7 Home Updates To Host Christmas Like A Pro
Photo by Yaroslav Shuraev
You said yes to hosting Christmas.
It seemed like a good idea at the time, but now you're looking at your home differently. You’re noticing the scuffed baseboards, the tired guest room, the kitchen that suddenly feels a little too builder grade.
Your family and friends will love being here no matter what. But wouldn't it feel better if your space felt as ready as you are?
The good news: you don't need a full renovation. You just need to focus on the right updates—the ones that make the biggest difference in the shortest amount of time.
High-Impact Updates, Minimal Time: 7 Home Update Ideas If You’re Hosting Christmas
It's not about square footage or expensive furniture. Guests don't inventory your décor, they feel the vibe. And that vibe comes down to light, color, and how intentional everything looks.
Fresh paint is the lowest-cost, highest-impact way to shift from "fine" to "impressive." Your beige walls aren't offensive, they're just invisible.
Scuffed trim and tired cabinets send a subliminal "this house needs work" signal, even if everything else is spotless. The good news? These are the easiest things to fix! Here are the 7 updates that make the biggest difference when you're hosting overnight guests.
1.Nail The First Impression & Refresh Your Entryway
Photo by Ivan Samkov
Between November and March, walls take a beating from salt-stained boots, wet coats, and constant traffic. If your entryway looks tired now, it'll look worse by New Year's.
And if it's the first thing your Christmas guests see? In all honesty they probably won't care but it will make you feel great if it looks spectacular. And the good news is, it's easy!
Option 1: Paint It
Fresh paint is the fastest way to make your entryway feel intentional instead of overlooked. Here’s what to focus on:
Walls (especially the lower half where scuffs accumulate)
Trim and baseboards (contrast makes a huge difference)
The interior side of your front door (yes, it counts)
The ceiling if it's yellowed or dingy from moisture
Skip the builder beige. Use durable, washable finishes that can handle Minnesota winters.
Crisp white trim against a warm neutral wall creates definition and makes even small entryways feel more elevated.
Timeline: 1-2 days.
Option 2: Clean & Declutter
Sometimes the issue isn't the paint, it's the chaos. Some quick wins include:
Clear out the coat closet (guests will look inside and need space for coats)
Wipe down baseboards and use a Magic Eraser on scuff marks
Organize shoes, boots, and bags into bins or baskets
Deep clean the floor (salt stains are real so aim for some steam)
A tidy, functional entryway signals that the rest of your home is just as together.
Option 3: Style It
Small touches make a big difference. Easy upgrades include:
Swap out a tired doormat for something fresh and seasonal
Add a mirror to make the space feel bigger and brighter
Upgrade hardware (coat hooks, doorknobs) for a more polished look
Bring in a small bench or console table if you have the space
The result? Guests feel cared for. You feel proud. Everyone wins.
2. Small Effort, Big Payoff: Refresh Your High-Traffic Zones
Photo by Lisa Anna
Day guests see your living room and kitchen. Overnight guests see everything.
High-traffic areas show wear first—and fastest. The stuff you've tuned out (or given up on)? They’ll notice pretty quickly.
Option 1: Paint It
Fresh paint on trim and high-touch areas makes your whole home feel more cohesive. Here’s what to focus on:
Hallways (especially upstairs if that's where guest rooms are)
Stairwells and railings
Baseboards and trim throughout the house
Interior doors (fingerprints and scuffs add up fast)
Crisp white trim against fresh walls creates that "well-maintained" feeling. You don't have to do every room, just the spaces guests walk through constantly.
Timeline: 2-3 days for most homes.
Option 2: Clean & Declutter
Twenty minutes and a Magic Eraser can work actual miracles on these quick wins:
Wipe down baseboards and door frames
Clean scuff marks off walls (especially at kid height)
Vacuum or dust stair railings and corners
Clear clutter from hallway surfaces (mail piles, random shoes)
It's not glamorous, but it's effective (and free).
Option 3: Style It
Small upgrades that make high-traffic zones feel intentional. You want to think:
Swap out tired light fixtures in hallways or stairwells
Add a runner or rug in high-traffic areas to protect floors and add warmth
Upgrade door hardware for a more polished look
Hang simple artwork or family photos to make hallways feel finished
Now would also be the time to fix that squeaky step or loose hand rail.
The result? Your home feels cohesive and cared for without the time or cost of a full repaint.
3. Add an Accent Wall For Small Change, Big Drama
Photo by Pavel Danilyuk
Sometimes one wall does the work of an entire room. An accent wall adds personality and depth without overwhelming the space.
And it's one of the fastest ways to make a room feel intentional instead of basic.
The best part? You can go bolder here than you would on all four walls. It's a low-commitment way to test out richer colors or create a focal point that makes guests actually remember the room.
