This time of year is always a special time of year. The holidays are right around the corner, and it’s time to celebrate! One of the biggest joys of the holiday season is getting to spend time with family and friends. If you are hosting a company for the holidays, the key is to prep in advance so you can cut back on any last-minute mishaps. Whether you have guests staying overnight or just visiting for the day, here are a few tips to help prep your home:
Clean Your Home
This one is a no-brainer, but you want your house to look clean and inviting. Starting early will allow you to get a good, deep clean of your home and really get things shining. A few days leading up to the holiday, you can do a spot clean of the kitchen and bathrooms and any area that will get a lot of traffic. Be sure the entryway in your house is free of clutter and there is space for guests to hang coats.
Decorate With Seasonal Items
A few easy ways to make your home look cozy and inviting are to decorate with seasonal items. Thanksgiving and Christmas wreaths are easy pieces to find and hang around the house. Seasonal flowers such as poinsettia, holly, Christmas roses, and mistletoe can be spread through the house as well. If you will have small children around the house, simple items like warm, cozy blankets will add a homey feel and will be safe around the little ones.
Stock the Pantry
This tip is especially helpful if you have guests staying overnight, or for a few nights. If you know what your guests like to eat and drink, be sure to add it to your pantry and fridge. If you don’t, ask them in advance if they have any requests for their stay. This is an easy way to make your guests feel welcome and at home.
Prepare a Welcome Basket
This tip is also for your overnight guests. Having a welcome basket in the guest bedroom will be a pleasant gesture for your holiday company. Provide everything from extra bath towels to toiletries, and even some warm fuzzy slippers (because you know the last thing you remember to pack when traveling are slippers!). Little gestures like this certainly go a long way to help make your guests feel more comfortable.
While it is great to have family over for the holidays, it can get a little hectic. Don’t fret too much if every little thing on your to-do list doesn’t get done. Everyone will be so wrapped up in enjoying each other’s company, that the small things won’t seem like such a big deal. Be thankful for the friends and family you have, and enjoy your time together.
