The holiday season is here! For many, this is the best time of year — the time we open our homes to friends and family to share life, food, and community. But it can also be a little overwhelming to prepare your home to entertain holiday guests. This guide will help you spruce up your space to welcome guests with as little stress as possible!

1. Spruce Up Your Furniture 

One way to facilitate cozy comfort, freshen up your space, and make your guests feel at home is to upgrade your upholstery. Pillows, sofa cushions, and upholstered furniture benefits from refilling now and then to restore their original shape, eliminate dust mites and allergens, and make your furniture feel like new again — without going to the expense of replacing everything. Consider hiring a pro to upholster especially worn or tired pieces as well, from dining room chairs to living room furniture. You'll be amazed at what a difference it can make. Contact Cushion World today, and you'll save 20 percent off the labor of your next upholstery project — you can't beat that deal! 

2. Dress Your Windows 

If you normally leave the same curtains up year-round, maybe it's time for a change. Try dressing your windows in fabrics to match or complement your throw pillows; warmer, richer fabrics for the fall and winter help create a cozy, festive feel far more effectively than synthetic colored leaves or garish lights. Cushion World can help fabricate the perfect curtains to dress your windows for the perfect seasonal atmosphere. 

3. Declutter and Deep Clean

This step might seem like a no-brainer, but decluttering for the holidays just might be the most practical and effective way to lower your stress levels before company arrives. The less you have on your surfaces, the less you'll have to pick up and clean around. Take the time now to go through each room and toss items you don't use or love into a box for charity, then deep-clean spaces that often get overlooked. Hiring a professional cleaner to do a good once-over before company arrives is a great way to simplify your life and shorten your to-do list at the same time! 

4. Up the "Hygge" Factor 

The word "hygge" is an all-encompassing Danish word for coziness, warmth, hospitality, and community; it's all about the candles, cozy blankets, cushy places to sit, and warm, friendly atmosphere of community. You don't have to cover your entire home with seasonal décor to make it feel like the holidays. Just pay attention to warm, cozy lighting and creating comfortable spots for friends and family to gather — all showcasing your signature style, no matter what that is. Choosing the right textiles and fabrics to complement your space can make all the difference. 

As you prepare for your holiday gatherings, remember that the key to hospitality has everything to do with enjoying the company of friends and family, and that doesn't require perfection. Take more time to enjoy the season than you do worrying about impressing your guests, and you'll find that the down-to-earth, welcoming household culture you create does most of the work for you.