Your Guide to Christmas Hosting
There’s no place like home at Christmas time - from opening your doors to a feast with the family to curling up on the sofa with a movie and a mince pie. It's the best time of year for soft layers, warm lighting, and those thoughtful little touches that turn your home into a festive retreat.
Whether you’re hosting overnight guests, popping fizz with friends, or styling your home for a cosy night in, this is your guide to creating a space that feels stylishly seasonal.
Subtle styling touches that feel festive
A Christmas living room doesn’t have to be covered in tinsel from top to bottom. Just a few small swaps can instantly elevate your space for the season, all while keeping your home calm, clean, and quietly festive.
Start with soft furnishings
Switching out your cushion covers is one of the easiest ways to make things feel a bit more Christmassy.
Look for wintery greens, soft checks, or subtle prints with trees or reindeer, which are just enough to feel festive, without shouting about it. Our pack of two festive cushion covers is a great place to start.
“You don’t need to make your living space look like Santa’s grotto,” says Josie, our Head of Buying. “A few winter greens, a flickering candle, and some beautiful textures go a long way.”
Drape a faux fur throw over the arm of a chair or across your sofa to bring texture, warmth, and a bit of indulgence, especially when paired with a hot chocolate and a movie on. Add candles in soft amber or pine scents, a miniature tree on a coffee table, or a stack of logs by the fire for a touch of winter charm.
How to dress a Christmas dining table
Whether you’re making dinner for two or hosting the whole family, we’ve got a few simple ideas for refreshing your festive dinner table.
Firstly, make a wooden chopping board your new sidekick for gatherings. This handy board is not only the best material for chopping your veg on, but it can easily double as a stylish cheese or charcuterie board, perfect for an easy appetiser.
Josie’s top tip: "Use a wooden board to serve nibbles like cheeses, grapes, and a bit of festive bread. It looks like you’ve made loads of effort, when really it took five minutes!"
Want to make the table feel a bit more special? Tie a ribbon around the base of each glass stem (we love our Gatsby Ripple Glass Coupes for this), add a few tall candles, and pop some mini trees or eucalyptus sprigs down the middle. Simple, but it looks lovely and seasonal.
Upgrading the guest bedroom
Whether you’ve got a proper guest room or a blow-up bed in the living room, it doesn’t take much to make guests feel at home.
Layer the comfort
Not everyone has a spare room, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make overnight guests feel at home. A well-chosen sofa bed is a brilliant way to make the most of your space as it works hard during the day, and folds out into a comfy spot to sleep when needed.
If you’re short on room, a sleek click-clack design is ideal. It folds out in seconds and doesn’t take up much floor space. Prefer something that looks and feels like a classic sofa? Go for a pull-out style with a hidden mattress inside, meaning your guests get a proper bed, and you get all the comfort of a sofa you love every day.
Top the bed with our 13.5 tog all-seasons duvet. It’s cleverly made with two layers (a 4.5 and a 9 tog) that can be used separately or fastened together for the full winter-ready warmth. Perfect for adjusting to your guests’ preferences.
Little extras that make a big difference
Often, it’s the unexpected touches that guests remember. A blanket basket in the room for if they’re chilly. A spare toothbrush that’s ready to go in case. A bathrobe to make bathing a bit more luxurious. Small touches, but they make a big difference.
While you’re making up the guest bed and fluffing the pillows, why not take care of their Christmas present too? A satin gift set, complete with an eye mask, pillowcase, and scrunchie, adds a little hotel-style indulgence that they can enjoy during their stay, too. Pair it with a beautifully scented candle to make their stay feel extra special.
Leave on top of a stack of fresh, folded towels, and it's a lovely way to say "we're so glad you're here".
Your Christmas hosting checklist
A quick list of what to tick off before the doorbell rings:
- Guest bed, sofa bed, or blow-up bed set up.
- Fresh bedding and towels ready.
- Duvet warm enough for winter nights.
- Snacks or cheeseboard prepped.
- A blanket or two within easy reach.
- Glasses ready for a toast.
Ready to host in style?
Whether you’re hosting for a night or a whole week, it doesn’t take much to create a home that feels warm, stylish, and full of festive charm. With soft textures, layered lighting, and just a hint of sparkle, DUSK helps you turn your home into a Christmas escape.
From plush bedding and timeless furniture to those finishing accessories that bring it all together, explore everything you might need in our Winter Warmers collection.
Christmas hosting FAQs
How can I decorate a small living room for Christmas?
Stick to a soft, neutral palette to keep the space feeling open, then bring in festive touches with texture and tone. Think velvet or boucle cushions, a faux fur throw, candles, and miniature trees. If space is tight, hang a wreath above the sofa or on the wall in place of a large tree.
What’s the best way to style a guest bedroom for Christmas?
Focus on layers, lighting and comfort. A high-tog duvet, fresh sheets, and a spare blanket are essentials, while bedside lighting, a scented candle and a small welcome gift will make the room feel personal and inviting.
When do Christmas decorations come down?
Traditionally, Christmas decorations are taken down on Twelfth Night, which falls on either the 5th or 6th of January, depending on how you count the days. That said, there’s no hard rule; take them down when your home feels ready for a reset.
