Preparing your home for the holidays

The holiday season is upon us and preparing your home for family and friends can be a daunting task. If you’re prepared and plan ahead, you’ll have plenty of time to create enjoyable memories with loved ones rather than stressing out.

Focus on the main spaces

Spruce-up the main areas of your home where guests will be spending most of their time such as the foyer, kitchen, living room and the washrooms. Don’t worry about cleaning every nook and cranny but be sure to clean the floors and do a light dusting. To easily declutter areas of the home, place excess items into a laundry basket and then hide it in a closet before guests arrive.

Since the kitchen will likely be heavily used during the holiday season, it’s a good idea to clean the inside of the fridge, oven and microwave as well.

Set the mood

Use holiday scents to welcome guests into your home with candles or diffuser blends. Don’t wait until the last minute to decorate with seasonal touches. The more decorating done beforehand, the more time you’ll have to relax before guests arrive. Remember to stay true to your home’s style by being consistent with either traditional or modern holiday décor.

If children will be over, place fragile décor in high out-of-reach areas and block stairways to prevent mishaps. Be sure to provide ample seating so there are plenty of places to sit comfortably and have a conversation.

Overnight guests

If guests are staying overnight, stock-up on essentials such as paper towels, toilet paper, shampoo, conditioner, soap and toothpaste. It’s also a good idea to add nightlights in the hallway and washroom to ensure safe passage once the lights go out.

Stay safe

Nothing spoils the holidays faster than a burglary or an accident. When preparing a holiday meal, never leave the oven unattended. This also goes for open flames; if a candle is lit, be sure to put it out if there is no one else in the room. It’s also a good idea to lock-up any poisonous household chemicals and prescribed medications before guests arrive.

To keep your home safe from burglars, avoid displaying gifts in front of a window and don’t place boxes in plain sight where people can see what gifts you received. Instead break-down boxes and place them directly inside of the recycling bin.

The key to hosting a stress-free holiday gathering is time management. Take note of what works in your home and what doesn’t, then adjust your routine accordingly for next year. If you’re looking to move or to build new, keep in mind what features and floor layouts are handy for hosting and place them on your must-have list for the future. Keep these tips in mind when preparing your home for the holidays but most importantly, remember to cherish this time with loved ones.