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Prep Your Home for Holiday Guests With These 48 Effortless Pieces

With the holidays at hand, a bit of preparation will ensure that seasonal hosting goes off without a hitch.

With the holidays at hand, a bit of preparation will ensure that seasonal hosting goes off without a hitch.

From cozy sleeper sofas to aromatic handwash and the perfect tableware, these selections will make your guests’ stay more comfortable—and you get to keep them after the holidays are over.

For the Dining Room

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Taking center stage. These festive centerpieces really know how to create an ambience, especially with that fresh and fragrant greenery. Each one’s made on a family-owned farm in California using eucalyptus and salal leaves, plus nigella pods and white statice for a little extra somethin’. (Bonus: They’ll keep looking fresh with a little spritz of water every now and then…and they dry beautifully, too.) Set ‘em on the table and drop in these flameless candles, then take in the instant winter vibes. Photography by Ty Mecham & Rocky Luten

Feeling saucy. No true feast is complete without a gravy boat for that savory sauce or sweet syrup—and we can’t wait to bring this one to the table. It’s hand-thrown and dipped in a cool cream glaze to create that perfectly rustic look you see. Plus, it can zip right through the oven, microwave, and dishwasher. And next to this mixing bowl filled with mashed potatoes? My, that’s a pretty pair. Photography by Rocky Luten, Ty Mecham

For a festive dining experience, accent your table with our jewel tone runner. Casual linen fabric is great for everyday use, while decorative corded edges dress it up for special gatherings. Photo Courtesy of Parachute

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Mill salt, pepper or any other spices cleanly in a minimalist style. The Menu Bottle Grinder – Set of 2 features two bottle-shaped grinders, in complementing and modern colors. When not in use, their mill mechanisms sit on top so there’s no waste or mess on the tabletop. Menu, headquartered in Denmark, partners with designers to develop and produce a broad assortment of Scandinavian living accessories for the dining room, living room, kitchen, and garden. Photo Courtesy of Menu

Dress up your dining room with our festive, jewel tone tablecloth. Casual linen fabric is great for everyday use, while decorative corded edges add elegance for special gatherings. Photo Courtesy of Parachute

Mismatch set of napkins from Dusen Dusen. Two-tone cotton jacquard with allover geometric patterns. Reversible. Machine wash. Two woven branding patches. Photo Courtesy of Dusen Dusen

The Iittala Collective Tools Salad Set was designed by Antonio Citterio to help build the perfect modern dining experience. The heft, smooth texture and curves of the stainless steel utensils make them a pleasure to wield. And their silvery, industrial look make them a lovely decorative accent on any dining table. Photo Courtesy of Lumens

Over the years, Sandy Chilewich has expanded her tabletop collection with both natural and synthetic materials in varied textures and colors. Today, she continues to redefine how people dress their dining spaces, motivated by a desire to represent the luxury of premium knitwear in woven textiles that are cleanable, durable and sustainable. Her Stitch Placemats (2015) feature brightly colored yarns alternately brought to the surface and then floated on the back in a crisscross pattern using a technique called “tissue pick.” They’re constructed of eco-friendly TerraStrand vinyl yarn treated with Microban to inhibit growth of bacteria, mold and mildew. Suitable for use indoors and out. Wash by hand with soap and water. Made in U.S.A.

Never another flyaway napkin. Fred Arndt has been impressing us with his intricate wood-cutting technique since we first launched his pieces on Food52. He’s designed this napkin holder exclusively for us — it reflects the clean lines of modern design and is small enough to carry outdoors, on a picnic, or to any table.To create such a delicate, elaborate pattern, blocks of walnut are precision-cut into sharp angles and lines — the result is one of the most eye-catching pieces on our table. Photography by James Ransom

Sweet and simple. Setting the table with cloth napkins doesn’t mean your meal has to be stiff and formal. Forget the iron and starch—these crinkle napkins were meant to feel comfy and familiar. They come in a whole host of cheery colors (you can even mix and match), and provide just the right amount of texture to your table for a simple, vintage feel. Photography by Ty Mecham, Rocky Luten

Ring the dinner bell. Nothing completes a tablescape quite like a set of cloth napkins, each tucked inside its own little ring. These handmade ceramic lovelies will give your linens a home to call their own; and with three gorgeous colors to choose from, there’s bound to be a match for your table. Can’t decide on just one hue? (We don’t blame you!) You’ll love the mixed set. Photography by Ty Mecham, Julia Gartland

