The countdown is on! We’re exactly three weeks from Thanksgiving which means, if you’re hosting, you’re likely starting to feel the pressure of getting your home in order. (Fingers crossed you haven’t invited any Judgy McJudgersons who will be inspecting every inch of your home.) Either way, whether you’re looking to make a good impression or just want to liven up your living area for the holidays, here are 5 ideas for adding some pizzazz to your entertaining spaces before Thanksgiving.

1. Add Seating

Having enough seating for your guests is key to keeping them comfortable and happy. But why not skip those old metal folding chairs and opt for something more stylish and fun? Storage cubes and cushioned ottomans pull double duty and often come in a variety of styles and colors. Speaking of color, you can’t get more diverse than the options for floor cushions. They come in nearly every color, shape and style imaginable and are great for guests who don’t mind lounging on the floor — namely, kids. And if folding chairs are the way to go, we like these ones from Ikea in a fun fall red.

2. Cozy Up

Granted, your home may already start feeling pretty cozy once people arrive, but we’re talking about intentionally making it cozy. The Scandinavians use the word “hygge” (pronounced HOO-gah) to describe a lifestyle of cozy contentment and enjoying the simple things. So how you can create hygge for your guests? Light a fire in the fireplace or candles around a room, add throws for bundling up, dim the lights, play some soft music, and serve up hot chocolate before your meal. Need more ideas? Check out our six tips for making your home extra cozy.

3. Prep the Kitchen

After all, this is the room where you and your guests will be spending most of your time on Thanksgiving day — if not the entire holiday season. We previously shared these tips for big kitchen improvements that can be done in one weekend, so you have three more opportunities to knock them out before the big day. If you haven’t already started food shopping, we suggest beating the crowds by collecting your non-perishable items now, and bringing your groceries home to a newly organized pantry or cupboards. We like these tips from House Beautiful. Lastly, stock up on to go containers and impress your guests by sending them home with nicely packed leftovers to enjoy the next day. 

4. Freshen Up the Bathroom

While not exactly categorized as an entertainment space, when guests are over, your bathroom will receive a fair amount of traffic. A full remodel is likely out of the question given the ticking clock — maybe next year? — but you may be surprised at how big of an impact new towels, soap dispenser, shower curtain or artwork can make. At the very least, it should be as clean as possible. Looking for a little more inspiration? HGTV has lots of ideas for cheap ways to freshen up your bathroom in one weekend. 

Pro Tip: Your House Manager performs a five point toilet tune up during their twice yearly service visits at no charge. If you haven’t yet had your initial visit, or it’s been at least six months since your last one, sign in to schedule one today. There’s plenty of time to tackle any plumbing issues before your visitors arrive. 

5. Tackle Your To Do List

With three weeks left until Thanksgiving day, now is the time to tackle those miscellaneous projects that went undone over the summer. Not all of them of course — we don’t want to add to the pressure you’re already feeling — just the ones your guest will spot easily. Prioritize the areas that they’ll be spending time in. Drapes sitting in the living room that need to be hung? A loose doorknob to the bathroom? Lightbulbs burned out? By knocking out a couple projects a week, you can feel better about getting things done before you start feeling overwhelmed. And don’t forget about the outside of your home. A good impression starts the moment your guests pull up to the curb.

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Judgy McJudgersons or not, your guests will appreciate the time and effort you’ve put into making their Thanksgiving special. And the best part? When they leave, you’ll be able to enjoy the fruits of your labor for months to come. Almost as much as you’ll be enjoying the leftovers of your Thanksgiving feast.