by Eric Hod , Design Manager, Hudson’s Furniture
The holiday season is about more than gift wrap and cookie trays—it’s about creating a home that feels warm, welcoming, and ready for celebration. From Thanksgiving dinners to cozy evenings during Christmas or Hanukkah, and all the way through New Year’s Eve, your home sets the stage for every toast, laugh, and memory.
Let’s walk through how to prepare your space for the holidays—starting with the essentials like seating and dining tables, then layering in color palettes, textures, and those coastal-inspired accents that keep things stylish, inviting, and never overdone (because no one wants their home to look like a snow globe exploded).
Preparing Your Home for Guests
The holidays usually mean more people, more plates, and—if we’re honest—more shoes piled by the door. An extendable dining table is a true holiday hero: everyday-friendly, but big enough when everyone shows up (even that cousin who RSVP’d late). Accent chairs and side tables are equally handy, giving guests a perch and a place to rest their drinks without you balancing a tray like a waiter.
Living rooms benefit from flexible seating—benches, ottomans, or poufs that can be shuffled around to create new conversation nooks.
And if guests are staying overnight, a warm and thoughtful bedroom setup is key. Start with a proper bedroom set that creates the mood you want your guest space to reflect—relaxed and coastal, cozy and classic, or even a little bit luxurious. At the very least, make sure there’s a dresser for storage, a bedside table, and a table lamp so your guests don’t have to fumble with their phones as a flashlight. Fresh bedding, layered throw blankets, and even a small welcome basket of essentials will make the room feel complete and your guests feel truly at home.
Essentials to keep in mind:
- An extendable dining table with extra chairs or a bench for holiday meals.
- Accent chairs and side tables that flex with your gathering.
- A guest bedroom with a bedroom set, dresser, bedside table, and thoughtful details.
A Coastal Palette with Natural Accents
Holiday decorating doesn’t have to mean abandoning your home’s coastal personality. In fact, leaning into it makes the season feel even more authentic. Start with a calm foundation—sandy neutrals, soft driftwood grays, and watery blues—that sets the tone for a breezy, seaside-inspired holiday. Layer in metallic touches like gold, silver, or champagne for a hint of sparkle without tipping into “tinsel overload.”
To bring the palette to life, think about how natural elements and accessories can play a role. A eucalyptus garland draped across a sideboard not only looks timeless but also sets the stage for serving food or drinks during gatherings. Dining tables can become instant showpieces with a coastal-inspired runner layered with natural accents—think shells, pinecones, or citrus. Accessories like driftwood sculptures, ceramic vases, or seasonal art—a watercolor of a winter shoreline, for example—add depth and sophistication. Accent tables topped with coastal-inspired vases or lanterns tie everything together, giving guests little moments of beauty throughout the home.
And let’s be honest—every holiday party ends up with people crowding around the sideboard or buffet anyway. Dress it up with garland, candles, or sparkling glassware, and suddenly you’ve got the season’s most popular “holiday bar.”
Want a little holiday spirit without overdoing it? Try cranberry napkins on a blue-and-white dining table for Thanksgiving, or fill glass hurricanes with champagne-toned ornaments for Christmas. These small touches nod to the holidays while still feeling cohesive with your coastal vibe.
Color & accent highlights:
- Neutral tones (sand, cream, driftwood) as your base.
- Sea-inspired blues paired with metallic shimmer.
- Dining tables dressed with runners, greenery, and natural centerpieces.
- Sideboards styled with garlands that double as serving stations.
- Accent tables with coastal-inspired vases, lanterns, or seasonal art pieces.
- Subtle pops of holiday color—cranberry, evergreen, or champagne—for festive balance.
Textured Layers for Winter Coziness
Even in coastal climates, texture is what makes a house feel holiday-ready. Chunky knit throws, velvet pillows, and faux-fur accent chairs instantly add warmth. One client once joked, “As soon as I see the basket of throws, I know the holidays have started—and so has my afternoon nap.”
Layering rugs is another underrated trick: a soft wool or faux-fur rug over a jute base grounds the space beautifully. In guest bedrooms, swapping out lighter linens for heavier duvets and textured coverlets can make even the most practical space feel luxe.
Textural must-haves:
- Cozy throws and pillows in velvet, fur, or knit.
- Layered rugs for depth and comfort.
- Warm bedding updates to make guest rooms feel extra special.
Finishing Touches for Hosting
Lighting is the secret ingredient of every holiday gathering. Candles and string lights bring instant atmosphere, but don’t underestimate the power of a great lamp or fixture. A glowing table lamp on a sideboard, pendant lighting over a dining table, or sconces dimmed low can transform a space from “well-lit” to “magical.”
On the table, start with a neutral runner and flexible dinnerware, then swap centerpieces throughout the season: a cluster of votives for Thanksgiving, a mix of ornaments in glass vases for Christmas, or sleek taper candles for New Year’s Eve. And don’t forget the personal touches—a handwritten place card or small ornament as a gift makes everyone feel like the guest of honor.
Lasting impressions:
- Layer lighting: table lamps, pendants, sconces, and candles.
- Flexible tablescapes with a neutral base and seasonal swaps.
- Personal touches like ornaments or handwritten notes for guests.
Let the Festivities Begin
The holidays are meant for laughter, good food, and maybe a little friendly chaos. Why not make sure your home is just as ready as you are? From extra chairs for the unexpected guest to sideboards that secretly double as holiday buffets, Hudson’s Furniture has everything you need to host with style (and a smile).
Stop by your nearest showroom—or click through online—to find pieces that make your holiday hosting effortless. Then all that’s left is to cue the music, pour the drinks, and let the festivities begin.
