Having a big family or lots of friends is lovely – until it’s your turn to be the party host!
If your home is going to be the hub where everybody gathers this holiday season, you might be worried that your furnishings and décor aren’t up to scratch.
After all, how are you supposed to impress your guests with finger food and roast dinner feasts if your kitchen and dining settings have seen better days?
Worry not – we’ve compiled a list of six quick tips to update your kitchen before Christmas, so you can focus on the food and gifts and not the backdrop!
1) Give your cabinets a makeover
Your kitchen cabinets have the biggest influence on how the room looks, but you don’t have to replace them entirely to give the space a new look – you can simply give them a makeover.
Whether you paint your cupboard doors a different colour or spruce them up by swapping the handles for new fittings, you’ll be surprised by how much of a difference this can make.
Choosing a shade that fits in with the festivities is optional, as you do have to live with it year-round – but it’s worth noting that green kitchens are among the trends predicted for 2025!
2) Install a new kitchen splashback
You don’t need to fuss about repainting the walls or investing in new kitchen wallpaper – you can make a dramatic change just by installing a new splashback behind your hob or sink.
There are lots of different kitchen splashbacks to choose from, but printed toughened glass splashbacks provide an unbeatable level of combined practicality and aesthetic appeal.
Choose a back-painted custom colour or a printed image – be it a photo, artwork, or imitation texture – and see how this wipe-clean feature can elevate your kitchen décor to new heights.
3) Dress up your kitchen floor
If deep cleaning your kitchen floor doesn’t seem like enough, or you want to disguise some scuffs you won’t have time to fix before the big day, a rug could be your saving grace.
Anti-slip rugs or runners are ideal for covering up any floorspace you’re unhappy with, drawing the eye with attractive patterns and helping to protect your floors from all that foot traffic.
Machine-washable rugs are a must, of course, because you’ll need cleaning to be as quick and easy as possible both before and after your stint as Christmas host!
4) Rethink your layout and seating
The saying may be “the more, the merrier” – but as you’re likely to learn, finding enough space for everyone can be easier said than done, especially for a sit-down dinner.
Now is the perfect time to look at your current layout and see what can be changed to make the space more efficient, both for people using the furniture and moving around it.
Additional seating isn’t just for Christmas, either – if you need more chairs or stools, look for something that will serve you in the future, such as banquette seating with hidden storage.
5) Set the mood with lighting
Another overlooked aspect when it comes to quick kitchen upgrades is the lighting, which can make or break the ambience of any get-together, especially in the depths of dreary winter.
A Christmas gathering should feel warm and cosy, so bright overhead lights are out. Opt for softer accent lights with a yellow tone, such as wall sconces and floor lamps, instead.
Dimmer lights are also great for adjusting the brightness and warmth to your preferred level, but if you can’t install them, dimmable string lights can deliver a cheerful Christmas glow.
6) Sort out your storage solutions
Last but not least, the most important thing to do if you want to show off your kitchen this Christmas is de-clutter. A tidy kitchen will be easier to decorate without seeming chaotic.
New worktops and shiny new appliances aren’t necessary as long as you make sure everything is clean and carefully organised – from your cupboards and drawers to the inside of your fridge.
Smart storage solutions like drawer organisers, lazy Susans, and pull-out racks can make cooking for and serving your guests a breeze. Along with the fresh look and cosy lighting, your visitors are bound to be impressed by your orderliness while they enjoy your hospitality!
