Get Your Home Hosting Ready ✨
With Christmas just six weeks out, we've rounded up six key DIY projects to tackle to ensure your home is hosting ready.
Read tips from our founder, Tom, then download our visual project calendar for planning guidance and key actions.
6 weeks to go
Project: Kitchen Upgrades 🍽️
The heart of the home, it’s imperative that your kitchen is serving both practicality and festive ambience during the holiday season.If your cabinets are looking tired, a kitchen upcycling project is a proven way to breathe new energy into the space. It will require some planning and at least one dedicated weekend to cover all of the processes, but the results will be magical.Tom says:
“It’s incredible what some sanding, priming and painting can do to uplift the mood of your kitchen cabinets. Whether introducing a new colour, or adding MDF shaker-style panelling or decorative trim, the style of your kitchen can be overhauled without having to spend a fortune. Upgrading hardware details such as cabinet pulls, knobs, hooks and even your tap, also goes such a long way.”5 weeks to go
Project: Living Room Lighting 💡
Creating a cosy home environment is top of most people’s list, when inviting guests over to share special occasions.The secret is a considered lighting scheme. Reliance on overhead lighting is a thing of the past, so you’re looking to add different layers of light in warm temperatures, so your living and dining spaces feel hospitable.Tom says:
"Layering your lighting creates depth and warmth in a room. I recommend opting for a combination of wall lights in key zones, plus table lamps placed at varying heights, to create pockets of glowing light throughout your space.Consistency is key when setting the mood of a room. Mismatched bulb temperatures can make spaces feel chaotic and imbalanced. Instead, aim for uniformity in light temperatures to create a cohesive and harmonious feel.For added management of your lighting mood, consider installing dimmer switches — so you can adjust throughout the shorter, darker days.”4 weeks to go
Project: Plumbing MOT 🚰
More bodies in your home will mean more cooking taking place, plus showers being taken. It’s therefore crucial that your boiler is in good health and your plumbing systems are in check.If you’ve not had your boiler serviced in 12 months, now is the time. You may also want to bleed your radiators, plus check that your bathroom and kitchen taps have good pressure and are not leaking.Tom says:
"A cold shower on Christmas day is frightful, as is doing the washing-up with a leaky kitchen mixer tap. If plumbing isn’t your forte, it’s advised to book an annual visit with your plumber to give your boiler, bathroom and kitchen plumbing a sense check once a year. Staying on top of routine checks can save you hundreds of pounds later down the line.”3 weeks to go
Project: Comfortable Guest Rooms 🛌
Comfort is king when it comes to hosting loved ones, with a good night’s sleep being top of the list. Create a hotel-like bedroom stay by upgrading the bed linen and mattress topper. Beyond the bed, make for a serene stay by installing adjustable bedside wall lighting, for pre-sleep evening reads or early mornings sat with a cup of tea.Another consideration is storage. Ensure you have ample hangers in the wardrobes, plus solutions for excess clothing.Tom says:
“Installing sturdy wall hooks to the back of guest room doors, or the inside of closet doors, will ensure that dressing gowns and coats aren’t hung over the end of bed posts.If the wardrobes themselves are a little underwhelming, elevate their aesthetic with new hardware, such as extra long closet bars — for that boutique hotel look.”2 weeks to go
Project: Hallway for hosting 🕯️
First impressions are everything, which is why you should make your hallway experience as friendly as possible. Fragrance goes a long way in creating a welcoming atmosphere, so consider a festive diffuser or candle on your sideboard or shelving.
Colder winter weather brings more clothing layers — coats, scarves and hats — as well the bags and cases that ensue with more guests. If you’re not blessed with an abundance of closet space near your front door, you’ll want to factor in practical storage solutions for managing this extra clutter.Tom says:
“Wall mounted coat racks and additional wall hooks are simple to install, and can be placed in nooks near your entrance at various heights. If you have a cupboard or under stairs storage, I suggest installing hooks on the back of those doors too.Collapsible crates are also a great place to deposit smaller items, such as hats, gloves and scarves, which can be placed on any shelves going.”1 week to go
Project: Bathroom tweaks 🫧
Small upgrades to the bathroom experience can make your guests feel totally considered. Fresh towels and some additional toothbrushes are a great place to start, plus more practical ideas can create more space in what can be a busy room.We all take a wash bag full of lotions and potions when we stay away from home, so it’s important to accommodate this when hosting guests.Tom says:
“Free-up space around the sink by considering a wall suspended toothbrush holder or hand soap dispenser. You may even want to install a small shelf, or a vanity unit above or below the sink.To avoid wet towels being left on the floor, install a series of wall hooks that will keep the bathroom feeling both stylish and well-maintained.”Feeling inspired? Download your project planner, then start tackling your projects. Be sure to share the journey with us at @plankhardware 📸
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