Ever seen a candleberry? Bayberry wax, a natural vegetable wax found on the outside of the bayberry fruit, is blended with beeswax to create these 10″ tapered candles. Each pair is wrapped with a paper sleeve and the following poem: “This Bayberry candle comes from a friend. So on this Holiday burn it down to the end. Because a Bayberry candle burned to its socket, brings good luck, good health and wealth to your pocket.” There is a light, resinous, scent from both the waxes, however there is nothing added to enhance the scent or color of the candles. Photography by Mark Weinberg

For the Living Room

The Mota Sofa Bed has a casual sophistication, with a low frame and lounge style design that is extremely comfortable. The high, thin arms have an attractive flow into the back, creating a smooth look. The modern sofa has slender proportions, allowing it to fit into any living or family room, or an office. This piece is a beautiful addition to the home. Medley offers multiple options for the fabric, legs, cushion filling, and the type of foam used. Photo Courtesy of Medley

Bundle up in this cozy blanket. Made of 100% cotton, the small woven loops feel supple on bare skin. Fresh and fit for any living room, den or bedroom. Photo Courtesy of Schoolhouse

Fill up your living space with the smells that you make it feel at home. The Home Spray – No247 was designed with a non-toxic formula so that you can feel comfortable spraying liberally in every room. How to use: Spray liberally six inches away from the target. Photo Courtesy of Verishop

This whole room heater is an effective way to cut energy costs this winter. This whole room heater features 3 heat settings (750-Watt, 1125-Watt, 1500-Watt) to allow you to tailor heat output and energy consumption. Vortex heat circulation then distributes the warm air throughout the room with a steady current of that envelops the room in comfortable warmth. It is whisper-quiet, and employs advanced safety features to provide worry-free use. Photo Courtesy of Home Depot

The Rio Sofa Bed is a classic design with a contemporary twist, without looking like a sofa bed. This is an attractive addition to any room you want to add it to, with the classic proportions of this sofa bed. Choose between a regular mattress or a latex mattress. Medley offers multiple options in size, filling, fabric, legs, and mattress type. Photo Courtesy of Medley

Material research primarily determines all of Hella Jongerius’ designs. Her vast portfolio includes single pieces exhibited at galleries, mass-produced products sold at retail stores, design of airliner interiors and even the redesign of the North Delegates’ Lounge at the UN Headquarters in New York. Works by Jongerius reside in the permanent collections of MoMA, Cooper Hewitt and the Art Institute of Chicago, among others. Her Color Block Throw (2016) features contrasting color blocks of varied intensity, with two-tone combinations of colored thread visible in the fringe at both ends and along the sides. Woven from extremely soft yet sturdy Peruvian highland wool. Made in Germany. Photo Courtesy of Design Within Reach

What it is: A candle handmade in Brooklyn. What it does: This candle’s earth-friendly blend of beeswax, vegetable and soy waxes provides a clean, slow burn while filling your home with a crisp, clean aroma. Photo Courtesy of Nordstrom

A set of matches you won’t feel the need to hide when company comes around. Safety features include strike-on-box functionality and an extended length to protect your fingers when lighting a stove, barbecue, or array of candles. A perfect addition to a gifted candle. A Schoolhouse Original. Photo Courtesy of Schoolhouse

Toss this fuzzy accent piece onto any chair, sofa or bed for a boho look. Loomed from soft, 100% alpaca yarn – our pillow cover is handmade in Peru using time-honored techniques. Match it with our Banded Alpaca Throw or mix it with our decorative pillows. Photo Courtesy of Parachute

A sofa that is also a bed, the Blumen Sofa Bed is exactly what you have been looking for. This highly comfortable sofa bed can be used as a sofa when you get a few guests over and can instantly be used as a bed when you need to lie down, relax, read, or watch television. The wide and low armrest provides enough space for you to lie down your head comfortably or simply relax your hands on. With an option to customize it for fillings, fabric, and color, as per your home interiors settings, this sofa bed is not a bad deal at all. Photo Courtesy of Medley

Handmade especially for terrain from weathered iron, this intricate garland brings a festive feeling to wreaths, centerpieces, mantel displays, and more. Photo Courtesy of Terrain

Possessing one of the most inventive minds of the 20th century, George Nelson described his creative abilities as a series of “zaps” – quick flashes of inspiration he turned into innovative design ideas. In 1945, Nelson became director of design at Herman Miller, a position he held until 1972. While there, he recruited other seminal modern designers, including Charles Eames and Isamu Noguchi. Nelson also developed his own works, like this Fireplace Caddy (1950s), which consists of a removable canvas sling with carrying handles resting on a steel base fashioned to endure years of use. Made in Taiwan. Photo Courtesy of Design Within Reach

