How to Perfect the ‘First-impression Formula’ This Holiday Season – Everything Hosts Need to Know to Help Guests Feel Welcome

If you're home for the holidays, you're likely entertaining friends, family, and possibly neighbors and new acquaintances. Whichever it is, consulting our Christmas hosting guide is an invaluable resource to ensure success.

Creating a convivial space is an art form – and knowing how to make a good first impression, will leave your guests with lasting memories – whether they are joining you for a cocktail party, coming for Christmas day lunch, or staying for several nights.

From welcoming visitors into the home, to bidding them a fond farewell, interior designers and etiquette experts recommend how to host over the holidays with grace and aplomb.

1. Set the Right Tone From the Outset

You don't get a second chance to make a good first impression – so the saying goes. A warm welcome and lasting memories start before you even open the front door. So ensure the outside is tidy, pathways are clear (and well-lit if it's dark) and exterior decorations are still looking festive. Etiquette expert, Myka Meier likes to take this a few steps further.

'I have something I call my Five Senses Hosting tip, which is when guests first arrive you want to hit all five senses,' says Myka Meier, founder, Beaumont Etiquette. 'So they have a warm greeting, smell something delightful, hear music, see the seasonal decor – from the wreath on the front door to the decor in the hallway – and they are offered something delicious, as this sets the tone – these little courtesies make a home feel instantly inviting.'

2. Lean into Nature With a Welcoming Entrance

'I love creating an entrance that instantly puts people at ease – firstly soft lighting and a tidy, clear space to take coats or umbrellas,' says Myka. '

'If your home requires shoes to be removed, provide booties or brand-new socks as an elegant alternative,' adds Jackie Vernon Thompson, etiquette expert and founder, From The Inside-Out School of Etiquette. 'And most importantly, communicate this requirement before the event to avoid any awkwardness at the door.

'One of the most essential elements in creating a truly welcoming holiday environment is establishing an atmosphere that feels warm, relaxed, and inviting – an ambiance that encourages your guests to maneuver freely and comfortably within the designated gathering space.'

Interior designer, Nina Lichtenstein, founder, Nina's Home Design agrees. 'A true welcome begins in the body, not the foyer. I use biophilic cues such as natural materials, curved lines, and soft flickering light to calm the nervous system the moment guests enter,' she explains.

'It's less about decoration and more about creating physiological ease. The gentle flicker of candlelight mirrors the fractal patterns found in nature and can subconsciously reduce stress. That's the kind of first impression that lasts long after dinner is over.'

3. Scent Sensitively

Many of us like to scent our homes with the best home fragrances, especially at Christmas or when hosting. Wafts of orange, cinnamon, and clove can feel festive. Yet powerful perfumes can cause discomfort. So be mindful not to go overboard. A few scented natural wax candles, or a diffuser with a subtle aroma in the hallway or as part of a display in the sitting room should suffice.

'Enhancing the ambiance with a mild, pleasant fragrance can elevate the experience,' says Jackie. 'However, be mindful of sensitivities and allergies. The fragrance should never be overpowering – your intention is to delight your guests, never to overwhelm them or cause discomfort.'

This scented candle from Urban Outfitters comes with a lid, so it's easy to extinguish when your room is sufficiently fragranced.

4. Create a 'Moment of Wonder'

However you celebrate the holidays, decorating the home is part of the fun, and a festive setting is something your guests will appreciate. Whether you opt for Christmas tree ideas with baubles and lights, garlands and wreaths, or something less traditional, Nina recommends creating an eye-catching focal point or 'a moment of wonder'.

'Every guest should have one visual element that makes them pause,' says Nina. 'It might be an oversized botanical arrangement gathered from your garden, a sculptural mirror that catches the glow of the tree, or a meaningful piece of art framed in soft light. That touch of surprise activates curiosity and delight, which neuroscientists connect directly to positive emotion and memory.'

'I love setting the tone right at the entryway – it’s the first moment guests experience, so it should feel intentional and inviting,' says interior designer, Mary Paton, founder, Mary Paton Design. 'During the holidays, I put a beautifully styled Christmas tree in the foyer. It’s an immediate signal that the home is festive, warm, and ready to celebrate.' Take a look at our piece on tabletop Christmas trees if you're short on space.

5. Prepare the Guest Facilities

It goes without saying that your powder room should be spotlessly clean, adequately stocked and prepared for visitors. Etiquette experts recommend some extra touches too.

'Upon their arrival, discreetly inform your guests of the restroom location. This small courtesy saves them from having to ask in front of others, preserving their comfort and dignity,' advises Jackie.

