Preparing for Holiday Houseguests (Checklist and Timeline)
By Cedar & Ledger
Hosting family over the holidays goes smoother with a plan for beds, meals and the little things guests always need. Use this timeline and checklist.
Two weeks before
- ☐ Confirm who is coming, arrival and departure days, and how they are getting there
- ☐ Ask about allergies, diets and anything they need (a crib, a quiet room)
- ☐ Decide who sleeps where; check air mattresses for leaks
- ☐ Plan meals for each day, including easy breakfasts
A few days before
- ☐ Wash sheets and towels; set one set per guest
- ☐ Clear a drawer or a shelf and some hangers
- ☐ Stock extras: toothbrushes, toiletries, phone chargers, night-light
- ☐ Shop for groceries in two trips (dry goods now, fresh food the day before)
The guest room basics
- Clean sheets, extra blanket, two pillows
- Towels and a washcloth
- A small lamp and a place to put a suitcase
- Wi-Fi name and password on a card
- A short note with house tips: coffee, thermostat, which shower to use
While they are here
Keep a simple daily plan on the fridge: meals, outings and who is cooking. Leave one quiet slot each day for rest.
Get the printable version
The Holiday Houseguest Planner (10 pages, Letter and A4) has a guest list with dates and diet notes, a rooms and beds plan, a guest room prep checklist, a meal plan and grocery list, pickups and rides, a day-by-day plan and a welcome card.
Related template: Holiday Houseguest Planner. Also see: Christmas Dinner & Holiday Hosting Planner
See all Cedar & Ledger templates
Frequently asked questions
What does this guide cover?
A two-week timeline and checklist for holiday houseguests: beds, meals, guest room basics and a daily plan.
Do I need a template to do this?
No. A notebook or a sheet you build yourself works fine. Cedar & Ledger also sells spreadsheet templates (I'd earn from a purchase); see the template box at the top of this page.
Is this financial advice?
No. It's general information with example numbers only, not financial, tax, legal or medical advice. Use your own numbers and check anything important with a qualified professional or the official source.