For the Guest Bedroom

What it is: This softly scented candle enhances botanical notes with a generous infusion of cinnamon sticks, orange slices and red berries. Fragrance story: Like the inviting aroma of stepping in from the cold, winter will instantaneously wrap your senses with its warm, spicy scent. Curl up on an armchair as notes of cinnamon and clove add warmth to your room, while a dash of fresh orange rebalances your mood. Style: warm, spicy. Notes: cinnamon sticks, orange slices, red berries. Photo Courtesy of Nordstrom

This cotton-and-linen duvet cover with its natural texture and casual ties perfects an artfully disheveled bed. The pre-washed fabric gets softer with time, while wrinkles add to the soft, casual aesthetic. When you buy Treasure & Bond, Nordstrom will donate 2.5% of net sales to organizations that work to empower youth. Photo Courtesy of Nordstrom

Thicker, warmer, and more durable than your average flannel, our Cloud Brushed Organic Flannel™️ is in a class of its own when it comes to cold weather comfort. These weighty six-ounce sheets keep you luxuriously comfy and warm. The brushed, velvety finish is more than just soft — it helps keep wear and pilling under control. Photo Courtesy of Coyuchi

You want a pillow that’s soft, but also supportive. Now you don’t have to pick one or the other. An innovative pillow-in-pillow design. The inner pillow is supportive, while the outer pillow adds a soft touch of fluff. If gusset isn’t a word in your vocabulary, it should be. It’s the backbone of our pillow’s construction. Just two inches along the sides allow for better neck alignment and keep the fill evenly distributed. Now you know! The cool side of the pillow. The 100% cotton cover features a breathable percale weave. It increases airflow so you’re always sleeping cool. We slept on more than 60 different pillows to find a fill that thrills. Each fiber cluster is individually blown into the cover. This advanced process makes the pillow resistant to clumping, meaning it can bounce back to life with just a quick fluff. Photo Courtesy of Casper

This is one of the most used and washed Bedding items, so our Fitted Sheet was designed with comfort and durability in mind. Photo courtesy of Parachute

DOWN QUALITIES We only use down clusters Extra fluffy and warm without heavy bulk Sourced from Hutterite farms Ethically produced Our down is treated with Ultra-Fresh Antimicrobial FEATURES All-Season – 700 fill power – warm, fluffy, and award-winning Lightweight – 600 fill power – fluffy and cozy, yet light enough to leave on your bed for the warmer months Photo Courtesy of Brooklinen

Our Diablo throw gets its extraordinary warmth and softness from the wool of Rambouillet sheep, a breed known for the finest and softest merino. Stripes of alternating thickness and color reverse at each end. The throw is woven entirely of Climate Beneficial Wool sourced from a Northern California ranch that uses sustainable “carbon farming” practices to return more carbon to the earth than it releases, helping to lower levels of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere. Photo Courtesy of Coyuchi

Clean, classic stripes in a soft neutral palette, this alpaca throw is the perfect trifecta – subtle, mixable, and giftable. Not to mention, it’s incredibly soft – meticulously hand-loomed from 100% baby alpaca, a material once reserved for Inca royalty. Handwoven by master artisans in a quiet mountain village in the Peruvian Andes, each throw takes about a week to complete. All made exclusively in a fair trade environment. Note: Alpaca wool is hypoallergenic, so this throw is ideal for those with allergies or sensitive skin.

For the Bathroom

A lofty towel with a soft, fluffy pile that feels plush yet lightweight and its long loops absorb water beautifully. To create these towels, we begin with long-staple organic Turkish cotton, spin it into fine yarns and loom it into long, single loops that make the most of the fiber’s extraordinary length. Photo Courtesy of Coyuchi

HANDWOVEN IN MOROCCO BY THE HOUMET WEAVING WORKSHOP A stunning bath rug, with subtle cream threading throughout and tassels that are completely woven by hand. It’s durable, absorbent, and incredibly soft, making it an essential to any bath. Pro tip: It also makes for an adorable accent rug in a kitchen or bedroom. Each bath rug takes over a day to complete, all handcrafted in a fair trade weaving cooperative right outside of Marrakech.

Our Shower Curtains are exactly what you need to up your bathroom game. Our Cotton Percale Curtain is lightweight and has a classic matte finish and the Curtain Liner is waterproof, recyclable, and biodegradable. The PEVA Curtain Liner is eco-friendly and inhibits mold and mildew growth. This set includes 1 Cotton Shower Curtain in the pattern of your choice, 1 Curtain Liner, and 12 Hooks. Photo Courtesy of Brooklinen

As part of the Bambüsi collection of 100% natural bamboo products from Belmint, this beautiful and minimalist floor and shower mat is a wonderful addition to your life and decor. Enjoy the elegance and sophistication it brings to your bathroom, your poolside, and even your patio dinner while requiring little to no maintenance. The board’s design is so versatile that you’ll find endless uses for it both indoors or outdoors. It’s the perfect addition to your happy home, and also makes a personable gift for a special someone.

