Holiday Hosting Tips

Being a confident and prepared host isn’t just about serving delicious food or creating beautiful décor — it’s also about making your guests feel comfortable and at ease. With a little planning and attention to detail, you can ensure your home is cozy, welcoming and perfectly set up for holiday gatherings.

Holiday Hosting Tips to Keep Your Guests Comfortable

1. Set Your Ideal Temperature

The ideal thermostat setting for parties will differ from one climate to the next. Even in Florida, keeping your home comfortable during the holidays makes a big difference for guests. During the day, aim for a pleasant 70–72°F when people are over. At night or when the house is empty, you can lower the thermostat to around 65–68°F to save energy. These small adjustments help maintain a cozy environment and keep energy costs in check — perfect for a Florida winter gathering.

2. Control the Kitchen Temperature

The kitchen is the heart of holiday celebrations — where families gather to cook, chat and share traditions. But with ovens, stovetops and crowds, it can quickly become the warmest room in the house, making the rest of your home feel stuffy. Managing kitchen heat not only keeps this central space comfortable but also helps maintain a balanced temperature throughout your home. Here are some tips to control kitchen heat.

• Prep Ahead: Chop veggies, make dressings, dips and cold desserts in advance to reduce cooking time.
• Use Small Appliances: Consider using slow cookers, an Instant Pot, microwaves, air fryers or toaster ovens instead of heating the full oven.
• Stagger Cooking: Cook dishes in shifts and use lids on pots to contain heat.
• Ventilate: Turn on the range hood, use ceiling or standing fans and open interior doors or windows to circulate air.
• Block Extra Heat: Draw curtains to prevent the sun from raising the kitchen temperature by up to 10 degrees.
• Plan Meal Timing: Cook items that reheat well first and finish last-minute dishes closer to serving to avoid overheating the kitchen.

By following these tips, your kitchen stays cooler, your guests stay comfortable and you won’t need to adjust the thermostat constantly.

3. Cool Down Crowded Rooms

Holiday gatherings can quickly make a room feel stuffy, especially when it’s crowded with friends and family, but with a few simple adjustments, you can keep your guests comfortable without constantly changing the thermostat settings.

Here are some tips to cool down crowded rooms.

• Adjust the Thermostat Strategically: Lightly lower the temperature in warm weather or raise it in cooler months to balance body heat and appliance-generated warmth.
• Increase Air Circulation: Use ceiling or portable fans to move air around the room without creating drafts.
• Check Your Vents: Ensure vents aren’t blocked by furniture or décor so airflow reaches every part of the room.
• Use Zoned HVAC if Available: Control temperatures in the areas where people gather most.
• Pre-Cool or Pre-Heat Before Guests Arrive: Give your HVAC system a head start so the room is already comfortable.
• Limit Hotspots: Arrange furniture to spread guests evenly and avoid clustering.
• Manage Lighting and Heat Sources: Dim lights, use lower-heat bulbs, and keep ovens or candles from adding unnecessary warmth.
• Open Doors and Windows Strategically: When outdoor conditions are mild, crack a window or open interior doors to refresh the air.
• Hydration Stations: Provide water so guests stay cool and comfortable.

4. Make Every Space Guest-Ready

Comfort during the holidays isn’t just about the living room, it extends to every space your guests will use. By paying attention to these key areas, you can create a welcoming, functional environment that keeps everyone at ease.

Dining Area

Arrange chairs and the table so guests can sit comfortably without feeling cramped. Control the temperature nearby to avoid hot or chilly spots during meals. Keep pathways clear to make serving food and moving around easy and safe.

Entryway

The first impression matters. Make sure your entryway is inviting, well-lit and free of hazards. Provide hooks or space for coats and bags so guests feel immediately at home and clutter is minimized.

Bathroom

Stock extra towels and toilet paper, and ensure proper ventilation for fresh, comfortable air. Add seasonal touches like a small holiday candle or decor but avoid overcrowding the space to maintain usability.

Outdoor Spaces

If you’re entertaining outside, check heat lamps, fire pits or fans to keep temperatures comfortable. Provide seating with cushions and make sure walkways are safe and clear of obstacles so guests can enjoy the space without worry.

By giving attention to each of these areas, you ensure that your home feels welcoming, organized and comfortable from the moment guests arrive until the final toast of the evening.

Holiday Comfort Checklist

Download this holiday home comfort checklist to help you get your home ready for guests.

From Our Family to Yours: A Holiday Recipe

As a third-generation company, Barineau Heating and Air Conditioning values family traditions and gatherings. We’re excited to share a cherished recipe from Mrs. Trish Barineau, mother of Barineau President Patrick Barineau. Her famous banana pudding is a classic dessert that’s perfect to share with family and friends.

