Published December 11, 2025

Host Like a Pro: A Des Moines Guide to Stress-Free Holiday Entertaining at Home

Written by Ryan Rohlf

Host Like a Pro: A Des Moines Guide to Stress-Free Holiday Entertaining at Home header image.

Make Your Home the Hottest Spot in the Metro this Season

December is a magical time in Des Moines—the lights are up on Grand Avenue, the East Village is sparkling, and the scent of pine is everywhere. If you're opening your home to friends and family this season, you want your space to feel welcoming, festive, and easy to navigate.

At The dsmSOLD Team at Keller Williams Legacy Group, we know that your home is your greatest asset, both financially and emotionally. Here is our expert guide to preparing your Des Moines home to host like a seasoned professional, keeping the stress low and the holiday cheer high!

1. The Des Moines Winter Welcome: Mastering the Entryway

In Iowa, the entryway isn't just a place to hang coats—it’s a battle zone against melting snow and slush. A successful host minimizes the winter mess immediately upon arrival.

The "Guest Zone" Checklist

Designated Drop-Off: Clear out your coat closet entirely or dedicate a spare bedroom bench for heavy winter jackets. Avoid simply piling them on a bed; guests need quick access when leaving.
The Boot/Snow Triage: Place a large, attractive rubber or waterproof mat near the door. Have a designated boot tray or old cookie sheet for wet footwear. No guest wants to track Des Moines slush through your living room carpet!
Light the Way: Ensure your porch light, and any path lighting, is working perfectly. A well-lit entry is crucial for safety and sets a festive tone instantly.

2. Setting the Scene: Staging Your Home for Flow

Hosting isn't just about food; it's about traffic flow. The goal is to make your space feel spacious and guide guests seamlessly from one area to the next.

Traffic Flow Tactics

De-Clutter Before You Decorate: Before a single garland goes up, clear flat surfaces. Put away excess books, toys, and mail piles. A less cluttered home always feels larger.
Open the Floor Plan: Temporarily move or remove unnecessary furniture (like a bulky accent chair or coffee table) that forces guests to squeeze by. People gather where there is room to stand comfortably.
Create Stations: Instead of clustering all food, drinks, and appetizers in one area, create three distinct stations:

Beverage Bar: In the dining room or on a kitchen island.
Appetizers: On a side table in the living room.
Dessert/Coffee: Kept separate, perhaps in the kitchen nook.
This strategy naturally disperses people, reducing bottlenecks.

3. The 5-Minute Powder Room Refresh

The bathroom is the most high-traffic, scrutinized room during any party. Don't overlook it!

The "Luxury" Look: Upgrade your towels to a stack of fresh, high-quality hand towels (or disposable paper towels).
Ambient Lighting: Turn off the harsh overhead light and use a small table lamp or some LED candles to create a warm, flattering glow.
Scent of the Season: Add a subtle, festive diffuser or candle (pine, cinnamon, or vanilla). Ensure the trash can is empty and the counter is spotless.

4. Des Moines Local Flair: Supporting Local Vendors

Want to impress your guests while keeping your time free? Let Des Moines’ amazing local businesses handle some of the heavy lifting!

Item to Buy Local	Why it Works	Des Moines Local Ideas
Gourmet Cheese/Charcuterie	High impact, no cooking required. Perfect appetizer.	The Cheese Shop of Des Moines or the Downtown Farmers' Market vendors.
Specialty Baked Goods	A beautiful, effortless dessert centerpiece.	Molly's Cupcakes or artisan bakeries in the East Village.
Craft Beverages	Showcases local pride and offers unique flavors.	A selection of Iowa craft beers or a signature cocktail using spirits from a local distiller.

5. Holiday Decorating: Keep it Inviting, Not Overwhelming

When hosting (or selling!), the goal of holiday decor is to enhance your home’s best features, not hide them.

Warmth Over Wow: Focus on warm, white lighting and natural elements like pine, holly, and wood. Avoid blinking lights and inflatable decorations indoors.
Keep it Neutral: While personal items are fine for hosting, keep the decor broadly appealing. A simple, elegant wreath on the front door and a well-lit tree are usually enough.
The Fireplace Focus: If you have a working fireplace, keep it clean and use it! The warmth and ambiance are unmatched on a cold Des Moines evening.

Your Home: Ready for the Holidays, Ready for the Future

Preparing your home for holiday guests uses many of the same principles as preparing it for the market: decluttering, maximizing flow, and highlighting its best features.

Whether you're hosting this season or thinking of selling in the New Year, The dsmSOLD Team at Keller Williams Legacy Group is here to help you get the most out of your Des Moines property.