6 Easy Holiday Flooring Updates for Hosting Guests

Source: Kristen Prahl / Shutterstock.com

There’s a crisp breeze in the air. The leaves are turning. Fall is officially here. And with it comes a parade of holidays and reasons to celebrate. But as you’re getting ready for the holidays, take a look around the home and consider any projects or updates you want to tackle before inviting family and guests.  

Get ready to host this holiday season with holiday flooring ideas that are both beautiful and battle-tested. From waterproof luxury vinyl plank (LVP) to scratch-resistant hardwood, each tip below makes cleanup easier without sacrificing style or warmth. Embrace a spill-proof, high-traffic friendly floor as you welcome loved ones, kids, and pets, all while maintaining elegance and comfort.

Install Waterproof LVP in High-Traffic

reasWaterproof LVP offers a seamless blend of beauty and practicality, perfect for entryways, kitchens, or any area prone to spills and snow. For a coastal-inspired aesthetic with unmatched durability, check out the Outer Banks Collection by Palmetto Road, featuring 8.0 mm thick planks, a 20-mil wear layer, and full waterproof construction. If you prefer authentic American-made charm, the Liberty Collection by Audacity Flooring delivers a Hybrid Ridged Core LVP with 22-mil wear layer, 7.56″ width, and built-in pad. Perfectly resistant to kids, pets, and holiday messes. Either option makes hosting smoother and cleanup faster.

Refresh Scratched Hardwood with Touch-Ups

Hardwood floors offer a timeless, luxury feel, but can show wear and tear from messes and accidents throughout the year. Instead of replacing, consider refinishing or touching up your existing floors. If you want to really impress your guests this holiday season, consider replacing your floors with the Charleston Collection by Veranda Flooring. This wide plank, french oak flooring perfectly balances timeless beauty with modern sophistication.

Add Durrable Laminate in Guest-Ready Rooms

Laminate flooring is a safe bet for high-traffic spaces, especially with AC4 or AC5 ratings, scratch- and spill-resistant surfaces, and sound-dampening capabilities. The Trailblazer Collection from Palmetto Road brings beautiful wood visuals to your guest-ready spaces. If you're after maximum durability, consider Beauflor's water resistant Oterra Collection, with an 12 mm thickness plus attached pad, scratch and dent resistance, and lifetime residential warranty. Laminate flooring is ideal for active holiday setups.

Protect Entryways with Doormats, Boot Trays & Rug Pads

Salt, slush, and footprints are inevitable during the holidays, so catch them at the door. Layer in oversized doormats, boot trays, and quality rug pads to trap moisture and grit before it hits your floors. Doing so not only increases safety but also protects your finish and reduces noise. These small additions make cleaning easier and keep your flooring looking pristine after festive comings and goings.
 

Style for the Season: Area Rugs, Runners, & Cozy Layers

Seasonal area rugs and runners can dramatically elevate holiday décor while safeguarding your floors. Choose stain-resistant styles that hide foot traffic, and layer with felt pads under furniture and rugs, the perfect blend of texture, sound control, and protection. Not only do rugs warm up open-concept living spaces, but they also define cozy gathering spots, making holiday hosting feel warm and intentional.