A waffle weave gives this towel not only a luxe look and feel, but also plenty of practicality: its grooves enable it to absorb water like a sponge (just pat and wrap — no rubbing needed). And thanks to our special stonewashing process, it’s ultra-soft — and will only get more so with each wash. Photo Courtesy of Allswell

This hand towel is made of thick cotton terrycloth and features the Unikko (Poppy) pattern. Photo Courtesy of AllModern

Gentle, non-drying hand wash from Aesop. Leaves hands feeling cleansed and refreshed. Formulated with orange, rosemary, and lavender oils to effectively cleanse skin. Features a citrus, woody and herbaceous aroma. Cruelty-free. Photo Courtesy of Nordstrom

Soft, absorbent and warm underfoot, this rug adds comfort and style anywhere in the bathroom. Available in a tubside size and a long runner, fit for a jack and jill sink. Photo Courtesy of Parachute

Meet the plus one you’ve always wanted—great smelling, super hot, and completely silent. Let it be your flame for the night, no strings attached. Photo Courtesy of Lunya

For the Front Door and Entryway

Ring in the old and new. Well, here’s a wreath that’s sure to spread a little joy: This natural beauty is adorned with two vintage (read: totally unique) bells strung lovingly with jute, plus a mix of fresh olive leaves and seeded eucalyptus. Just like the best seller that inspired it, this one’s completely handmade—oh, and it’ll probably get your home smelling like a woodland retreat, too. Photography by Ty Mecham

This fresh and festive wreath is hand-crafted from fragrant boughs of fresh red canella berries, Austriaca cones, white pine, Noble Fir, and boxwood. Designed to feature groupings of individual specimens for an elevated take on evergreen. Photo Courtesy of Terrain

In 2001, renowned design studio House Industries partnered with the estate of late architect Richard Neutra – whose notable projects include the Kaufmann House (1947) in Palm Springs, the Lovell Health House (1929) in Los Angeles and the Kronish House (1955) in Beverly Hills, among others – to create a set of fonts based on the geometric letterforms Neutra specified for many of his residential houses and commercial buildings. The resulting font family, Neutraface, became an integral part of the new millennium’s typographic landscape. Rendered directly from the Neutraface outlines, precision-crafted Neutra House Numbers (1930s) bring a piece of the Neutra aesthetic to any residential or commercial space. Designed for visibility, these robust house numbers mount approximately 0.75″ off the wall to cast subtle shadows. Each includes extensive installation instructions and a full-scale drilling template to eliminate any guesswork, and the mounting hardware is hidden when installed properly. Made in China. Photo Courtesy of Design Within Reach

Create a clean exterior aesthetic with the addition of this modern Doorbell Plate with pared-down design that fits a variety of architectural styles and can be installed vertically or horizontally. The button (not illuminated) offers satisfying touch resistance, and the brushed stainless steel housing complements our Neutra House Numbers. Installation hardware is included; two wires behind the plate connect to your existing doorbell (compatible with most bells). Made in Germany. Photo Courtesy of Design Within Reach

The Iris Hantverk company produces high-quality household items using techniques that date back to the 19th century. Enlisting the skills of top designers to conceptualize their products, they hire and support visually impaired craftspeople to create these meticulously assembled pieces. Tough enough for gardeners’ muddy boots, the Doormat with Bristles (2008) is a must for the mudroom, entry or porch. Rows of stiff synthetic bristles trap sand and dirt, and the durable raised beech wood slats allow water to pass through for quick drying. Made in Sweden. Photo Courtesy of Design Within Reach

Who says utility can’t be attractive? This stylish coat rack crafted out of powder-coated steel and solid walnut makes a nice addition to any entryway. Dress it up or keep it bare, either way it remains easy on the eyes. Photo Courtesy of Blu Dot

Turkish designer Begüm Cana Özgür earned her master’s degree at Cranbrook Academy of Art. In 2014, she started her studio in Istanbul, where the cultural richness of the land has provided her with major inspiration, particularly with respect to ancient crafting techniques. Shade (2017) is a hand-loomed fringed runner that features neutral tones and a subtly captivating asymmetrical linear pattern. Together with nonprofit Care & Fair, Nani Marquina fights illegal child labor in carpet manufacturing. Made in India. Photo Courtesy of Design Within Reach

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41 Festive Ways to Decorate This Holiday Season

How to Prepare Your Bathroom for Overnight Guests

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