I love to have company over during Christmastime. As a bonus, it has a way of making my house look better in a hurry. . . I’ve learned over time that nobody looks at my home as closely as I do. (Have you ever examined someone else’s floors for crumbs? Me neither.) It’s more about a feeling when you walk through someone’s door and less about the tiny details we tend to fret over. Here are a few easy ways to cozy up your home for holiday entertaining.

Christmas music! It’s easy enough and instantly makes your home feel festive. I like to stick this small bluetooth speaker in the corner of the kitchen and play Pandora. (A few of my favorite stations: Audrey Assad Holiday, The Christmas Song radio, Holiday Instrumentals, Jadon Lavik Holiday, and Michael Buble Holiday.)

Votive candles. They’re inexpensive and add a warm glow all around. (See more of how I used them in our living room here.) Buy the unscented so you don’t overwhelm your guests.

If you have the time or inclination to shop for a few new things, my top five would be: a small lamp (so versatile–the mantel, a entryway table, or even a bathroom), fresh pillows with down inserts, a cozy throw blanket (HomeGoods is a great source), new hand towels, and a yummy candle for the powder room.

An easy powder room update: add a patterned hand towel, soap in a pretty dispenser and a good candle. (I’ve found a lot of cute hand towels at H&M home lately.)

Fresh greenery with battery-powered fairy lights. Easy, fragrant and festive. I did this in our powder room since there was no place to plug in a lamp or Christmas lights.

Make coffee. The easiest way to make your home smell warm and cozy when guests walk through the door.

If you have the space, set up a separate beverage station in a room besides the kitchen. It’s nice when guests can help themselves to drinks, and it’s fun to spread the joy around the house!

What are you easiest entertaining tips?