How to Quickly Get Your Home Guest-Ready for the Holidays

 Getting your home ready for guests doesn't have to be hard. With some planning, you can make your space cheerful and welcoming quickly. 

A clean and decorated home helps everyone feel relaxed and cheerful. 

You don't need to spend days preparing or doing big projects. Small, smart steps can make a big difference. Let's explore easy ways to get your home guest-ready quickly and enjoy the time with friends and family.

1. Stock Up Welcome Gifts

Preparing your home for holiday guests means adding small, thoughtful touches. Gifts that bring warmth and comfort help make visitors feel genuinely welcome. Fresh arrangements, such as carefully chosen fruit baskets, add a nice splash of color and a healthy treat everyone can enjoy. 

You can order them online a week or even a day before the guests arrive. 

Alongside these, cozy blankets or favorite snacks create a friendly and inviting space. Having these items ready before guests arrive takes away last-minute stress. Attention to these details quickly turns your home into a place where guests feel relaxed and appreciated during the holidays.

2. Tidy Up The Main Areas First

Cleaning the whole house may take time, but guests usually stay in just a few rooms. Focus on places like the living room, kitchen, bathroom, and entryway. These areas are the first things your guests will see. A quick vacuum and some wiped-down surfaces can make a big difference. 

Additionally, removing clutter helps the space feel calm and open. You don't need to clean every corner—just where it counts. This saves you time and still makes your home feel neat. A tidy main area helps guests feel comfortable as soon as they walk in.

3. Write a Quick Personal Note

A quick personal note can be exciting for your guests to read. A welcome note for visitors can make them feel appreciated right away. This adds to a friendly and inviting atmosphere. Reading kind words helps guests feel appreciated for their stay. It creates a good vibe before they even settle in. 

Whether handwritten or printed, it shows thoughtfulness. It makes your space feel less like a house and more like a home. You can add small tips or greetings to the note. Or maybe add choices for kids. This could be choices around food, toys, and much more. This will make guests feel comfortable and well cared for during their visit.

4. Decorate with What You Already Have

Using decorations you already own saves time and effort. It keeps your holiday prep stress-free and straightforward. Familiar items bring a cozy, personal feel to your space. Rearranging things can make rooms look fresh and inviting quickly. Small touches, like favorite vases or pillows, add charm without extra shopping. 

For example, Holiday-themed items stored away can be brought out to boost cheer. Mixing everyday decor with holiday accents creates a balanced look. Using what's on hand avoids clutter and keeps your space tidy. This approach helps your home feel ready for guests fast. It's a smart way to prepare without feeling overwhelmed.

5. Use Music to Set the Mood

Music is one of the easiest ways to prepare your home for guests. Just play something light in the background. It helps set a relaxed tone. It keeps the space from feeling too quiet or awkward. Guests often feel more at home when there's music playing. 

Best of all, you don't need anything fancy—a simple playlist will do. Holiday songs can bring in the spirit without extra effort. It helps people settle in and feel welcome right away. You can set it up in seconds; it works in any room. It's a quick way to make your home feel warm and guest-ready.

6. Prep a Go-To Holiday Recipe

Having a go-to holiday recipe for occasions like Christmas or Easter makes hosting less stressful. It's something you can count on when guests are coming over. Dishes like baked mac and cheese, garlic butter sliders, or a big pot of chili work well. These meals are easy to prep and always crowd-pleasers. 

Moreover, the smell of food cooking helps your home feel cozy and welcoming. You can make parts of the recipe ahead so you're not rushed. Guests feel cared for when there's a hot dish ready. A trusted recipe also means fewer mistakes or surprises. It's a quick way to make your home feel holiday-ready.

Conclusion

Getting your home ready for the holidays can be quick and easy. By focusing on small, thoughtful steps like tidying main areas, adding welcome gifts, and prepping a favorite recipe, you create a warm and inviting space. This helps you enjoy the season with less stress and more joy.

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

My go to recipe for a sweet treat is oatmeal chocolate chip bars! My family loves them and they are so easy I can whip them up in under an hour. I keep a few in the freezer to pull out for emergency dessert on a long day, just in case the cookie jar is empty!

I love oatmeal. It is one of those foods I didn't develop an appreciation for until I was in my 40's. Now I love it for breakfast like this brown sugar overnight oatmeal recipe. I use it in sensory activities with the kids and of course, I make snacks like oatmeal chocolate chip bars with it!

You will love this recipe because it is made with simple ingredients you likely have in your pantry, and it is so easy!

