For many, the thought of hosting your family during the holidays can be an immediate stressor in your life, but it does not have to be that way. If you know that it is your turn to host this holiday season, you must prepare not only yourself but also your home for future events. If you are unsure of where to begin, keep reading to learn how you can prepare your home for your holiday visitors!
Declutter and Clean
Do you find yourself with the dreaded junk drawer, a pile of mail on your table, or your office chair covered by a mountain of clothes? If you answered yes to any of these, do not stress as clutter is completely normal. Between day-to-day activities, it can be easy to let small tasks fall to the wayside, but the holiday season can be the perfect time to clean up and reorganize. Go through popular areas throughout your house and give every object a place to call home, but do not be afraid to throw things out as well.
Family visits are also the perfect excuse to deep clean your home. No amount of prepping can have you feeling more prepared than a clean slate. Focus on high-traffic areas such as the entryway, kitchen, bathrooms, and gathering spaces. If you are on a time crunch and find yourself without the necessities to leave your home sparkling, consider ordering your cleaning essentials online. By ordering your supplies instead of running out to the store, you can put your full focus towards other tasks, save yourself time, as well as unnecessary stress.
Childproof for Safety
In some instances, hosting can mean children of all ages coming into your home. It is important to find ways to make your place safe for the little ones to enjoy their time, and so that the adults can have some peace of mind. You should perform simple tasks such as hide electrical cords, tie up or cut cords on window blinds, cover electrical outlets, as well as block off unsafe areas such as stairs or bathrooms. Childproofing your home can also include placing locks on doorknobs and cabinets to prevent fingers from getting pinched, as well as rearranging furniture to hide sharp corners and prevent falls.
Create Extra Seating and Sleeping Space
If you feel like you are lacking enough space for seating and sleeping guests, there are a few simple solutions you can try. For seating, you must utilize any empty space you have. For example, if you have an entryway, you can add in a small table and chairs for those who want to step away from the gathering for a moment. Do not be afraid to incorporate folding chairs into your dining setup as it’s a quick and easy way for your guests to find a seat without rearranging your home.
To create additional sleeping space, you do not need an entire guest room to create a quiet area for your guests to stay. An office is a perfect way to create a room that has dual functionality by incorporating a murphy bed that can also work as storage or a bookcase while it is standing upright. Pull-out couches can also be an excellent way to transform your living space into a place perfect for a comfy night’s rest.
Revamp Your Kitchen
You know the saying, your kitchen is the heart of the home? Keep this concept in mind as you revamp this area. Since you will be entertaining guests, you should think about giving the space a bit of a refresh. Consider creating a coffee station to provide guests with a hot cup of coffee to enjoy over relaxing conversation. If you lack counter space, look into a kitchen island cart to give you additional room to prep and cook meals. If you enjoy the company while you are cooking, stools make a great addition to your kitchen, and that way you will always have an extra set of hands on deck!
Stock Up on Supplies
Whether you are having guests only visit for a day trip, or an extended stay, it is important you are prepared. For those traveling, it can be easy to forget simple necessities such as toiletries, which can result in an unnecessary trip to the store. Stocking up on extra toiletries such as cotton balls and swabs, toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo and conditioner, lotion, and even feminine products can help to make for a more pleasant experience for your guests.
Other items such as a first aid kit, including bandages, allergy medicine, and ibuprofen can help with unexpected emergencies. Also, consider refreshing your bathroom with additional towels, and comfort items such as bath oils, slippers, and candles to make your guest truly feel at home; as the saying goes, mi casa es su casa!
Perform Home Maintenance
Routine checks on the status of your home are important to perform year-round, but even more so when you’re expecting company. You should complete simple tasks such as: checking and replacing light bulbs, checking smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and replacing batteries if need be, and tune up your appliances to ensure they’re fully functioning ahead of time. By ensuring the safety and functionality of your home, you will have one less thing to worry about when your guests arrive.
Decorate
Transforming your home for the holidays can be one of the most exciting aspects of the season. Whether you are prepping your space for a winter wonderland or keeping things sweet and simple, decor can really make a house feel like home, and ultimately more welcoming for guests. There are easy ways to make your house more welcoming; small pieces such as fluffy blankets or seasonal scented candles can instantly warm up the room. Do not be afraid to get into the holiday spirit! No matter if you are breaking out a Christmas tree and stockings, menorah, or kinara, these details help set the stage for a happy celebration and transform the mood.
Preparing your home for the holidays and guests can feel like quite the task. By following these tips, remaining organized, and even creating a checklist for yourself, you and your home can be perfectly prepared for entertaining your loved ones in no time.