The holidays are a time to get together and enjoy the company of friends and family. Nevertheless, this means that you will have houseguests coming to stay with you for an extended period. Here are seven fundamental tips for preparing your home to be comfortable and welcoming during the holiday season.
1. Renovate
If the guests stay for a week or more, it may be time to do some quick renovations. If there is one bathroom in your home and several guests come over, this can quickly become an issue. Fix any problems with plumbing ahead of time so that everyone has access to facilities when they need them.
It would help if you replaced your rolling barn door hardware, as well. While it may be a great addition to your home, the hardware can quickly become damaged during the holiday season with all of the opening and closing that goes on in most homes.
2. Declutter
The holidays can attract a great deal of clutter. While it is nice to have a festive house, you do not want guests tripping over things. Clean up your home and make sure there are no hazards insight before your visitors arrive. You can make charitable donations of any items that are in good condition but not needed.
3. Prepare the Kitchen
The kitchen should not feel cluttered or cramped when you are in there. It would help if you cleared counters and shelves of any extra items. You can also create an outdoor kitchen. While this might seem tedious, it can quickly become a life-saver with all your guests coming over for meals.
You can buy new kitchen appliances to make cooking more convenient and efficient. Consider kitchen gadgets that you can use to create dishes at home easily. These include a food processor, slow cooker, blender, and an electric kettle.
4. Prepare the Bedrooms
The bedrooms should be clean and tidy. If you have children, make sure to pick up any toys before guests arrive. The last thing anyone wants is tripping over a giant stuffed animal when trying to get ready in the morning. Make your beds and try putting out some scented candles or potpourri to create a pleasant aroma in your home.
You should also check around the perimeter of your house and make sure there is no mold growing anywhere. This can become hazardous during colder months, so it needs to be attended to as soon as possible. If you cannot get rid of all mold yourself, consider hiring an exterminator.
5. Coddle Guests
It would help if you planned to do something fun for your guests during their stay. It could be cooking a meal, hosting a game night, or a movie marathon. You can also get creative and come up with some holiday-themed activities that everyone will love.
Display logistics, such as the Wi-Fi password and any house rules, on a large piece of paper and hang it somewhere that everyone will see. Such a move makes the guests feel welcome and valued.
6. Update Accents
If you have a winter wonderland theme, update the accents to make it feel fresh and new. It may include adding some festive decor or switching out your throws for something more holiday-themed. You can also add in some non-seasonal items that will fit with most themes. These include candleholders, sculptures, and ornaments.
Make sure you have enough clean towels for each guest and extra blankets and pillows in case anyone gets cold. It is also helpful to provide more than one trash can so guests do not feel like they need to wait until the end of their stay to throw something out.
7. Take It Easy on Decorations
Do not go overboard with decorations. You want your home to be festive, but you do not need every surface covered from floor to ceiling. The decorations should look nice and have meaning behind them.
The holidays can bring out a lot of emotions for people, so make sure that the holiday décor is uplifting and visually pleasing. Do not put up any offensive or overly religious-themed decorations.
Do not get rid of your holiday décor after the holidays are over either. You can use these festive pieces all year round, so it does not need to be for one month out of the year.
The holidays are known to be quite busy. It would be best to get your home ready for all the guests that will soon be arriving. With these simple tips, you can quickly and easily prepare your house in just one day.