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Blondies

Makes 16 servings

½ c melted butter, cooled 

½ c light brown sugar, packed

¼ c granulated sugar

1 egg

1 tsp vanilla

½ tsp baking soda

½ tsp baking powder

¾ c flour

1 c old fashioned oats

1 c chocolate chips

Directions:

Line an 8x8 pan with parchment paper.

Preheat the oven to 350.

Add brown sugar, granulated sugar and melted butter to a large mixing bowl.

Mix until smooth.

Add egg and vanilla and mix until evenly combined.

Add baking soda and baking powder to the batter.

Add flour and oatmeal, mix until well combined.

Add chocolate chips and stir until mixed throughout the batter.

Pour the batter into the parchment lined pan.

Bake for 28-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown, be careful not to overbake or the cookies will be very chewy.

Allow to cool before cutting.

Make 4 cuts across the blondies and turn, then make 4 more cuts.

Makes 16 servings. 

You can wrap these in parchment and place in a freezer bag and freeze to enjoy later.

Find more favorite recipes here:

3 Ingredient Biscuits

Maple Brown Sugar Cookies

Homemade Coleslaw Dressing

Peanut Butter Chicken and Noodles

Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Big Batch Chocolate Chip Cookies Without Butter

Big Batch Chocolate Chip Cookies (No Butter!): A Perfect Treat for Any Occasion

Chocolate chip cookies are a timeless favorite, but what if you’re out of butter or looking for a different twist? These big batch chocolate chip cookies swap out butter for Crisco, resulting in a cookie that’s soft, chewy, and perfect for sharing. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just want to stock up on homemade treats, this recipe delivers delicious results every time.

Why Use Crisco Instead of Butter?

Crisco, or vegetable shortening, has been a baking staple for generations. Unlike butter, it creates a cookie that stays soft for longer while giving it a slightly crisp edge. It also helps maintain a consistent texture, making it a great choice for large batches. Plus, since it’s dairy-free, it’s an excellent option for those avoiding dairy products.

The Benefits of a Big Batch Recipe

Making a big batch of chocolate chip cookies means you’ll always have enough to share. Whether you’re baking for a party, a bake sale, or just filling the cookie jar for your family, having plenty of cookies on hand is never a bad thing. These cookies store well and can even be frozen for later enjoyment.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Soft, chewy, and packed with chocolate chips, these cookies are ideal for every situation. Pair them with a glass of milk, take them to a gathering, or simply enjoy them as a sweet treat any time of day. The Crisco ensures they stay fresh and delicious for days, making them a go-to recipe for busy bakers.

So, if you’re looking for a chocolate chip cookie recipe that’s easy, delicious, and perfect for big batches, give these no-butter cookies a try. You might just find a new favorite way to bake this classic treat!

 Big Batch Butter Less Chocolate Chip Cookies

Makes 50 cookies

Ingredients

2 cups of shortening

4 room temperature eggs

2 cups of dark brown sugar, packed

1 cup granulated sugar

3 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract

5 ½ cups of flour

1 teaspoon of salt

2 teaspoons of baking soda

3 ½ cups of chocolate chips

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.

Line several cookie sheets with parchment paper.

In the bowl of your stand mixer, combine the shortening and both white and brown sugar.

Mix on medium speed for one minute.

Add the eggs and vanilla to the mixing bowl, mix on medium speed until well combined.

Remove the bowl from the stand.

Add the flour, baking soda and salt and mix by hand until all ingredients are blended.

Add the chocolate chips and stir by hand.

Scoop out dough with a 2 tablespoon cookie scoop, or you can do this by hand if needed.

Place the cookies about 3” apart on a cookie sheet.

Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are light golden brown and the tops look just a little shiny.

Allow the cookies to cool on the cookie sheet for 5 minutes before moving them to a cooling rack.

Store at room temperature for 4 days or in the freezer for 4 months.

Find more great recipes here:

Chocolate Espresso Cookies

Foolproof Biscuits

Homemade Coleslaw Dressing

Peanut  Butter Instant Pot Noodles

Cinnamon Maple Blondies Recipe

Looking for a delicious and easy dessert recipe? Look no further than these Cinnamon Maple Blondies! These chewy, sweet treats are perfect for any occasion. Whether you're looking for a quick snack or a dessert to impress your guests, these blondies are sure to please. 

