The holiday season is here, and if you’re someone who plans on entertaining, you need to make sure that your home is up to the challenge. You’ve decked the halls and trimmed the Christmas tree, but what about your floors? Are they ready for the most festive time of the year?

This is a time of partying and merriment, and you don’t want to mess up your floors in the process. We’re here to help you keep your floors company-ready all season long (and we’ll even throw in a few quick tips for good floors to choose if you’re a frequent entertainer). Read on to learn more.

Keep Up With Regular Cleaning and Maintenance

Regular cleaning is essential if you want to protect your floors during the holiday season. It’s easy to get swept up in the chaos of the festivities, but don’t let that change your cleaning routine too much, especially if you’re entertaining all season long. If you’re the type of person who hosts events from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day, you need to keep your floors in tip-top shape.

Sweep, mop, or vacuum high-traffic areas daily (or at the very least, weekly) to prevent the buildup of dirt and debris. Use a gentle cleaner suitable for your floor type. This simple habit can help prevent scratches, stains, and damage to your floors. Treat any stains (like from spilled cranberry sauce or red wine) as soon as you can so they don’t set. If you have a particularly large party planned, consider steam-cleaning your carpets before and/or after to keep them clean, soft, and plush. 

Use Door Mats and Area Rugs Strategically

Door mats and area rugs can be a lifesaver for your floors during the holiday season. Make them festive so they look intentional instead of just looking like damage control. Remember, the holidays are a high-traffic time, and all of that added foot traffic can cause some serious wear-and-tear if you’re not being proactive and getting ahead of the problem. 

Place door mats outside entrances to catch dirt and moisture before people track it into your beautifully decorated home. Put a mat inside the entrance as well. A washable and festive mat is perfect for the occasion. 

Use area rugs or runners in high-traffic areas to protect floors from wear and tear. Place one in the kitchen where people will be gathering, as well as in the living room and dining room. This simple and effective solution can help reduce the risk of damage to your floors. It will also make cleaning up easier and make your home look more festive. 

Prevent Water Damage

Water damage can be a major concern during the holiday season, especially with the increased use of festive decorations, plants, and natural Christmas trees. If you have certain types of flooring, like hardwood, this can become a problem. 

Place coasters or mats under plants and trees to catch water spills. Clean up spills immediately to prevent water damage. Encourage your guests to let you know if a spill happens and make sure to provide hand towels and coasters around the home. This proactive approach can help protect your floors from costly water damage.

Secure Furniture and Decorations

Heavy furniture and decorations may help set the scene for a festive holiday party, but they can also cause significant damage to your floors if not properly secured. Use felt pads or furniture glides on heavy furniture and decorations to prevent scratching. 

Secure any tall furniture and decorations (like your tall Christmas tree, for example) to prevent them from tipping over. This simple precaution can help prevent costly damage to your floors. This will also prevent any safety issues that could come up during holiday festivities. Your floors and your guests alike will thank you.

Instruct Your Guests

Set some easy ground rules for your guests to follow when they arrive. Most guests will be happy to oblige if it spares them from being next year’s host.

Have guests remove their shoes upon entering and provide a mat or rack to them to do so. This stops them from tracking anything inside. Designate a specific area for gift wrapping, cooking, or other messy activities. Have guests take napkins with them when they’re walking around with food.

This proactive approach can help reduce the risk of damage to your floors.

Choose the Right Floors

If you want to be the host with the most, consider installing floors that suit that goal. They’ll be lower-maintenance so you can focus on the holiday and throwing the best parties. 

When it comes to choosing the best flooring for hosting gatherings, you want to consider factors like durability, ease of maintenance, and aesthetic appeal. Hardwood flooring, luxury vinyl tiles (LVT) or luxury vinyl planks (LVP), porcelain or ceramic tiles, engineered wood flooring, and laminate flooring are popular options. Unlike carpet, they don’t wear down as easily and they’re all easy to clean after a spill. You can always use a rug to dampen noise, especially if you’re in a condo with downstairs neighbors. That’s not to say you can’t host with carpets, but it’s a bit tricker. 

Ultimately, the best flooring for hosting gatherings will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Consider the level of foot traffic, potential spills, and your budget. With the right flooring, you can create a warm and welcoming space for your guests while also protecting your investment. 

Keep Your Floors Safe This Holiday Season

Are you ready to host? If your floors aren’t prepared yet, it’s time to get cleaning and buy some protective mats and rugs so you can enjoy your holiday gatherings worry-free. You don’t want concerns about the floor to spoil your festivities, right?

If you love hosting, it might be time to consider switching to a lower-maintenance floor option. At LA Carpet, we’d love to help you with that. Our experts can help you pick the floors that are right for your lifestyle. Reach out for a free estimate today.