With Thanksgiving, Christmas, and other holiday celebrations upon us, creating functional celebratory spaces in your home involves thoughtful design and organization. The goal is to ensure that your living areas are not only festive but also practical and comfortable for hosting gatherings and enjoying the season. Here are some tips on how to create functional holiday entertaining spaces in your LifeStyle home.

1.Assess your space. Begin by evaluating your available space. Decide which rooms can be repurposed for holiday entertaining, such as the great room, dining room, or outdoor spaces like your covered porch and patio.

2.Outdoor holiday spaces. If you have an outdoor area that will be used during your holiday gatherings, make it functional by adding a fire pit, outdoor seating, and weather-resistant decorations.

3.Flexible furniture arrangements. Consider your furniture arrangements, paying particular attention to traffic flow and available seating. If necessary, invest in flexible and modular furniture that can be easily rearranged to accommodate different group sizes and activities. Think about furniture that can serve multiple purposes, such as ottomans with hidden storage or a coffee table that can be transformed into a dining table when needed.

If you’re hosting holiday meals, make sure the dining area is well-equipped. Invest in a table that can expand to accommodate more guests, and have an extra set of dining chairs or stools on hand. Evaluate the need for renting or purchasing additional chairs and tables.

4.Maximize open-concept floorplans. Open-concept floorplans are ideal for those who love to entertain, especially around the holidays. Open-concepts designs with unobstructed kitchen, dining, and living rooms encourages socializing and easy flow between spaces during holiday gatherings.

5.Decorate with purpose. Choose decorations that not only look festive but also serve a purpose. For example, use decorative trays for serving appetizers or drinks, and include storage baskets for keeping blankets or pillows within reach.

6.Holiday lighting. Along those same lines, incorporate soft, warm lighting to create a festive ambiance. String lights, candles, and lanterns can add a magical touch to your holiday spaces. Dimmable lighting is ideal for setting different moods.

7.Comfortable seating. Ensure that your seating is comfortable and ample. Sofas, sectionals, and comfy chairs should be arranged to facilitate conversations and provide a cozy atmosphere.

8.Kid-friendly spaces. Designate an area for children with games, crafts, or a separate table for kids’ activities during family gatherings.

9.Bar or beverage station. Set up a dedicated area for serving drinks and cocktails, complete with mini bar, glassware, and an assortment of beverages.

10.Accessibility and flow. Ensure easy access to all areas of your home. Remove clutter and obstacles that may impede movement, especially in high-traffic areas during holiday parties.

11.Personalize your space. Add personal touches to your holiday spaces that reflect your family’s traditions and style. Hang family photos, display heirloom decorations, and incorporate unique holiday traditions.

Remember that the key to creating functional holiday spaces in your LifeStyle home is to strike a balance between aesthetics and practicality. By designing your home with versatility in mind, you can seamlessly transition from everyday living to festive holiday celebrations.