Option 1: Paint It
Choose the right wall and the right color, and you're done in a day. Our recommendations for the best spots to try an accent wall are:
Behind the bed in the guest room (creates a hotel vibe)
Dining room feature wall (especially if it's visible from the entryway)
Stairwell wall (often overlooked but high-impact)
Living room fireplace wall or built-in shelving backdrop
Color strategy: Go deeper or richer than your other walls. Think moody blues, warm terracottas, or sophisticated greens. If you're nervous about color, start with a shade that's 2-3 steps darker than your existing wall color.
Timeline: 1 day for most rooms.
Option 2: Clean & Declutter
If you're not ready to paint, make the wall you do have work harder. Some easy, quick wins are:
Remove or relocate anything cluttering the wall.
This means: too many small frames crowded together, mismatched art that doesn't feel cohesive, decorative signs with quotes that feel dated, or anything you hung "just because" but don't actually love. If it's not adding to the room, it's taking away from it.
Patch nail holes and touch up scuffs so the wall looks clean
Rearrange furniture to create a clear focal point (will you be watching tv, hanging out together, playing games, etc)
Deep clean the baseboard and corners
Steam or deep clean any rugs
A clean, uncluttered wall is better than a messy accent wall.
Option 3: Style It
Add visual interest without picking up a paintbrush. Some instant style upgrades include:
Hang a large piece of artwork or create a gallery wall
Install peel-and-stick wallpaper (removable and renter-friendly)
Add floating shelves with curated décor
Use removable wall decals or a statement mirror
The result? Instant personality that makes the room feel designed, not decorated
4. Your Guest Bedroom Shouldn’t Feel Like An Afterthought
Photo by hi room
This is where your guests spend the most private time, and do their relaxing. If your guest room doubles as storage, a home office, or "the room where stuff goes," now's the time to fix that.
You don't need new furniture or a full redesign. You just need it to feel like someone actually sleeps here and that you're glad they're staying.
Option 1: Paint It
A fresh backdrop transforms a forgotten room into a retreat. Here’s what works:
Moody, cozy colors (not sterile white). Think warm grays, soft blues, or muted greens.
Crisp white trim for that boutique hotel energy
An accent wall if the room is small or boring (behind the bed is ideal)
Don't forget the closet—if guests are hanging clothes, they're looking inside
Avoid: Bright, harsh colors. Guests need to relax and sleep here. Stick with tones that feel calm and inviting.
Timeline: 1-2 days.
Option 2: Clean & Declutter
This is non-negotiable. A guest room full of your stuff isn't a guest room. Let’s go through some quick wins:
Clear out anything that doesn't belong (storage boxes, off-season clothes, random electronics)
Make the closet functional: add hangers, clear a shelf, make space for a suitcase
Deep clean under the bed and in corners (they'll notice dust either visually or sinus-ly)
Wash all bedding, even if it "looks" clean
Remove work-from-home setups if possible. At the very least, tidy the space up and minimize the office feel. No one likes to sleep with a work camera staring them down.
If they can't unpack or feel like they're sleeping in your storage unit, you've missed the mark.
Option 3: Style It
Small touches that make it feel like a real bedroom, not a placeholder. Some easy upgrades include:
Add a bedside lamp (overhead lighting alone feels harsh)
Place a small luggage rack or bench at the foot of the bed
Hang a mirror (functional and makes small rooms feel bigger)
Add fresh towels, an extra blanket, and a water carafe on the nightstand
Swap out old, mismatched bedding for something cohesive
The result? A room that says we're genuinely happy you're here.
5. The Kitchen Glow-Up That Takes Days, Not Months
Photo by Max Vakhtbovycn
Your kitchen is where everyone ends up during the holidays.
Coffee in the morning
Appetizers before dinner
Late-night conversations over wine.
A fresh kitchen can set the right vibe for every moment that happens here.
Option 1: Paint It
This is the cheat code everyone overlooks: painting your kitchen cabinets.
Dated oak cabinets or builder-grade wood can be transformed in less than a week. Fresh, light-colored cabinets make your kitchen feel bigger, cleaner, and more expensive, without the cost or timeline of replacement.
What to consider:
White or light gray cabinets are timeless and bright
Two-tone kitchens (dark lowers, light uppers) add depth
Don't forget the island if you have one—it's a focal point
Walls matter too: a fresh neutral or soft color ties everything together
Cabinet painting costs a fraction of new cabinets and takes 4-7 days depending on kitchen size. If your cabinets are structurally sound but visually outdated, this is the move.
Timeline: 4-7 days for cabinets, 1-2 days for walls alone.
Option 2: Clean & Declutter
A clean kitchen reads as a functional, welcoming kitchen. Some easy, quick wins include:
Clear countertops of everything but daily essentials (coffee maker, utensil holder & that's it)
Deep clean appliances, especially the stovetop and oven
Organize pantry and cabinets so guests can find things easily
Wipe down cabinet fronts, handles, and the backsplash
Declutter the fridge: make room for their leftovers and drinks
If your counters are covered in mail, small appliances, and random clutter, it doesn't matter how nice your cabinets are.
