October 2025 - Holiday Hosting Preparation
- Judy Granlee Gates
- Oct 11
- 4 min read
Updated: Oct 12
Thank you all for your support of my audio book launch of Bigger Living, Smaller Space on Audible.com. It was a big hit, and I hope any of you audio book lovers are enjoying it!
Newsletter Topic of the Month
As the days get shorter and the air turns crisp, it’s the perfect season to create warmth in your spaces, whether that’s by editing your home, refreshing your closet, or delighting your guests with thoughtful touches. This month is all about cozy comfort without clutter.
And I hate to say this, but the holidays are coming, and that means company so start on the preparation NOW!
Decluttering and Organizing:
Seasonal Swap; What to Store and What to Let Go.
Fall is the ideal time to reset. As you rotate wardrobes, decor, and bedding for the cooler months, take the opportunity to declutter. We talked about wardrobe last month, but this month, check EVERY closet.
Closets: Time to go through ALL those closets and drawers. Store summer items in labeled bins or vacuum-sealed bags. While you’re at it, pull out anything that didn’t get worn this season, it’s likely ready to donate. Purge NOW, and not before the next season.
Bins or Storage: This is a great time to store offseason items under the bed or up high in a closet. Check out the many options in storage bins and underbed storage to keep things neat and east to retrieve.
Shoes: We accumulate a lot of shoes and boots and pretty soon, we have a mountain. Sort through, pulling out any that are shabby, don’t fit, need repairs (and either make them or have them made). You’ll notice the ones you haven’t been wearing, so donate those to a good cause too.
Bedding & Linens: As you bring out flannels, duvets, or heavier throws, toss any tired, pilled, or scratchy items. Keep only what feels soft, warm, and welcoming. It’s a good time for a linen closet purge, we manage to get a lot of sheets and blankets piled up and we can only use so many, so donate or toss old or worn-out ones, or just even the ones you don’t love. Life is too short to sleep on scratchy sheets. Make sure you have what you need to guests coming up.
The key: Don’t just pack away, edit as you go. This prevents clutter from sneaking back in next season.
Home Edits:
Warm It Up; Editing for Cozy Vibes Without Clutter.
Cozy doesn’t mean crowded. The secret to creating warmth is layering textures and tones while keeping surfaces clear:
Textures: Add softness with chunky knits, wool throws, and velvet pillows.
Lighting: Switch to warm bulbs (2700K range), dimmer lamps, or candles for a softer glow.
Color: Work in rich, autumnal tones—think burnt orange, deep greens, warm browns, or burgundy, but keep them grounded in neutrals so the space feels balanced.
Less Stuff, More Impact: Instead of adding dozens of trinkets, focus on a few intentional pieces—a wood bowl of gourds, a woven basket with throws, or one large art piece with warm tones.
Holiday Decor: If you are the person who puts out holiday décor, stick with a few larger pieces over many smaller ones. Don’t be afraid to make a statement with just a few larger pieces. Fall scented candles are my very favorite part of the season, those rich, delicious scents help me welcome the change of seasons!
Guest Spaces: Make sure that there is SPACE in the guest spaces. Do your guests have some room in the closets or drawers in the guest room? Make sure the guest room is guest ready!
Short Term Rentals:
Creature Comforts – How to Make Guests Feel Cared For
In fall, your guests want to feel like they’re walking into a warm hug. Go beyond the basics to create true guest delight:
Warmth: Provide heated blankets or throw blankets in living areas and bedrooms.
Cozy Touches: Slippers by the door, an umbrella stand, and a coat rack anticipate guests’ seasonal needs.
Food & Drink: Stock a small tea or cocoa station with seasonal mugs. Add spiced tea, chai, or hot chocolate packets for an instant mood lift.
Entertainment: A basket of fall-themed books, cozy movies, or even a Spotify “Autumn Nights” playlist creates an experience.
Scents & Sounds: Lightly scented diffusers or plug in’s (pumpkin, vanilla, cedarwood) or set the tone. I love the ones made by www.scentfill.com. No candles in an STR for safety. Pair with soft background music for arrival.
Your goal is to anticipate what makes them sigh with relief after traveling—and deliver it before they even have to ask.
Final Thought
This October, lean into comfort and coziness—but with intention. By editing and layering thoughtfully, you’ll create spaces that feel warm, inviting, and clutter free!
Have a topic idea? Area of struggle? A fun tip? Send it in and I may make it the topic of the month. Email me at hello@judygranleegates.com
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