5 Christmas Hosting tips for a stylish home by Bailey&Co Interior Design
- Rebecca Bailey Price
- Nov 4
- 4 min read
The Christmas season always seems to sneak up on us, doesn’t it? One minute it’s late summer and you’re promising to be organised this year, and the next you’re fluffing the guest bedding and realising you’ve somehow ended up with five half-burnt candles and no tealights.
But even if you’re not embarking on a full festive makeover (and who is, really?), you can still make your home feel calm, welcoming, and effortlessly stylish — that boutique-hotel-meets-family-home sweet spot.
Here are my five designer-approved tips for creating a home that feels beautiful and considered this Christmas — plus a few inspiration ideas to spark your imagination for the new year.
1. The guest room glow-up
If you’re hosting family or friends this Christmas, start with their space. Fresh bedding, soft lighting, and a few thoughtful details can turn an ordinary guest room into a mini retreat.
It’s about creating that “exhale” moment when guests walk in — calm, cosy, and beautifully layered.
And if the space still feels a bit neglected (the room of leftover furniture, perhaps?), this is your cue to plan a little redesign in the new year. With a few colour tweaks or new lighting, your guest room could feel more boutique retreat than afterthought.
Designer’s inspiration: Stay at Artist Residence, London or No. 38 The Park, Cheltenham and notice how every corner feels intentional — soft textures, layered lighting, and thoughtful touches that say welcome.
2. Create atmosphere, not clutter
The most stylish festive homes don’t shout Christmas — they whisper it. Think texture, warmth, and light rather than piles of decorations. A cohesive palette and natural materials will always look more elegant than anything too themed.
If your home ever feels a bit disjointed — one room calm, another chaotic — a designer’s eye can help you create that flow and balance all year round. Check out my blog post about creating a more cohesvie home here
Designer’s inspiration: Look at how Soho Farmhouse layers materials: linen, wood, stone, and glass. The effect is relaxed but deeply luxurious — exactly how a Christmas home should feel.
3. Thoughtful touches go a long way
True hosting is about thoughtfulness, not perfection. It’s the small gestures — the candle glowing in the bathroom, the basket of magazines, the morning coffee tray — that make guests feel truly cared for.
Those simple, personal details are what elevate a space from nice to unforgettable.
Designer’s inspiration: Browse The Pig Hotels — especially their garden rooms. Notice the mix of rustic charm and refined comfort: a carafe of water, freshly cut greenery, and a sense that someone has really thought about how you’ll use the space.
4. Light and scent — the mood makers
Lighting and scent completely shape how your home feels. Layer lamps, candles, and fairy lights for that soft evening glow — and choose one consistent scent that ties your rooms together.
It’s the difference between a home that looks festive and one that feels magical.
And if you need the perfect soundtrack, my Bailey&Co Christmas Lounge Playlist on Spotify is ready to play — a warm, elegant mix of modern jazz, soulful classics, and acoustic favourites. It’s the sort of music that makes a glass of fizz taste even better.
Designer’s inspiration: Take cues from boutique hotels like Heckfield Place or The Lakes by Yoo — both use low lighting and natural fragrance to create that quietly luxurious, cocooning atmosphere.
5. Layout, flow, and festive ease
Before guests arrive, do a slow walk through your home. Does the furniture layout invite conversation? Is there somewhere to drop coats and bags? Could a side table double as a drink station?
Little tweaks can make your space feel instantly more relaxed and ready for entertaining.
And if your rooms never quite feel like they “work” — too many corners, not enough flow — it might be time for a fresh perspective. A designer can help you make better use of space and create a home that truly supports how you live.
Designer’s inspiration: Look at The Wild Rabbit, Kingham — proof that a well-considered layout and simple palette can make even a small space feel calm, balanced, and effortlessly elegant.
A calm, beautiful Christmas — and beyond
With a few thoughtful touches — flickering candles, soft fabrics, and a sense of order — your home can feel every bit as inviting as the places that inspire you.
And if this year’s hosting highlights what you’d like to improve — the lighting that’s too harsh, the guest bathroom that could feel more welcoming, or spaces that never quite come together — let’s plan for that in the new year.
A Colour Consultation or Home Consultation can help you create rooms that feel warm, cohesive, and uniquely you— not just for Christmas, but every day.
To help you get started, I’ve created a free Bailey&Co “Host-Ready for Christmas” Checklist — packed with my go-to ideas for styling, flow, and finishing touches.
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