“Six Ways to Keep Holiday Guests Safe (and Avoid Unwanted Liability)”

By Davis Law Group Trial Attorneys

Holiday gatherings bring warmth and joy, but they also carry the responsibility of ensuring everyone stays safe. When family, friends, or colleagues visit your home, an unexpected injury can quickly turn a festive occasion into a stressful situation. Taking simple, proactive steps can protect your guests and help you avoid potential liability.

This guide shares six practical ways to keep your holiday guests safe while maintaining the spirit of hospitality.

Keep Walkways and Stairs Clear

One of the most common causes of accidents during gatherings is tripping or slipping on cluttered or uneven walkways and stairs. Before guests arrive, walk through your home and outdoor paths to:

• Remove toys, shoes, or decorations blocking the way

• Fix loose or uneven steps

• Add non-slip mats or tape on slippery surfaces

• Ensure handrails are secure and easy to grip

  
  

For example, a homeowner in Atlanta avoided a fall by installing LED strip lights along the stair edges, making each step visible even in dim lighting. This simple addition reduced the risk of missteps during evening parties.

Secure Loose Rugs and Electrical Cords

Loose rugs and exposed cords create hidden hazards. Guests may not notice them, especially if they are unfamiliar with your home layout. To prevent trips and falls:

• Use double-sided tape or rug pads to keep rugs flat

• Tuck cords behind furniture or secure them with cord covers

• Avoid running cords across high-traffic areas

  
  

In Nashville, a family hosting a holiday dinner secured all area rugs and used wireless chargers to minimize cords. This attention to detail helped keep the living room safe for guests of all ages.

Monitor Wet Floors Near Entrances and Kitchens

Wet floors are a major slip hazard, especially near entrances during rainy or snowy weather and in kitchens where spills happen often. To manage this risk:

• Place absorbent mats at all entrances

• Wipe up spills immediately

• Use “wet floor” signs if necessary during busy times

• Encourage guests to remove wet shoes or boots

  
  

A Chattanooga homeowner keeps a basket of clean slippers near the door for guests to wear inside, reducing wet footprints and slips. This small gesture adds comfort and safety.

Store Hazardous Items Out of Reach

Holiday gatherings often involve cooking, decorating, and gift wrapping, which can expose guests to sharp objects, cleaning supplies, or choking hazards. To protect everyone:

• Store knives, scissors, and tools in locked drawers or high cabinets

• Keep cleaning products and chemicals out of sight and reach

• Remove small decorations or batteries that children could swallow

  
  

In a Knoxville home, the host designated a “safe zone” in the kitchen where children were not allowed, and all hazardous items were kept locked away. This clear boundary helped parents relax and enjoy the event.

Be Mindful When Serving Alcohol

Alcohol can increase the risk of accidents and liability if guests become intoxicated. To serve responsibly:

• Offer plenty of food and non-alcoholic drinks alongside alcoholic beverages

• Monitor guests’ consumption discreetly

• Arrange transportation options for those who should not drive

• Avoid serving alcohol to minors or visibly intoxicated individuals

  
  

A homeowner in Savannah hired a professional bartender for a large holiday party to manage drink servings and keep an eye on guests’ limits. This approach reduced risks and kept the atmosphere festive.

Keep Outdoor Areas Well-Lit

Outdoor spaces are popular during holiday events but can become dangerous if poorly lit. Guests may not see steps, garden features, or uneven ground. To improve safety:

• Install motion-sensor lights along pathways and patios

• Use solar or LED lights to brighten dark corners

• Clear snow or debris promptly

• Provide clear signs for any hazards or restricted areas

  
  

In a suburban Chattanooga neighborhood, a family added solar path lights and lanterns to their backyard deck. This lighting made evening gatherings safer and more inviting.

Hosting holiday guests means balancing warmth with caution. By clearing walkways, securing rugs, managing wet floors, storing hazards, serving alcohol responsibly, and lighting outdoor areas, you create a safer environment for everyone. These steps protect your guests and help you avoid unwanted liability, letting you focus on what matters most: enjoying the season together. If an accident does end up happening Davis Law Group will be there to protect you from liability, schedule a consultation or call 404-446-2932 today