After a busy month of holiday planning and party-going, what better way to bring in the New Year that to relax with a spa treatment. No need to look far, everything you need for top notch pampering is right at home.

With just a few steps, you’ll have real relaxation at your fingertips with a home-based spa:

1. Creating an atmosphere
Part of the luxurious vibe of a spa is how it engages all five of your senses. Dim the lights (avoid harsh fluorescent lights) and light some scented candles. Play some low, soothing music without lyrics. Pour yourself a drink – wine, water with fresh cucumber or tea are all good choices.

2. Towels
Having the right towel – fluffy, soft and big – makes all the difference (and you can reuse it or keep it as a guest towel set!). If you are going to splurge, this is the item you should focus on. Choose a high grams-per-square metre count for a luxurious feel and always tumble dry to keep the softness.

3. Home-based products
Many of the hair treatments, facial masks and moisturizers can be made from all natural ingredients that you already have in your kitchen, such as:
• Olive oil and brown sugar face scrub
• Lime mint foot soak
• Oatmeal, cinnamon and rosemary face mask
• Coconut oil and avocado hair conditional
• Cool camomile teabags for eye mask

4. Spa-like shower
Use a high pressure shower hose setting to exfoliate your back. Alternate between warm, cool, cold, warm temperature in that order to get the blood flowing and improve circulation.

5. Renovations
If you make a habit of at-home spas, consider making some renovations to your bathroom – like a bigger bathtub, heated towel rack or different lighting – to improve the experience even more.

Swing n’ Skate (Jan. 7 – Feb. 25)
Skate around to the sounds of jazz and swing music. Skates are free on a first come, first served basis.

Calvin Vollrath (Jan. 11)

Music performance from the renowned fiddler. 

Motorcycle show (Jan. 12-14)
Bikes, stunts and ladies’ night – what’s not to like?

Onegin (Jan. 17 – 28)
Indie rock band musical, new to Edmonton’s stages. 

Ice on Whyte (Jan. 25 – Feb. 4)
Annual festival on the boardwalk, packed with the best outdoor winter activities like ice carving.

With vacation days, visiting family and countless engagements with friends over this month, don’t let the pressure ruin the fun.

Communication

Be very clear on when guests are leaving and arriving. If they are taking a flight, how will the airport run be coordinated? If it’s a dinner party, are children invited? Communication can go a long way to solving issues before they arrive. If in doubt, call to check-in.

Food

Do not be shy about asking guests to contribute to the menu. Christmas dinner can easily be made into a potluck and ask closer friends to bring sides, desserts or drinks. Don’t forget to check about any allergies or dietary restrictions before meal planning.

Children

If you are having several guests with children over, consider hiring a babysitter for the evening to keep the children entertained. The children will enjoy the evening more and parents will appreciate the break!

Arrivals

If your guests are arriving by car, make sure there is enough parking space. If necessary, move your car down the road so they can have easier access.  Have a place to drop shoes and jackets near the entrance so there is no scramble at the doorstep. If it’s chilly out, a freshly made pot of tea or eggnog will be welcomed.

Overnight guests

Think about the things you need when you stay at a hotel and use that as guidelines for preparing the room for your guest – put out clean towels, a water bottle and make sure the room is not cluttered. And it’s always a good idea to have a spare toothbrush lying around, just in case someone forgets one.

Asking for help

Most guests are eager to help wherever they can but don’t know what to do. Let them help you. Guide them towards what they can do to give a hand – can they dry dishes or lay the table? Including guests in the preparation can often make everyone feel more at ease.

Relax

At the end of the day, don’t lose sight of what is important – enjoying the time with your guests. The house doesn’t have to spotless, the meal doesn’t have to be perfect and the activities don’t have to be seamless. Do the best you can and then sit back, relax and enjoy.