Preparing your home for the holidays
The holidays are a time of joy, laughter and wonder. The holidays are also a time to get out the decorations, stock the kitchen and host gatherings. There can be a lot to do in order to get your home ready for the holidays, but it doesn't have to be a tedious chore.
Some people groan at the thought of having topreparetheir home for the coming holidays. Some of the tasks are rather boring and some might be a little difficult. It is important to begin those chores with a positive frame of mind. A cheerful disposition not only makes you feel better, it also helps ensure you do not overlook anything. One way to make sure you get everything done is to do a walk through of your home and make a checklist. As you get something done, check it off the list.
Walkway
The last thing you want is to have someone slip or trip and fall going into or coming out of your home. Be sure to clear the walk, steps and porch of snow, leaves and any other debris. If there is ice on the walk, steps and/or porch then sprinkle some rock salt or other agent to melt it before your guests arrive.
You may want to consider placinglightsto illuminate the walkway better for guests to see after dark. These lights are available at many retailers like home improvement or box stores. Lights not only illuminate the walkway, but also can create a cheerful display.
Entryway
This is the first area guests see when they step inside your home. It is a good idea to make sure this area is free of clutter. You don't want your guests stumbling over things just trying to get inside.
The entryway does not have to be fancy with decorations or baubles; a simple string of colorful lights will do as far decoration goes. The entryway is where guests first step inside out of the cold and often where they take their coats off and hang them up. This space needs to be open, clutter free and inviting.
Coat rack
If you already have a coat rack, make sure it is empty or has enough room for your guests to hang their coats. If you do not have a coat rack, you might consider getting aportableone, available at many retailers. If you do not really have room in your entryway for a portable coat rack, then wheel it into another room until it is needed again.
The reason you want to have some sort of place for guests to hang their coats is so that their coats will dry (during wet weather) and warm up a little. No one likes putting on a cold, wet coat.
Bathroom
The bathroom is an important room to prepare for the holidays and guests. You want to make sure the toilet is clean as well as the sink area. Be sure to have good hand soap and a hand towel for guests to dry their hands.
One more thing about the bathroom is making sure the floor is non-slip. You do not want your guests taking a trip into the tub because the floor was too slick. An easy remedy for slick bathroom floors arenon-slipbath rugs.
Dining Area
The biggest thing about the dining area you have to worry about is comfortable chairs and nicely-presented table(s). You want to make sure your guests will be comfortable during lengthy meals. Place seat cushions in chairs that do not have soft seats.
The nicely-presented table is another matter altogether. A table does not have to be decked out in fancy baubles and centerpieces in order to look appealing. The main focus of the dining table should be the delicious food, not pretty decorations. It is fine to have a nice centerpiece and festive napkins, but try to avoid overcrowding your table and guests.
Living room
This is spot where guests gather to socialize and have a good time. Make sure you have enough seating to accommodate the number of people expected. It is rather awkward to have guests standing around because there is no place for them to sit. One way to furnish extra seats is by using folding chairs. If you do bring out the folding chairs, make sure to have soft seat cushions for each one.
Another thing about the living room, make sure it is not cluttered. You want your guests to be able to move around somewhat freely. Keep children's toys picked up, the coffee table and floor clutter free.
Kitchen
It is more than likely that your guests will not really see your kitchen. However, you will want to keep your pantry and fridge stocked with the essential holiday items (varies by individual families). It would be rather embarrassing to host a gathering and run out of something right after guests arrive.
Keeping a well-stocked kitchen will help reduce stress and ensure that you have happy guests. One way to maintain a well-stocked kitchen is by keeping a running tally of things as you run out. This way, when you go to the grocery store, you will not forget anything.
Once you decide on what tasks need to accomplished to ready your home for the holidays and guests, it is a good idea to create a checklist. The decorating itself is not much of a concern because most people that do it, enjoy it. What you want to prepare for is receiving guests.
You want to make your home as safe and comfortable as possible for your guests. This means keeping walks and steps ice and snow free, providing comfortable seating and having a spot for them hang their coats. The holidays are all about sharing good times together; safety and comfort are part of those good times.