Holiday Home Comfort FAQs

The holidays are about cozy gatherings, good food and quality time, not stressing over the thermostat or worrying about drafts. Here are some of the most common questions homeowners ask about keeping their homes comfortable, efficient and safe during the holiday season.

Heating, Cooling and Energy Efficiency

What’s the best temperature to keep my home at during holiday gatherings?

A temperature between 68–72°F is usually ideal when hosting. Keep in mind that extra people, cooking and lights naturally warm up the home. You can even lower the thermostat a few degrees once guests arrive to stay comfortable and save energy.

How can I keep my home warm without running up the energy bill?

Seal any drafts around doors and windows, close off unused rooms and use thick curtains to keep warmth in. Layering up with blankets or cozy socks helps too! For long-term savings, a smart thermostat can automatically adjust temperatures when you’re away or asleep.

Should I adjust my thermostat when I have overnight guests?

Yes. Guest rooms often need different comfort levels. Consider setting the thermostat a little higher at night (around 70°F) and provide extra blankets so visitors can customize their comfort.

How do I prevent rooms from overheating when cooking or entertaining?

Turn on the kitchen vent fan, open interior doors to improve airflow, and use ceiling fans to circulate air. If your home has zoning, you can lower the heat in the kitchen and living areas where activity raises the temperature naturally.

 

Décor and Safety

Are there energy-efficient ways to decorate with lights?

Absolutely! Switch to LED holiday lights, which use up to 90% less energy and last longer than traditional bulbs. Plug lights into timers or smart plugs to turn them off automatically at bedtime or when you leave the house.

What’s the safest way to use candles or fireplaces during the holidays?

Never leave candles unattended and keep them away from decorations and curtains. For a worry-free glow, consider flameless LED candles. If you’re using a fireplace, have your chimney inspected and cleaned before lighting the first fire of the season.

Guest Comfort and Hosting

How can I make my guest room more comfortable for overnight visitors?

Add soft bedding layers, a small fan, adjustable lighting and access to your home’s Wi-Fi password. Fresh towels, bottled water and a small basket of essentials (toothpaste, tissues) go a long way toward making guests feel welcome.

What’s the best way to manage indoor air quality when cooking or entertaining?

Cooking and candles can make indoor air stuffy. Use the vent hood while cooking, open windows for short bursts to let in fresh air and consider running an air purifier to keep things comfortable and odor-free.

How do I keep my home smelling fresh with all the cooking and guests?

Skip the overpowering sprays — instead, simmer a pot of water with citrus slices, cinnamon sticks and cloves for a natural holiday scent. Empty trash bins regularly and keep air flowing with fans or cracked windows.

Should I keep windows and doors open during a holiday party?

A little fresh air goes a long way! Crack a few windows or open interior doors to circulate air and prevent stuffiness but keep it brief if it’s chilly outside. Ceiling or portable fans can help move air without making your guests shiver.

Smart Home and Maintenance

Should I use smart thermostats or timers during the holidays?

Yes! Smart thermostats and programmable timers help maintain a comfortable temperature while saving energy. Set a “holiday mode” schedule that keeps the home cozy when you’re entertaining and lowers the heat when you’re asleep or away.

 

How can I prevent HVAC breakdowns during the coldest part of the year?

Schedule a maintenance check before winter sets in, change filters regularly and make sure vents aren’t blocked by furniture or décor. Catching small issues early helps avoid costly emergency repairs during the holidays.

 

Is it worth getting a home energy audit before winter?

Definitely. An energy audit identifies leaks, insulation issues and inefficient systems. Fixing these problems can make your home more comfortable and significantly lower utility bills all year long.

 

Is Your HVAC System Holiday Ready?

By following these holiday hosting tips, your guests will stay comfortable this season and leave looking forward to your next gathering. If you’re expecting company and it has been a while since you’ve had a tune-up on your heating and air conditioning system, you should consider scheduling maintenance as soon as possible. Barineau Heating and Air Conditioning offers once-or twice-yearly 28-point inspections, discounts on duct cleanings and other great perks to ensure you and your guests are always comfortable, no matter the season.

Trust the Experts

The professionals of Barineau Heating and Air Conditioning have been proudly serving north Florida, south Georgia and the Emerald Coast areas for more than 50 years and three generations with top-quality home comfort service. Through committed hard work, integrity, ingenuity and treating customers like family, Barineau has built a reputation as the premier HVAC service company in the area.

With Barineau Heating and Air Conditioning’s Total Comfort Service Program, you’ll enjoy cost-saving benefits like no overtime charges and repair discounts. Signing up for an annual plan removes the burden of having to remember annual maintenance appointments, and you will receive priority service whenever you need us. You can rest easily knowing that Barineau has your back and will remind you when it’s time for your appointment. 

Have questions? Call our team at (850) 580-4029 or schedule an appointment.