small act signals to your guests that you’re ready to welcome them, and that they should make themselves comfortable. Plus, now is a great time of year to donate unwanted coats, hats, and shoes.
Clear Off All Countertops
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Kitchen counters are notorious clutter magnets, which is why pro organizer Tina Priestly says these are her go-to spot to organize ahead of hosting guests.
“This includes getting rid of any unnecessary goods, extra dishes, and disused appliances,” she says.
Along with creating a welcoming space for your guests, this should also make meal prep and hosting much easier, too.
Organize the Guest Room
If your guests are staying over night, feng shui pro Laura Morris says the best thing you can do in advance is by cleaning up and clearing out their guest room. But even if you don’t have a dedicated room, you can still make sure their sleep space is comfortable and welcoming.
“Some simple ways to do this is to offer your guests a luggage rack, as well as a clean, empty closet and drawers to unpack,” she says.
Creating this space and offering them any necessities will keep things organized and less stressful for everyone.
Streamline Your Decorating Efforts
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With more people in your home comes more stuff—and at the holidays, this means more gifts. In order to keep things low-stress, Morris suggests letting your decorating efforts lean minimalist, too.
“Don’t feel pressured to go crazy decorating your home for the holidays,” she says. “You can display a small amount of natural greenery, like a vase with red dogwood branches and pine boughs.”
The same goes for your menu planning. Morris says you can keep things easy by asking for help or suggesting a potluck style, or forgo a meal all together and plan an activity instead. Host a festive game night or a cookie exchange.
Organize the Fridge and Pantry
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No matter what holiday activities and traditions you have planned, it’s likely food is involved. That’s why Cho says it’s incredibly important to start clearing out your pantry and refrigerator early, and creating easy, streamlined storage solutions.
“Be sure to let go of anything that’s expired, neglected, or unnecessary,” she says. “You can compost or donate that food.”
Plan to Send Off Leftovers
Whether your guests are staying for a few hours or a few days, you’re likely to have leftover food at the end of it. While adding anything to your life now sounds counterintuitive, stocking up on reusable to-go containers will help your clear things out later.
“[This] is a great way to avoid a maxed out fridge of leftovers you’ll never eat,” says Cho. “You could look at it as a little gift bag and even add in some goodies like holiday gifts [like candles].”
Invest in Great Baskets
Being a minimalist doesn’t mean you don’t have anything in your home—it just means you don’t have an excess beyond what your home can hold.
If your problem is rooted in finding places to keep and store things, Priestly says now is a great time to get some cute, chic storage baskets. This can also help your guests find whatever they need during their visit.
“Using visually appealing storage alternatives, including stylish baskets, keeps essentials organized and within easy reach,” she says.
