7 quick updates to prepare for your home for the holidays

After last year's gatherings were largely canceled or held virtually, many of us are gearing up to host holiday guests for the first time in a while. If months of working, schooling and otherwise hunkering down at home have left your home less than guest-ready, you still have time to make some updates before the season of entertaining begins in earnest.

Concentrate your efforts on gathering spaces and other areas visitors are likely to interact with, such as powder rooms or guest bedrooms.

For holiday dinners, consider where guests are likely to congregate before, during and after the meal. Depending on the layout of your home and your entertaining style, that could include the kitchen, living room, formal dining area and more. Once you've narrowed down your main entertaining zones, use these ideas to prepare your home for holiday hosting.

Tie up loose ends

Wrap up any unfinished projects or lingering to-dos. If you're in the middle of a bathroom remodel or living room makeover, for example, do what you can to expedite the process so guests can experience the final result instead of a rough draft. 

Revamp the entryway

Ensure guests have a spot to kick off their shoes, hang up coats and set down packages or bags inside the door. Outfit your entry area with a small rug or boot tray, mount hooks or make space in the hall closet, and consider pulling in a bench or console table. Incorporate seasonal artwork and décor or vases of flowers for an extra festive touch.

Clear out clutter

Clearing out excess clutter can instantly make your home look more polished and create a blank canvas that helps your seasonal décor shine. Toss, recycle or donate any unwanted or unnecessary items, and put away everything else in its rightful place. If you're struggling to find space for everything, invest in new organizing solutions to store belongings more efficiently.

Refresh walls

Restore dingy walls with a fresh coat of paint or opt for a different hue to give the room a whole new look. If you don't have time to break out your brushes and rollers, at least take a few minutes to clean walls so they're free of scuffs, stains or dust.

Resolve problem areas

Most homes will never look perfect, but certain rooms have problem areas that are glaringly obvious: a tattered sofa, wobbly table or too-small area rug. Consider what makes you most unhappy about the space and prioritize a repair or replacement.

Upgrade lighting

Although often overlooked, lighting can have a major impact on how your home looks and feels. Install dimmers in the main common areas before holiday gatherings. And don't forget exterior lighting. Installing new outdoor sconces or adding a few lanterns is a quick way to make your home feel more inviting. If nothing else, be sure to replace any burnt-out or too-dim bulbs inside and out for a brighter look.

Spruce up the guest room

Hanging new curtains, adding a plush area rug, and bringing in comfy seating are simple ways to cozy up the space. Add a reading light, such as a table lamp or wall sconce, that guests can easily turn off from the bed. Replace any worn towels or sheets and consider upgrading the pillows and mattress to ensure guests can enjoy a restful night's sleep.