Option 3: Style It
Small upgrades that punch above their weight:
Swap out dated cabinet hardware (new pulls and knobs cost $50-150 and take an hour)
Replace old light fixtures with something more modern
Add a runner or rug in front of the sink for warmth and comfort
Style open shelving with curated dishware (not random mugs and old Tupperware)
Bring in fresh flowers or a small plant for life and color
The result? A kitchen that feels like the heart of your home.
6. Give Your Guest Bathroom Some Love
Photo by Christa Grover
Your guest bathroom gets more use during the holidays than any other time of year. It's also one of the most private spaces in your home which means guests have time to notice everything.
Here's the thing: they're not judging you. But a tired, cluttered bathroom feels less welcoming than a fresh, thoughtful one. A little effort here goes a long way.
Option 1: Paint It
Fresh paint makes everything feel cleaner and more intentional. Focus on:
Walls: Use moisture-resistant paint in soft, clean tones (light grays, warm whites, spa-like blues or greens)
Vanity: If it's dated wood, paint it. White or light gray vanities feel modern and clean.
Ceiling: If it's yellowed from moisture, don't skip it
Trim and baseboards: Crisp white makes the whole space feel sharper
Avoid overly bold colors in bathrooms. Stick with tones that feel calm and spa-like.
Timeline: 1-2 days, including dry time.
Option 2: Clean & Declutter
This is the bare minimum and it matters more than you think:
Deep clean the grout, tile, and caulk (or re-caulk if it's dingy)
Clear countertops of personal items (toothbrushes, medications, hair products)
Stock it like a hotel: fresh towels, extra toilet paper, hand soap, tissues
Scrub the mirror, faucet, and fixtures until they shine
Empty the trash and replace the liner
If they open the medicine cabinet or look under the sink, they should find it tidy, not a graveyard of expired products.
Option 3: Style It
Small touches that make it feel like you thought about their comfort:
Upgrade hardware (towel bars, toilet paper holder, cabinet pulls)
Add a small plant or fresh flowers
Hang a new mirror or frame the existing one
Place a tray with hand lotion, mints, or wrapped toiletries
Swap out an old shower curtain for something fresh and neutral
The result? A bathroom that feels clean, welcoming, and like you actually care—which, of course, you do!
7. Book Your Painter Now In Advance!
Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko
Here's the reality: quality painters book out 3-4 weeks in advance, especially heading into the holiday season.
If you wait until December, you're competing with everyone else who just realized their home needs work before guests arrive.The earlier you book, the more flexibility you have with scheduling and pros who aren't rushed do better work.
Option 1: Paint It
Understand the timelines so you can plan accordingly.
Single room refresh: 1-2 days
Multiple rooms: 3-5 days
Cabinet painting: 4-7 days depending on kitchen size
High-traffic touch-ups (trim, hallways, doors): 2-3 days
In Minnesota, painters stay booked and busy through winter as it gets too cold to paint outside. That means interior projects fill up fast, especially in November and December when everyone's thinking about hosting.
If you want it done before Thanksgiving, book now. If you're hosting closer to Christmas, don't wait past early November.
Option 2: Clean & Declutter
DIY is great—until it's not. When DIY makes sense:
You have the time and skills to finish before guests arrive
The project is small (one accent wall, touch-ups, a single room)
You're not working against a hard deadline
When to call the pros:
You're juggling work, kids, and holiday prep
The project involves cabinets, tricky trim work, or multiple rooms
You want it done right the first time (and fast)
Half-finished projects are worse than no project at all. If you start and realize you're in over your head, you've just added stress, not confidence.
Option 3: What to Look for in a Painter
Not all painters operate the same way, especially under deadline pressure.
Green flags:
Responsive communication (if they're slow to quote, they'll be slow to show up)
Clear timelines and transparent pricing
Portfolio or reviews, especially for detail work like cabinets or trim
Respect for your home (clean work, punctual, professional)
Red flags:
Vague timelines or reluctance to commit to dates
Rock-bottom pricing (you get what you pay for)
No references or examples of past work
Look for painters who've worked with holiday deadlines before, who know how to move efficiently without turning your home into a construction zone.
The result? You get your home refresh done on your timeline and you actually get to enjoy the holidays instead of stressing about unfinished projects.
Your Home, Your Confidence, Your Holidays
Photo by RDNE Stock project
Hosting Christmas isn't about having a perfect home.
It's about having a home you're proud to share. The updates on this list aren't about impressing anyone, but about showing up confident, relaxed, and ready to actually enjoy the time with the people you care about.
Don’t feel like you need to tackle all 7 of these either! Pick the ones that'll make you feel better when guests walk through the door.
Maybe it's just the entryway and guest bathroom.
Maybe it's finally painting those cabinets you've been thinking about for two years.
Whatever it is, the key is starting now—not three days before everyone arrives.
Fresh paint, a little decluttering, and some thoughtful touches go further than you think. And if you need help with the painting part? That's exactly what we're here for.
Ready to make it happen? Schedule a free estimate with us! We'll talk through what makes sense for your timeline and budget with no pressure, just honest advice from people who've helped hundreds of Minneapolis homeowners get ready for the holidays.
Let's make your home feel as ready as you are.
