Making Your Lakes Region Retreat Holiday-Ready
How to welcome guests with warmth, safety, and true NH-style hospitality.
The holidays in the Lakes Region have a certain magic to them — crisp mornings, snowy peaks in the distance, lights twinkling off the water, and the cozy feeling that comes from gathering somewhere special. If you own a seasonal home or short-term rental, this time of year is an opportunity to create a stay your guests will truly remember (and want to return to year after year).
Here’s how to get your retreat holiday-ready with comfort, safety, and plenty of local New Hampshire charm.
Thanks for reading Keys’s Substack! This post is public so feel free to share it.
1. Start with Warmth: Cozy Comfort & Safety First
Nothing says “welcome” like stepping into a warm, inviting home.
A few essentials:
✔ Smart Thermostat Setup
Cold snaps in the Lakes Region are no joke. A smart thermostat allows you to warm the home before guests arrive and monitor temps remotely — avoiding frozen pipes and surprise heating issues.
✔ Fireplace & Wood Stove Safety
Holiday guests love a crackling fire, but it has to be safe.
Have chimneys cleaned and inspected
Leave easy-to-read instructions
Provide dry, neatly stacked wood and kindling
Add a fire screen and a labeled metal ash bucket
It sets the tone for a cozy winter getaway while giving guests peace of mind.
✔ Winter-Weather Supplies
Stock shovels, ice melt, flashlights, and clear directions for snow removal. Even if guests are used to winter, Lakes Region storms can be a different experience.
2. Create That “Holiday Retreat” Feel
Seasonal décor doesn’t need to be over the top. Think simple, warm touches:
A wreath from a local farm stand
Cozy throw blankets
Candles or LED lanterns
A small tabletop tree or greenery
A welcome note with a hint of holiday cheer
These touches help transform your second home from “rental” to “retreat.”
3. NH-Style Hospitality: Local Welcome Baskets & Shop-Local Touches
One of the easiest ways to elevate your rental — and celebrate the spirit of the Lakes Region — is by weaving in thoughtful, locally sourced items that greet guests with genuine New Hampshire charm.
Create a welcome basket filled with Lakes Region goodies, such as:
Handcrafted soaps from local artisans
Small-batch maple candies or chocolates
Locally brewed beers, ciders, or coffees
Winter-scented candles from a hometown maker
A handmade ornament or small décor piece from a Main Street shop
Not only does this give guests a curated taste of the region, but it also supports your local businesses during their busiest (and most important) season.
You can take it a step further by stocking your retreat with everyday essentials sourced right here in NH — think local coffee beans, pottery mugs, fresh-roasted nuts, small-batch syrups, or seasonal decorations.
These touches help your guests feel rooted in the Lakes Region experience and create a stronger connection between your home, the community, and their holiday memories.
4. Make It Easy: Clear Instructions & Thoughtful Amenities
Help your guests settle in smoothly, especially during the busy holiday season.
Consider a binder including:
A printed house guide
Wi-Fi info
Instructions for heat, fireplace, hot tub, or generator
Contact numbers for plowing or emergencies
A list of your favorite local shops, breweries, and restaurants
Ideas for winter activities (holiday strolls, ice skating, ski mountains, light displays)
A little clarity goes a long way in making guests feel taken care of
5. Add Personal Holiday Touches
Small gestures make a big impact:
Stock a few family-friendly board games
Provide cocoa packets and marshmallows
Leave a holiday playlist QR code
Add a guestbook for visitors to sign and share their memories
Leave a puzzle out on the table with the boarder already done
These thoughtful details create the kind of holiday magic guests rave about.
Final Word: Hospitality, NH Style
Your Lakes Region home can be more than just a place to stay — it can be a holiday tradition waiting to begin. With warmth, safety, local touches, and a true NH welcome, your guests will feel right at home the moment they step through the door.
If you’d like help preparing your property for a successful holiday rental season — or if you’re considering buying or selling a Lakes Region retreat — we’re always here to help!
Here’s to life between the lakes and the mountains.
Keys to the Lakes
— Jenn & Andrea
