Holiday Hosting? Here’s How to Make Your Michigan Home Feel Larger for Guests

marketing213926
19 hours ago
4 min read

The holidays in Michigan are a magical time — snow falling, fireplaces glowing, and homes filled with friends, family, and plenty of good food. But if you’re hosting this year, you might be wondering:

“How do I make my home feel bigger for guests without actually adding space?”

Great news: you can! With a few simple layout tweaks, décor strategies, and hosting tricks, even smaller Southwest Michigan homes can feel open, comfortable, and ready for holiday gatherings.

Here’s how to maximize your space and create a warm, welcoming environment for every guest who walks through your door.

🎄 1. Start With a Simple Declutter

Holiday décor adds warmth — but it also takes up space. Before you bring out the garland and ornaments, remove items you don’t need for the season.

Focus on:

Side tables
Entryway drop zones
Excess chairs
Large plants
Small decorative items

Less visual clutter = more visual space.

If you want the room to feel instantly larger, this step makes a massive difference.

🪑 2. Rearrange Furniture to Create Better Flow

A common mistake when hosting is trying to fit more furniture into a space. Instead, aim for better placement.

Try:

Pulling sofas slightly away from the walls
Angling chairs instead of lining them up
Removing bulky coffee tables and replacing them with smaller, moveable ottomans
Creating defined pathways for easy movement

You want guests to move naturally through the room without squeezing between furniture.

✨ 3. Use Strategic Lighting to Open the Room

Michigan’s winter darkness can make a room feel smaller — but the right lighting can fix that.

Tips to brighten and enlarge the space:

Add table lamps to corners
Use warm white bulbs (not cool-toned)
Incorporate reflective décor like mirrors or metallic accents
Avoid harsh overhead lights; layer softer lights instead

Well-lit rooms always feel larger and more inviting.

🍽️ 4. Set Up Food and Drink Stations in Separate Spots

One of the fastest ways to make a home feel cramped? Putting all the food, drinks, and snacks in one place.

Spread stations throughout the home:

Drinks in the kitchen
Appetizers on the dining table
Desserts on a sideboard
Coffee or hot cocoa on a bar cart

This reduces crowding and keeps traffic flowing smoothly.

🧥 5. Don’t Forget the Entryway

A cluttered entry sets the tone for a cramped home.

Before guests arrive:

Clear shoes
Remove extra coats
Add hooks or a temporary coat rack
Place a basket for gloves and hats

If you host large groups, consider using a bedroom for coats to keep the entry open.

🎁 6. Use Multi-Purpose Furniture and Temporary Seating

Make the most of what you already have by incorporating items that serve double duty.

Try adding:

Ottomans that double as seating
Benches against the wall
Foldable chairs you can pull out as needed
Nesting tables for flexible serving space

This keeps your hosting versatile — without overcrowding the room.

🎄 7. Keep Holiday Decor Simple and Intentional

Holiday décor is beautiful, but too much of it can make a room feel tight.

Choose décor that adds warmth without overwhelming the space:

Garlands instead of bulky figurines
Simple wreaths
Slim-profile trees
Neutral or metallic color themes
Candles or fairy lights for soft ambiance

Think “cozy and elegant,” not “crowded and chaotic.”

❄️ 8. Use Mirrors to Make the Room Feel Bigger

Mirrors are a secret weapon for small spaces — especially during Michigan's darker months.

Hang a mirror:

Opposite a window
Behind a bar setup
Near the dining area
Above a console table

They reflect both light and movement, giving the illusion of much more space.

🥂 9. Create Outdoor Space (Even in Winter!)

Michigan winter doesn’t mean you can’t use your outdoor areas — you just have to get creative.

Make your porch or patio guest-friendly by adding:

String lights
A fire pit or patio heater
Cozy blankets
Weather-friendly seating
Lanterns or candles (battery-powered)

Even 10–15 minutes outside gives guests more room to mingle.

🌟 10. Keep the Temperature Comfortable

More people in a home = more body heat.Turn your thermostat down a couple degrees before guests arrive. They’ll feel comfortable, and you’ll avoid a stuffy or overheated atmosphere.

🎉 Create a Spacious Holiday Gathering — No Matter Your Home Size

Whether you’re hosting in a cozy Kalamazoo bungalow, a Portage ranch, a Mattawan two-story, or a downtown loft, small adjustments can make your home feel larger, brighter, and celebration-ready.

The holidays are about connection — and with these easy strategies, your home will feel warm, open, and perfectly prepared for every guest.