🎄 The Ultimate Holiday Hosting Checklist for Oxford Landlords

🎁 Make Your Short-Let Shine This Holiday Season

The festive season is the busiest time of the year for Oxford short-lets — and with the surge in bookings comes higher guest expectations. People aren’t just looking for a place to sleep. They want warmth, comfort, atmosphere, and a little holiday magic sprinkled in.

To help you stay ahead of the rush, we’ve created the Ultimate Holiday Hosting Checklist — a simple guide to make your property feel effortlessly festive, cosy, and ready for every December booking that comes your way.

Let’s get your space sleigh-ready. 🎄✨

✔️ 1. Warm & Welcoming Décor

Holiday décor doesn’t need to be over-the-top. Simple, tasteful touches go a long way:

• A small wreath on the door
• Soft festive throws or seasonal cushions
• Subtle ornaments (pine sprigs, wooden accents, warm candles)
• Gentle fairy lights in a reading corner

Aim for inviting, not overwhelming. Think “cosy Oxford stay,” not Santa’s workshop.

✔️ 2. Lighting That Sets the Mood

Winter hosting is all about ambience. Guests are coming from cold streets into your warm sanctuary.

Upgrade your space with:

• Warm LED bulbs
• Soft lamp lighting
• A lit reading nook
• Gentle evening lighting for photographs

Warm tones always photograph better — and create instant comfort.

✔️ 3. A Festive Scent That’s Subtle, Not Strong

Scent is emotional. Guests often remember how your space felt.

Choose:

• Pine or cedarwood
• Vanilla
• Citrus spice
• Soft cinnamon

Use diffusers or light candles safely — avoid anything overpowering.

✔️ 4. Winter Comfort Essentials

Comfort is your biggest selling point in December. Make sure you’ve stocked:

• Extra blankets and throws
• Plush bedding
• Hot water bottles
• Slippers or cosy socks
• Hot chocolate sachets or festive tea

Guests notice these details — and review them.

✔️ 5. Heating & Safety Checks

Nothing ruins a holiday stay faster than cold rooms or faulty appliances.

Before guests arrive:

• Test your heating system
• Check radiators for trapped air
• Confirm smoke & CO detectors work
• Inspect windows for drafts
• Ensure instructions for heating controls are clear

This section alone saves landlords from half of winter guest complaints.

✔️ 6. Stock Up on Guest Supplies

Holiday travel comes with chaos. Guests forget things.

Provide:

• Spare toiletries
• Tissues
• Extra toilet rolls
• A few festive biscuits or treats
• Tea/coffee essentials

Generosity doesn’t need to be expensive. Thoughtfulness goes further.

✔️ 7. Update Your Holiday Photos

Listings with fresh seasonal photos perform better.

Capture:

• Warm lighting
• Cosy textures
• A small festive touch
• Clean, tidy surfaces

This can instantly boost your visibility in holiday searches.

✔️ 8. Clear & Friendly Festive Communication

Send a warm holiday welcome message before check-in.

Include:

• Heating instructions
• Wi-Fi details
• Parking information
• Check-out reminders
• Festive greeting

Friendly communication reduces friction — and boosts your ratings.

🎄 Final Thought: Make It Simple, Warm, and Thoughtful

Holiday hosting isn’t about excess — it’s about atmosphere.

A space that feels warm, cared for, and welcoming is the one guests remember, review, and return to.

At CheckInCheckOut by CiCoSolutions, we help landlords elevate every stay with thoughtful touches, clever systems, and effortless festive charm.

👉 Visit checkincheckout.io to see how we bring comfort and strategy together — all season long.