Holiday gatherings are all fun and sparkle until your festive décor turns into a tactical hazard. We’re talking about garlands drooping into walkways, twinkle lights zigzagging everywhere, and that giant inflatable snowman blocking half the driveway. This can be especially tricky for guests using wheelchairs, walkers, or any other mobility aid.
Now, you may think about doing expensive renovations, but a few temporary changes can make your home genuinely accessible for that holiday get-together or Christmas brunch.
Let’s check them out so you can pull off the most inclusive and comfortable celebration of the year as an accessible host.
Start With a Conversation
Before you start shifting furniture or shopping for ramps, talk to your guest. Every mobility need is different; one guest might need a clear path from the couch to the restroom, another might be fine as long as there’s a sturdy chair with armrests. You won’t know until you ask.
If you’re nervous about how to bring it up, frame it like that: “I want to make sure you’re comfortable during your visit. Is there anything I should move, adjust, or keep in mind?”
The more you know in advance, the more relaxed everyone will be.
The Arrival Zone: Arrange Parking and Drop-Off
Parking setups may differ between a quiet suburb and a busy city block.
If you have a driveway, reserve the closest area to the entryway for guests who need quick access to the front door. Avoid steep slopes, loose gravel, or uneven brickwork that might make it difficult to get out of a car. Clear a little extra space on the side for ramp deployment or transfers, especially if your guest uses a wheelchair-accessible van.
Pro tip: Temporarily relocate your own car down the street to give them maximum space.
If you live in an apartment complex or street-parking-only zone, temporarily swap your space with a neighbor, use a loading bay, or save the curb space with a friendly cone.
Some areas may have limited parking, so coordinate arrival times to beat the rush. Also, send a quick map pin or a “park here” photo beforehand. If multiple people are visiting, print a small “Reserved” sign and tape it near the designated spot.
Rethink Your Entry for Welcoming Guests with Mobility Challenges
Between multisteps, uneven thresholds, and oversized wreaths that can swing right into guest’s faces, even a beautifully decorated entryway can become tricky to navigate. Luckily, you don’t need a permanent fix but a temporary adjustment to make your home accessible for the holidays.
Address Steps with Temporary Accessibility Solutions
If your entryway has a single step, go for a rubber threshold ramp. They’re lightweight, sturdy, and can be laid down in minutes. For higher or multiple steps, a folding aluminum ramp works wonders. These ramps are portable and easy to store once the holidays are over.
Whatever you choose, double-check that the surface has non-slip traction and the ramp is snugly secured against the door frame so it doesn’t shift under weight. When unsure about stability, walk it yourself with a bit of weight to assess it.
Remove Clutter Removal
Once the ramp’s in place, shift your attention to the pathway itself. Most standard wheelchairs need at least 32 inches of clear width to pass through comfortably. If you can give a little more, even better.
Since it can be difficult to gauge, take a slow walk from the driveway to the front door and move anything that sticks out, such as planters, storage boxes, or those charming but hazardous inflatable penguins. Add a bright porch bulb or solar path lights to make sure the ramp and path are clearly visible when your guests arrive.
Inside Setup: Strategic Furniture Arrangement for The Accessible Host
Most hosts center the celebration around the living or dining room. Since these areas usually have coffee tables, side chairs, dog beds, and a pile of half-wrapped presents, they may feel a bit cramped for wheelchair users. However, you can take the following steps to make them accessible:
Make Space to Move
Think about the path your guest will take — from the entryway to the main gathering space, then to the dining area and bathroom. If you have to shuffle sideways to squeeze through, that’s your sign to rearrange.
Pull furniture slightly apart to widen pathways, ideally giving at least 32 inches of clearance along main routes and about a 5-foot open area in the center of rooms for easy turning. If you’re working with a smaller space, move accent chairs to the corners, temporarily move decorative baskets to another room, or store coffee tables for the weekend.
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Handle Common Trip Hazards
Area rugs may be festive, but they can be a tripping hazard. If you have any runners, mats, or loose rugs, roll them up for the weekend or secure the edges with double-sided carpet tape. Tape those sneaky extension cords securely along the baseboard or reroute them behind furniture.
Offer Accessible Yet Smart Seating
Low couches and beanbags might sound cozy, but they’re a nightmare for anyone with limited leg strength or back pain. Instead, set aside a few sturdy chairs with armrests that make standing easier. Keep at least one space near the main seating area clear so a wheelchair can pull up comfortably.
Accessible Dining and Serving Ideas for the Holiday Meal
As a host, you may make 8-10 dishes, get creative with your tablescape, or fold swan-shaped napkins. But if your dining area isn’t accessible, guests may not be able to join in comfortably. To avoid that, follow these tips:
Designate an Accessible Space at the Table
Choose one seat that’s easy for a wheelchair user or guest with mobility challenges to access. Ideally, this spot should be around 25 inches high, allowing them to roll right up without bumping into table legs or a pedestal base.
If the table skirt hangs too low or decorative runners dangle into the space, tuck them up for the night. Similarly, if your dining area is tight, consider pulling the table slightly away from the wall so everyone can move freely around it.
Bring Food Within Reach
When serving, think about placement. Instead of setting the buffet or dessert station on a high counter or kitchen island, spread dishes out with open sides and use a lower surface — about 30 to 34 inches high — so seated guests can reach them easily.
For drinks, put pitchers and cups closer to the edge so everyone can grab them without much effort. Since some guests may have allergies, intolerances, or dietary preferences, consider using place cards with “gluten-free,” “dairy-free,” or “contains nuts” to label the food.
Essential Bathroom Adjustments for Holiday-ready Accessibility
Most people place extra towels, scented candles, spare toiletries, and even festive décor in the bathroom, but an accessible host should make the following adjustments:
- Remove floor rugs that can slip, baskets that crowd the pathway, and any decorative items sitting near the toilet or sink.
- Place towels, soap, and toilet paper within arm’s reach from a seated position.
- Add a portable suction grab bar near the toilet or shower for balance, but not for supporting full body weight. Attach it only to smooth, non-porous surfaces like tile or glass, and always test the suction beforehand. Avoid grout lines, textured walls, or painted drywall where it can slip unexpectedly.
- Use a temporary clamp-on bar, a freestanding safety frame, a temporary raised toilet seat, or a shower bench.
- Swap out dim bulbs for warmer, brighter ones, while making sure switches are easy to spot or motion-activated.
Test Temporary Accessibility Solutions
After making your home accessible, use a large box or a laundry basket as a wheelchair and try moving it through the space. This quick simulation will instantly highlight unobvious tight corners, awkward furniture angles, or tripping hazards. Use bathroom accessibility solutions for maximum safety.
If you really want to go the extra mile, sit in a low chair and try reaching light switches, hand towels, or snacks from that level. This empathy check will help you fine-tune comfort details before the guests arrive.
Plan Your Holiday Adventure with Wheelchair Getaways
If your guests are flying or driving in, consider renting an accessible van from Wheelchair Getaways. Our mobility vehicles come equipped with lowered floors, power ramps or lifts, secure tie-downs, removable seating, and spacious interiors, so you can pick up your family from the airport, go holiday shopping, or enjoy scenic drives without worrying about accessibility issues.
Thanks to our flexible rental periods, you can book your preferred vehicle for a few days, a whole week, or the entire holiday season. With availability in more than 200 locations nationwide, we’ve got you covered from coast to coast and beyond. During the holiday season, accessible vans can rent out fast, so call us at (866) 224-1750 or fill out this online form to reserve your ride.