Homeowners around the world are wrapped in buntings and busy preparing their fireplaces. That’s right; it’s time for the holiday madness!
It is the season of traditions, warm gatherings, and delicious food. So, whether you’re hosting this year’s festivities or keeping it lowkey, your home should be ready to celebrate.
And we’re not talking about your regular ol’ home; we’re talking about a Martha Stewart-approved holiday headquarters. A house fancied up and ready to wow your guests, or at the very least, make your holiday selfies have the best background.
Here are some tips to get your home party-ready for the holidays:
Start with a Good Declutter
There’s never enough space come the holiday season. Family is coming in from out of town, and your home suddenly feels like it’s half the size.
One way to combat this feeling of claustrophobia is by having a good declutter before the holidays. It will also make your home look more spacious and welcoming to guests.
So, start with one room at a time and eliminate anything you don’t need. Also, if you’re planning on getting fresh decoration supplies, now is the time to donate or recycle your old ones.
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Make Sure Your Home’s Comfortable
If you’re expecting guests, ensure your home is comfortable. It means checking the thermostat and ensuring that your home is warm enough. You don’t want your guests to be shivering in their holiday sweaters!
Another comfort tip is to get rid of dust bunnies and pests. You don’t want to trigger allergies or deal with a mouse in your home during the holidays. If your guests are going to stay overnight, consider ecoforce Bedbug services to protect them from bites.
Prepare Your Home’s Kitchen
Turkey on the hob, cocktails on the counter, and cookies in the oven—your kitchen will be busy this holiday season. So, it’s best to prep it as much as possible.
For example, you can get all your dry ingredients for baking and put them in jars or containers. That way, when it’s time to bake, you can grab what you need and get to work!
You should also do a deep cleaning of your fridge and freezer. It will make space for all the holiday food and drinks you’ll be stocking up on.
Get Festive with Your Front Door
You know the drill: first impressions count. So, make sure your home looks its best from the get-go by dressing up your front door. You can go all out and repaint to a newer, bolder color. Or, you can keep it simple with a wreath or some garlands.
There’s so much more you can do. For example, place some potted plants on either side of the door or put out a welcome mat. Big lanterns or string lights also look great and add a touch of warmth and holiday cheer.
Dress Up Your Windows
Your windows are like the eyes of your home. So, make them sparkle and shine this holiday season! Start by cleaning the glass, inside and out. Use a vinegar solution for a streak-free clean.
Then, it’s time to get creative with your window dressings. If you have curtains, make sure they’re the right length. They should pool on the ground for a touch of luxury. If you’d like, swap your old curtains for a different color that better goes with the holiday theme. Of course, red and green always look great!
Add Life to Your Fireplace
When it’s snowing outside, there’s nothing better than snuggling up in front of a fireplace. But if your fireplace is covered in soot or cobwebs, it might not be the most inviting sight. So, give it a good clean before your guests arrive.
If you have a real fireplace, stock up on wood so you’re all set for a cozy fire. Use a rack to store the wood near the fireplace. Now, decorate the mantel with garlands, candles, ornaments, and anything else you fancy.
Get Creative with Your Table Setting
How do you plan on serving your holiday dinner? If you’re using everyday dishes, now is the time to switch them out for something more festive. You can find some beautiful tableware at second-hand stores or garage sales.
Or, if you’re feeling crafty, get creative and make your own! Your table runner and the centerpiece are also important.
Again, you can go for a traditional red and green theme. Or, you can mix things up with some nontraditional colors. Gold and silver always look elegant. And if you want something different, try black or white.
Designate a Space as Wrapping Station:
Wrapping gifts is usually an afterthought. But if you plan ahead, it can be a lot less stressful. Oh, and less messy too. So, instead of using your kitchen table as a wrapping station, try to designate a specific space for it.
That way, you can leave all the wrapping paper and supplies out without having to clear them away every time you need to use the table. You can use a closet or even under the stairs if you don’t have an extra room.
Light it, stock it, and you’re good to go!
If you’re tight on budget, a corrugated box can work as a wrapping station and a storage container for all your holiday décor.
Make Your Home Smell Like Holiday:
Nothing gets you into the holiday spirit quite like the smell of cinnamon and oranges. So, why not make your DIY potpourri? All you need is some oranges, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and nutmeg.
Simply place all the ingredients in a pot on the stove and let them simmer. The longer you let them simmer, the stronger the scent will be.
Alternatively, you can try a combination of coffee beans and vanilla extract. Or, for a citrusy twist, combine orange peels and lemon peels.
You can also light some scented candles or use an oil diffuser. Pine, cinnamon, and peppermint are all great holiday scents.
Final Thoughts
Prepping your home for the holiday season doesn’t have to be a huge undertaking. You can make do with what you have and still create a festive and inviting atmosphere. Just think outside the box, and think clean.
Change your bed linen to fresh, holiday-themed sheets, and add a few scented candles around the house. Drape some garlands over doorways and windows. And don’t forget the all-important holiday playlist. Happy Holidays!
