Hello Fabulistas! My clients and readers often ask about how they can maintain chic designs while keeping visiting family members happy and curious little ones from destroy ing their prized belongings. This is an especially big issue during the holidays. Here are some ways I keep your belongings safe and make a space still feel like home, for everyone in attendance. mantel

from Traditional Home

Don’t hide away everything Your first instinct may be to hide it all away and pull out collapsible chairs to replace your prized Eames chairs. Resist the urge! Vintage and antique pieces have withstood lots of wear and tear before they came into your possession. Do put away your precious china, but don’t worry about the tougher pieces. eames

from Rick & Susan Hibbs Houzz

Use your hidden storage areas Now, once you’ve decided the things worth keeping out of reach, locate the safest places to stash them. This doesn’t just go for precious collectibles. It’s worth stowing away coffee table books, tabletop accents and anything else that takes up too much surface area in built-in storage and storage ottomans. Remember, you’ll need extra room for unwrapping presents and setting down mugs of hot chocolate! seat

from Lovejoy Designs Interiors Houzz

Create open seating areas This might take a little rearranging for your current scheme. You don’t want anyone to feel left out of the gathering! Try to rearrange couches, extra chairs and ottomans so they face each other in a circle. But remember, leave enough room so the floor space isn’t crowded. sea

from My Home Ideas

Set up charging stations You’ll, of course, want to Instagram happy family moments and new gifts. Phones, cameras and camcorders can zap up battery life. So why not think ahead and bring out your electronics chargers ahead of time and free up some outlets so guests can easily recharge devices? They’ll thank you! charge

from Pinterest

Are you prepped for family holiday visits? Let me know what you do before everyone arrives!