The Boxing Day Test is a straightforward way to make sure your holiday property is ready for guests who want to relax together without the “musical chairs” routine.

When setting up a holiday property, the goal is to create a space where guests can relax, unwind, and truly feel like they’re on holiday. One of the best pieces of advice I got early on was to make sure your property can pass “The Boxing Day Test.” And no, this isn’t about cricket; it’s about making sure your space can comfortably seat and cater to every guest you host—just like a big family Boxing Day gathering.

For fans of The BLOCK, this concept might hit home, especially after this season’s focus on holiday properties in Phillip Island. And boy, did some contestants get it wrong. House One with Maddey & Charlotte, for instance—more bathroom storage than anyone needs on holiday but not enough attention to the amount of seats at the dining table!. Perhaps Shaynna Blaze should have had a 101 on the Boxing Day Test before the season kicked off!

What is ‘The Boxing Day Test’ Anyway?

Imagine Boxing Day with family or friends: everyone’s around the table, eating, chatting, and enjoying good food and company. The Boxing Day Test for holiday properties means you’re prepared to accommodate all your guests, with enough chairs, tableware, and even elbow room. If your property can sleep six, it needs to comfortably seat six at the dining table, have six sets of cutlery and plates, and so on. Simple, right? But you’d be surprised how many properties miss the mark!

Why It Matters

Guests don’t just want a bed to sleep in; they want the whole experience of holidaying together. They’ll remember (and review) if they had to take turns at dinner because there weren’t enough seats, or if they had to wash forks halfway through meals. Having all the essentials for each guest adds a layer of comfort and convenience that makes the difference between a good stay and a great one.

Key Points to Pass The Boxing Day Test:

1. Enough Seating at the Dining Table (and Beyond):
   Make sure your dining area has enough chairs for every guest the property sleeps. If you’re tight on space, consider a folding table extension or benches that can squeeze in an extra person or two. It’s all about having a place for everyone!
2. Sufficient Tableware, Glassware, and Cutlery:
   Stock up on plenty of plates, bowls, cups, and cutlery. Always aim for more than the maximum occupancy to cover accidents or lazy dishwashers. No one wants to grab a soup spoon because all the regular ones are used!
3. Room for All in Outdoor Spaces:
   Many guests book holiday properties for the outdoor experience. If your property has an outdoor dining area, make sure it also seats everyone comfortably—sunshine and fresh air are always better when enjoyed as a group.

The Boxing Day Test is a straightforward way to make sure your holiday property is ready for guests who want to relax together without the “musical chairs” routine. When guests can all sit, eat, and unwind together, they’ll leave with great memories and, hopefully, glowing reviews. After all, holiday magic happens when everyone has a seat at the table—literally and figuratively.

Remember, guests are on holiday to escape hassle, not find new ones. Pass the Boxing Day Test, and you’re one step closer to being that property they can’t wait to rebook.