Guide to preparing a luxury property for the holiday season

Preparing the Interior

To begin, consult with the homeowner to understand their preferred holiday style and the events they plan to host. Depending on your UHNWI’s schedule and taste, you can make plans to prepare the property’s interior for the upcoming festive season.

Preparing the interior for the festive season is all about creating a warm, inviting, and luxurious atmosphere throughout the home. Begin by deep cleaning and refreshing all interior spaces, paying close attention to details like polishing silver, cleaning chandeliers, and ensuring carpets and rugs are spotless. Consider refreshing the home's soft furnishings, such as cushions, throws, and curtains, with richer textures and colours that evoke the season. Plush velvets, warm wools, and faux furs in deep jewel tones or festive hues can add a touch of luxury and holiday spirit.



Fireplaces should be cleaned and prepared for use, with ample firewood readily available.  Ensure mantles are cleared and ready for festive decorations.  Depending on the homeowner's preferences and the events planned, you may wish to incorporate seasonal decorations for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Eve.  This might include autumnal arrangements with gourds and foliage for Thanksgiving, a beautifully adorned Christmas tree and festive garlands for Christmas, and elegant decorations with silver, gold, and black accents for New Year's Eve.

Exterior Decorations

The exterior of the property is the first impression for guests and passersby, so it's crucial to consider the homeowner's desired aesthetic and the image they wish to project. Do they envision a dazzling winter wonderland, a classically elegant display, or perhaps something more understated?

To achieve the desired look, a variety of options are available. Illuminating the home with festive lighting is key, whether it's a grand display of intricate lights or a more subtle approach that highlights the architecture. Wreaths, garlands, and winter-themed planters can add to the festive ambiance, while oversized decorations or illuminated topiary can create a more dramatic effect.

Ultimately, the goal is to create an exterior that reflects the homeowner's style and complements the property's architecture. Consulting with a professional decorator or lighting designer can be invaluable in achieving the desired effect and ensuring a cohesive and stylish presentation.



Preparing Guest Spaces

As the holiday approaches, you will want to create a schedule of when the property will be expecting guests. Once you have created this list you will need to make the necessary arrangements to prepare for your guests.

Each guest room should reflect comfort and luxury. Each with fresh linens, pillows and festive decorations that feel inviting to the guests. Cosy throws can be placed at the foot of the bed to provide some extra warmth on chilly evenings.

You must ensure the en-suite bathrooms are well-stocked with their favourite toiletries, including soaps, shampoos, conditioners, and lotions. Soft, fluffy towels should be readily available. Consider also adding any luxurious final touches, such as bathrobes and slippers, to elevate the guest experience.

To personalise the stay, a handwritten welcome note can be placed on the bedside table, along with a small gift, such as a box of chocolates or a bottle of wine. These thoughtful touches will make guests feel valued and appreciated.



Fill in the gaps

One of the key challenges for household managers during the winter season is ensuring you have the appropriate amount of staff to accommodate for the increased demands and seasonal events. This period presents an excellent opportunity to assess your current team and identify any potential gaps that could be filled with permanent hires for the year ahead.

By analysing your staffing needs, you can proactively recruit additional staff to support your team during peak times and special events, and to also think about whether you need to expand your team in a more permanent aspect. This may include hiring extra Housekeepers, Chefs, or Butlers to ensure a seamless experience for your guests.

At Exclusive Household Cavalry, we pride ourselves on our vast network of talented household staff and are confident in our ability to match your household with the perfect candidate for the role.

Event Planning

The holiday season often brings a full social calendar. Meticulous planning is essential to ensure each gathering, from intimate dinners to large-scale parties, is executed flawlessly. This includes managing guest lists, invitations, and RSVPs.

Menu planning should take into account guest preferences and dietary needs. The cuisine should be of the highest quality and reflect the occasion, with tableware and décor to match.

Depending on the event's complexity, additional staff may be needed, including chefs, wait staff, and bartenders. If entertainment is planned, secure musicians, DJs, or other performers in advance. For larger events, consider logistics such as coat checks and valet parking.



Thoughtful planning and attention to detail will contribute to successful and memorable holiday events.

Training your staff

Your team is the backbone of a successful holiday season. To ensure they are well-prepared for the influx of guests and increased workload, you may want to organise additional training.

This could include guidance on proper holiday service protocol, including etiquette for serving holiday meals, managing large gatherings, and anticipating guest needs. They should be equipped to handle any situation with grace and efficiency. If your staff will be assisting with event logistics, train them on managing tasks such as setting up tables, coordinating catering deliveries, and ensuring the smooth flow of the event. 



By addressing these tasks, you can ensure that the coming season runs smoothly, and you will in turn create a welcoming and comfortable environment for your clients during the winter months.

If you need assistance with sourcing or training staff for the festive season and the year ahead, contact info@exclusivehouseholdcavalry.com.