collaborative post
The holidays are a joyous time for most families, but for those hosting the yearly festivities, it means a lot of unexpected work getting the house ready for guests. The thought of having so many people in your home may turn your holiday cheer into holiday fear, but there’s no need to have a breakdown yet.
We’ve compiled a list of the best things you can do to prepare your home for the holiday season. Whether you live in a large rancher or a quaint apartment, these tips will help alleviate your holiday stress and ensure every guest has a great time at your abode.
Declutter, Clean, and Organize
One of the first things you should do when getting your home ready for the holidays is to make it presentable. Start by decluttering every major room and high-traffic area of excess stuff. Whether you have random boxes sitting in your mudroom or your bathroom is home to a pile of unread newspapers, get rid of them or find a new place for them that will be out of the way of guests.
After all of your clutter is removed, deep clean every major surface in your home, so guests don’t have to sit around in any filth. Vacuum and mop the floors, dust your shelves, scrub your toilets, and do anything else that will make your home shine. Some of this cleaning can be done a few days in advance, but it’s usually best to clean areas that see the most use one or two days before guests arrive. That way, they’ll be able to see the cleanest version of your home.
Now that most of the heavy lifting is done, take some time to organize your home and make it look neat. Not only will this make it easier for you to find things, but your guests won’t have to stumble through a house where things aren’t where they should be. Put glassware in its own dedicated cabinet, fold throw blankets and place them on one couch, and do anything else that would make your home more orderly.
Decorate
It’s the holiday season, and that means it’s time to take out the decorations. String lights down the stairs, drape garland over your mantel, and give your home some holiday cheer with whatever decorations you prefer. Getting your whole family involved in decorating can make for unforgettable holiday memories, so don’t forget to have fun with it!
Stock the Pantry
The second most important thing about the holidays, aside from spending time with the ones you love, is all the delicious food. From succulent turkeys and hams to decadent cookies and cakes, there’s no better time to be a little indulgent with your diet.
The only way you’ll be able to enjoy the flavours of the season is by making sure you have enough food stocked up in your pantry. Grab as many nonperishables as you can from the grocery store, and make sure all ingredients are as fresh as possible when it comes time to cook for your guests.
Jenn Walker is a freelance writer, blogger, dog enthusiast, and avid beachgoer operating out of Southern New Jersey. She writes for Pennswood, a senior living campus in Pennsylvania.
