Decluttering Tips for Holiday Hosting
The holidays are rolling in faster than the dessert tray after Thanksgiving dinner. And while the heart of the season lives in the dining and living rooms, sometimes those spaces are… well, more “lived in” than “holiday ready.” The good news? With a few simple tweaks, you can create cozy, welcoming spaces that are ready for family, friends, and all the laughter (and pie) that comes with them.
1. Start with the table
Be honest—if your dining table currently looks more like a command center for mail, half-finished projects, or laundry that never quite made it upstairs, you’re not alone. But this season, let’s give it back its rightful role: gathering people, not piles.
Quick win: Clear it off, wipe it down, and add one simple centerpiece—a candle, vase, or bowl of ornaments. Instant “hostess with the mostest” vibes.
Keep it that way: Stash a basket or tray nearby for those everyday drop-offs. That way, you can sweep clutter away in seconds before guests arrive. (Think of it as your holiday version of a magic trick.)
2. Make room for memories
Before you deck every hall, look at what’s already on display. Not every surface needs to serve as a knick-knack showcase. Leave breathing room for your holiday décor—and for people to set down a glass of mulled cider without worrying about an ill-timed spill.
Try this: Remove at least three items from each surface before adding seasonal touches.
Ask yourself: “What do I want people to notice?” If it’s family, warmth, or conversation, edit accordingly.
3. Rearrange for comfort
Picture your guests moving through the space. Can they walk without sidestepping around furniture? Can two people pass in the living room without playing bumper cars?
Simple shifts: Nudge furniture slightly to open up walkways. Create a cozy corner with an extra chair or bench for overflow seating. A space that feels relaxed invites people to linger (and maybe even stay for that second slice of pie).
4. Streamline serving areas
Think of your counters and sideboards as the holiday runway—make space for the big entrance of serving dishes, drinks, and desserts.
Tip: Keep only your go-to serveware handy and tuck the rest away.
Bonus: Pre-label platters with sticky notes before the big day so you’re not digging for “the good bowl” when the mashed potatoes are ready. (Your future self will thank you.)
5. Finish with a feel-good sweep
Finally, give the space a once-over. Say goodbye (for now) to excess furniture, old magazines, or that stack of donations hanging out by the door. Remember—the goal isn’t perfection. It’s creating space for connection.
This season, make room for people, not just stuff. When the clutter clears, you’ll notice the laughter, the holiday smells drifting from the kitchen, and the joy of simply being together—that’s what the holidays are really about.
Need a hand? Reach out—we’d love to help!
Work hard and be kind!
Love,
Your friends at Cut the Clutter RVA