The holidays are a time for family, friends, and creating cherished memories. But let’s face it, preparing for these gatherings can often bring a fair amount of stress. From accommodating extra guests to making sure the meals come together seamlessly, the pressure can start to build. Fortunately, a thoughtfully remodeled space can go a long way toward making the holiday season enjoyable rather than overwhelming. Drawing on the expertise of Riverside Construction's Lead Designer, Kelly Grish—who has over 10 years of experience in the remodeling industry—we’ve compiled some of the best ways to make your home holiday-ready and stress-free.

1. Kitchen Features to Make Entertaining Easier

Ample Storage

When you’re hosting a holiday party, having enough space to store bulk purchases is key. Imagine being able to store all your extra groceries without clutter—an expanded pantry or a butler’s pantry with an extra fridge or freezer makes bulk buying a breeze, whether it's for extra meat, drinks, or frozen treats.

Double Ovens

Cooking for a crowd often means juggling multiple dishes that need different temperatures. Double ovens solve this problem by allowing you to prepare main dishes, sides, and desserts simultaneously, ensuring everything is hot and ready when you need it.

Open Layout

The holidays are all about togetherness, and an open kitchen layout can help make sure you’re not isolated while cooking. With an open design, you can prep meals while still being part of the conversation, making everyone feel connected and comfortable.

Dedicated Serving Area

Serving a holiday feast can get hectic if you don’t have enough counter space. A dedicated serving area keeps your workspace free for food prep, while your guests can help themselves without crowding the kitchen.

Hidden Mess Space

Open layouts are great for entertaining, but they can make it challenging to keep the inevitable mess out of sight. Having a separate area to place dirty dishes or hide the mess while you continue to enjoy time with your guests is incredibly helpful. This space helps keep the entertaining area looking tidy and keeps the focus on the festivities.

Larger Trash Bins

During large gatherings, trash seems to pile up faster than usual. A larger trash bin in the kitchen reduces the need for constant trips to take out the garbage, making cleanup less of a chore.

2. Durable and Easy-to-Maintain Surfaces

Durability

When you’re hosting friends and family, accidents can happen. Choosing durable countertops and surfaces helps alleviate the worry of scratches or stains, especially with little ones running around.

Easy-to-Clean Materials

Hosting during the holidays also means cleaning before and after events. Opt for easy-to-clean surfaces that hide dirt and smudges well, so you can spend more time enjoying the festivities rather than scrubbing tiles or countertops.

3. Kitchen Gadgets and Lighting

Mixer Lift

If you’re like many families, holiday baking is a favorite activity. Stand mixers are heavy and cumbersome, but a built-in mixer lift makes it easy to access and use your mixer without the heavy lifting.

Adequate Outlets

Whether it’s plugging in slow cookers, blenders, or phone chargers, having plenty of outlets is a must. Make sure your kitchen island and serving areas are equipped with sufficient outlets so you can plug in all the gadgets you need without hassle.

Holiday-Themed LED Lighting

Adding LED lighting inside cabinets that can change colors is a fun way to get into the holiday spirit. You can match the lighting to your festive decor, or opt for warm lighting to create a cozy atmosphere, especially with a Christmas tree glowing nearby.

4. Hosting-Friendly Basement Remodels

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Finished Basement for Guests

If you frequently have guests staying over during the holidays, a finished basement can provide the extra sleeping space they need. This can be especially helpful for maintaining everyone’s comfort and privacy.

Entertainment Spaces

The holidays are all about entertaining, and having multiple entertainment areas is a game-changer. A remodeled basement can be divided into zones—one for adults to relax and another for kids to play or watch movies, ensuring that everyone enjoys their time without interruptions.

Game Areas

Creating a space for games, like a pool table, foosball, or ping-pong, adds an extra element of fun during the holidays. A dedicated game area helps keep guests entertained and can even become a cherished holiday tradition.

Basement Bar

A basement bar doesn’t just have to be for serving drinks—it’s also a great place for setting up appetizers, drinks, or even an extra oven or microwave to help with the holiday cooking overflow. An extra sink can also make cleanup easier, keeping the mess downstairs and away from the main living areas.

5. Guest-Friendly Bathrooms

Additional Bathrooms

If you’re hosting a crowd, having enough bathrooms is essential. Adding a bathroom or upgrading an existing one helps prevent bottlenecks and makes everyone more comfortable.

Accessible Features

If you have elderly guests, adding grab bars in the shower can make a huge difference in ensuring their comfort and safety. These features can be stylish and blend seamlessly into your design.

Proper Ventilation

With more guests using the bathrooms, proper ventilation is crucial to prevent fogged-up mirrors and musty smells. Good ventilation also provides privacy, which guests will appreciate.

6. Safety Considerations

Egress Windows

If your basement is being used for guest accommodations, make sure it has proper egress windows. Not only are these required by code, but they also ensure that your loved ones are safe in case of an emergency.

Up-to-Date Detectors

Safety should always come first, especially with extra guests in the house. Make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are up to date and have fresh batteries before the holidays.

Conclusion

The holidays don’t have to be stressful. With thoughtful remodeling choices, your home can become the perfect space for hosting and making memories with loved ones. Whether it’s upgrading your kitchen for easier meal prep, creating an inviting basement for guests, or making sure your bathrooms are ready for extra visitors, Riverside Construction can help you design a space that’s holiday-ready and stress-free. Get in touch with us today to schedule a consultation—we’d love to help you create the ultimate holiday retreat in your own home.

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