 

Tips for the Best Cinnamon Maple Blondies

• Use quality ingredients: Using high-quality ingredients will make a big difference in the flavor of your blondies.
• Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing the batter can result in tough blondies. Mix just until the dry ingredients are incorporated.
• Let them cool completely: Letting the blondies cool completely before cutting will help them hold their shape.
• Store leftovers: Store leftover blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Cinnamon Maple Blondies

Makes 16 blondies

Ingredients:

½ c melted salted butter, cooled 

½ c dark brown sugar

½ c granulated white sugar

2 eggs, room temperature

1 tbsp maple extract

1 c flour

¼ tsp baking soda

Topping:

1 tsp cinnamon

¼ c granulated sugar

Icing:

1 tbsp milk

¾ c powdered sugar

1 tsp maple extract

1 tbsp softened butter

Directions:

Line an 8x8 baking dish with parchment paper.

Preheat the oven to 350.

Combine melted, cooled butter with brown and granulated sugar. 

Stir until well combined.

Add eggs and mix well.

Add baking soda and flour and stir until there are no clumps of flour.

Pour into your prepared pan.

Mix the cinnamon and sugar topping and sprinkle over the top of the batter.

Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the center is still a little doughy.

Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 45 minutes to an hour.

Mix your glaze ingredients together and beat with a whisk.

The glaze will be runny; drizzle it over the top of the blondies and allow to set for 15-30 minutes.

Remove the parchment paper from the pan and make four cuts then turn the paper and cut four more times to make 16 squares.

These stay fresh in a cookie jar for 2 days, or you can store them in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Enjoy your delicious Cinnamon Maple Blondies!

Get more great dessert recipes here:

Tasty Homemade Donut Recipes

Brown Sugar Cookies

Chocolate Covered Cherry Cookies

Foolproof Biscuits

Classic Beef Bourguignon

Give a classic dish like beef bourguignon a yummy twist for a family pleasing dinner. This recipe tastes fancy, but is actually quite easy to make. The most difficult part of making this time tested dish at home is having the patience to wait for a few hours while your house fills with the most mouthwatering aromas!

While this dish was inspired by Julia Child's, I have made a few simple changes to make the recipe work with what I had on hand. My family loved the results and I believe your family will too. With tender chunks of beef and the most saucy gravy, this dish offers stick to your ribs comfort food with each bite.

While I didn't use pearl onions as Julia Child would have, I thought the cherry tomatoes were a perfect change and it allowed me to put some of the produce I had in my fridge to work without having to buy anything special for the dish. With grocery prices being so high, it is great to have recipes you can adapt to what you already have at home.

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 ounces bacon, coarsely chopped

1 pound of beef or even ham 

1 carrot 

1 white onion

3 garlic cloves

1 pinch coarse salt and freshly ground pepper

3/4 tablespoon flour

7 cherry tomatoes

2 cups red wine

2 cups beef or vegetable broth 

1 tablespoon tomato paste

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (separate)

1 bay leaves

1/3 pound fresh mushrooms

1 tablespoons butter.

1. Cut the bacon into large pieces. In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, fry the bacon in 1/2 tablespoon olive oil for about 3 minutes, until crisp and browned. Place the bacon on a serving platter. 

2. Blot the beef with a paper towel. Cut into large pieces Fry the beef in the bacon fat over high heat on all sides. Send the beef to the bacon.

3. Melt the butter in a frying pan. Add chopped garlic clove and mushrooms cut in half. Saute until golden. Set the mushrooms aside.

4. Place sliced carrots and chopped onion in the pan until transparent. Add 1-2 cloves of chopped garlic and cook for another minute. At this point, if you have a lot of fat, the excess fat can be drained . We add a little fat. Return the bacon and meat to the pot.

5. Season with 1/4 teaspoon coarse salt and a pinch of ground pepper. Add the cherry tomatoes, chiles, cherry tomatoes, bay leaf, parsley, and flour. Pour in the wine and enough broth to cover the meat. Cover with a lid and bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 1.5-2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the meat begins to fall apart. Add the prepared mushrooms 5 minutes before the end of cooking. Turn off the heat and leave the dish on the stove for 15 minutes to allow all the flavors to blend.

Tips: 

If the gravy is a bit runny, dilute flour in water and add it at the end of cooking the stew. If it is thick, dilute it with wine.

The dish becomes tastier on the second and third day. Take this into account when planning your menu

Dry spices and spicy ingredients can be varied.

Serve Beef Bourguignon with fresh bread, potatoes, mashed potatoes, rice or noodles. 

Enjoy!

Find more great recipes here:

Foolproof Biscuits

Maple Brown Sugar Cookies

Homemade Coleslaw Dressing 

Peanut Butter Chicken and Noodles