'A combination of fresh hand towels (like these West Elm Hand Towels) and easily accessible paper options, along with extra toilet paper placed in plain sight, helps guests feel comfortable without having to search or ask,' says etiquette instructor, Sydney Dunn. 'A light, neutralizing spray (like this Fresh Wave odor removing spray from Amazon) and a package of wet wipes are often appreciated too.'

Full hand soap and hand lotion dispensers are non-negotiable when you have a house full. This Hinoki hand care set from Bloomingdales is elegant and gently scented.

6. Add Sociable Seating Spaces

It's no accident that people congregate in the kitchen at parties. It's usually where the host is and often the food, too. If you want to encourage this, ensure there are barstools for guests to perch on, and places they can rest their glasses and plates. Alternatively, create a comfortable space where you would like people to gather.

'Begin by imagining where people will naturally gather,' says Sydney. 'Create cozy, conversational spaces with warm lighting and seating that encourages easy interaction. Avoid placing a single chair by itself; instead, arrange seats in soft curves or clusters that foster natural conversation.'

'Keep surfaces clear nearby for drinks so guests aren’t left juggling plates or cups. Soft background music can gently fill quieter moments, and a cleared kitchen counter helps guests feel welcome rather than in the way.'

'Offer light refreshments, even if a meal will follow,' adds Jackie. 'Canapes will ensure guests feel cared for and never hungry while they wait.'

This Costa Nova Oval Pearl serving platter from Anthroplogie is elegantly understated and great for serving nibbles before the main event.

7. Offer Considered Gestures at Mealtimes

What you choose to serve and your Christmas table decor ideas will depend on many factors. From the number of people you're hosting and individual preferences to the time of day you're dining. With overnight guests, you will be entertaining them at multiple mealtimes. However, there are some simple gestures that will put your guests at ease and create a convivial setting.

'For overnight guests, a simple, cheerful breakfast table with fresh fruit and pastries, is ideal. I set things family-style so guests can help themselves without formality.'

'Evening meals automatically call for a little more ambiance. Candlelight, cloth napkins, and a centerpiece that doesn’t block conversation add a sense of occasion without being stiff. I keep serving pieces easy to reach so the meal flows naturally.'

Nina believes luxury is not about perfection; it is about emotional generosity. 'I like to set out soft slippers in winter, place a cozy shawl on the back of each chair, and ensure that lighting falls on faces rather than ceilings,' she says. 'These small gestures communicate care at a cellular level. When people feel seen, safe, and comfortable, your home becomes more than beautiful. It becomes restorative.'

8. Go the Extra Mile With the Guest Bathroom

A sparklingly clean bathroom – whether specifically for guests or shared – with fresh towels is a no-brainer. However, anticipating overnight guests' needs can help their stay go smoothly.

'A well-prepared bathroom is another subtle but meaningful way to show care for your guests’ most personal needs,' says Sydney. 'When space allows, a small basket (like these seagrass storage baskets from Pottery Barn) filled with thoughtful toiletries adds an extra layer of hospitality.'

'If you don’t have a dedicated guest bathroom, simply clearing personal items from the counter can create a cleaner, more welcoming space. Adding a small night light (like these plug-in LED night lights from Walmart) also helps guests navigate a dark, unfamiliar bathroom with ease.'

Guests might also appreciate this small wooden table mirror from H&M Home when applying or removing make-up.

9. Level Up the Guest Bedroom

The best bed sheets, a beautifully made bed, and space to hang clothes is basic hospitality. However, seasoned hosts like to add extra thoughtful touches. This not only levels up the experience and makes it more pleasant for your guests, it makes life easier for you too. So it's a win-win.

'With the guest bedroom, think boutique hotel, but personal,' advises Myka. 'I always include a small carafe of water and a glass (like this clear glass carafe at Crate & Barrel). so guests don’t have to wander around at night to get a drink.'

'A note with the guest Wi-Fi code is usually appreciated too – I find guests love feeling independent, and it saves them from feeling like they're “bothering” you. I also like to put flowers or greenery, such as sprigs of lavender, from my garden in their room by their bedside."

Etiquette expert, Nick Leighton, co-host of the podcast Were You Raised By Wolves agrees and adds: 'Add a small basket full of things like earplugs, sleep masks, travel-size toothpaste, and bonus points if you offer cords and chargers too.'

'In addition, clear off surfaces, make room in the closet, and empty a few dresser drawers for your guests.'

A portable light like this LED table lamp from Anthroplogie enables your guests to move it to where it's most convenient for them. Just make sure it's fully charged before they arrive.

Shop the Essentials for Making a Great First Impression

Perfecting a good first impression is less about you and more about putting the focus on your guests and how they might feel in your home. Finally when it's time to wrap things up, Jackie suggests 'As the gathering comes to a close, be intentional in expressing your gratitude. Let your guests know how much you truly enjoyed having them before you start to reclaim your home after the holidays.