Tips to help you prepare for guests, while keeping your sanity and your home organized.
It seems almost every conversation I have with someone includes some discussion with how fast time is always moving. I suppose then that we shouldn't be surprised that the holiday season is right around the corner! The good news is if we start preparing our home now, the tasks won't seem quite so daunting. So let's review some steps we can take and make our plan!!!
Declutter your Entryway
The entryway is the first impression guests will have of your home and a great place to begin to get your home organized. Start by decluttering this area to create a warm welcome. Remove any unnecessary items and make sure they get to their home, the garbage, or donations. Decide where you'll place coats and shoes when your guests are here, considering if there will be a large group or just a few. How will you keep the area from getting overwhelming? Do you want extra bins handy for any extras such as gloves or hats? Is there a good chance you'll need extra rugs here due to the weather?
Cozy up the Guest Bedroom
Will you have guests spending the night? Allow your guest bedroom to be a cozy retreat for your guests. Where will they keep their clothing? If you don't have space in the closet or drawers, can you add hooks for guests to hang some items? Freshen up the bedding and be sure to have extra blankets handy. Consider adding personal touches such as flowers, candles, an extra phone charger, and/or bottles of water.
Organize the Bathroom
A tidy bathroom is essential for guest comfort. Clear out expired products and declutter countertops. Use bins to keep items contained. Stock up on essentials like toilet paper, soap, and fresh towels. Having extra toiletries around is helpful if guests have forgotten items such as a toothbrush, deodorant, or Q-tips. Consider adding scented candles in the bathroom as well!
Prepare the Kitchen
Quite often, the kitchen is often the heart of holiday gatherings, so it's crucial to get it organized ahead of time. Clean out your fridge and pantry, making space for holiday treats and ingredients. Organize your cookware and utensils so that everything you need is easily accessible while preparing meals. Declutter the countertop and again think about using bins to keep items contained if this is your drop zone.
Create a Drinks Station
Set up a dedicated drinks station with festive beverages, with options such as hot cocoa, mulled wine, or a selection of teas and coffees. This not only adds a festive touch, but also allows guests to help themselves when they want a drink which is a win for both you and your guests!
Plan ahead with a Cleaning Schedule
It's very easy to underestimate how long cleaning tasks will take. To avoid last-minute panic cleaning, create a schedule leading up to the holidays. Break tasks into manageable chunks to spread over several days or weeks, including vacuuming, dusting, etc.
As you're preparing for this season, think about personal touches that make guests feel at home. This could be anything form their favorite snacks in the pantry to personalized welcome notes in their rooms. Small gestures can go a long way in making your guests feel welcome! Preparing your home doesn't have to bring on major stress. Start early!! Involve family members in the process to lessen the load. Most of all, take time to appreciative the festive spirit of the season as you prepare for your guests. By following these tips, you can create an inviting atmosphere that will leave your guests feeling welcomed and cherished during this holiday season.
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