Get Your Home Ready for Christmas Guests
Expert Advice

Image: Deposit Photos, monkeybusiness

As the holiday season approaches, it is time to get ready for Christmas by preparing your home for the influx of guests that you will receive. A well-prepared home can make a significant difference in how comfortable and welcoming your visitors feel. So, how do you properly prepare your home for the upcoming festive season?  We have created this checklist to help you out. Here, you will find everything you need to know about getting your home ready for welcoming guests during this joyous time of the year.

Decluttering

To make the decluttering process much more manageable, create a schedule and stick to it. Break down the decluttering process into smaller tasks and assign specific dates and times for each task. This will help you to stay organized and motivated.

Before you begin the decluttering process, gather any supplies you may need to make the process easier. This may include things like boxes, bags and cleaning supplies. Having everything you need on hand beforehand will make the whole process much more efficient.

Once you’ve gone through your things and decided what you want to keep, sell, donate or recycle the things that you don’t need. Removing these things from your home will help you free up space and give your belongings a new life. It will also provide space for the gifts that may be entering your home during the Christmas season.

Once you’ve properly decluttered your home, you will need to make sure everything has a designated space. This will help prevent clutter from building up again. Label drawers, shelves, and storage containers to help keep things organized.

Deep Cleaning

A deep cleaning is essential to create a fresh and inviting atmosphere. Follow the steps below to properly deep clean your home ready for the festive season:

  • General Cleaning – Begin by dusting all surfaces, including the ceiling fans, light fixtures, and hard-to-reach areas. Pay special attention to high-traffic areas such as the living room, kitchen, and bathroom.
  • Vacuuming – Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and rugs to remove dirt, dust, and pet hair.
  • Mopping – Mop hard floors to remove dirt and grime. Consider using a disinfectant cleaner to help kill germs.
  • Window Cleaning – Clean the windows inside and out to let in maximum natural light.
  • Bathroom Cleaning – Scrub toilets, sinks, and bathtubs. Clean mirrors and replace the towels with fresh and clean ones.
  • Kitchen Cleaning – Clean countertops, appliances, and the oven. Wash dishes and put them away. Disinfect frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs, light switches, and countertops.

Guest Bedroom Preparation

A comfortable and inviting guest bedroom can help to make your guests feel more welcome. Below is a list of tips to help you get your guest bedroom ready for the season:

  • Clean Bedding – Wash and iron the bed linens, including sheets, pillowcases, and a duvet cover.
  • Fresh Towels – Provide fresh towels and washcloths for your guests.
  • Personal Touches – Add some personal touches, such as a welcome note, a small gift, or a selection of reading materials.
  • Storage Space – Ensure there is ample storage space for your guests’ belongings. Consider placing some drawers, shelves, or a cupboard in the room.
  • Adequate Lighting – Make sure there is adequate lighting in the room. Include a bedside lamp for reading.

Living Room and Dining Room Preparation

The living room and dining room are often the heart of the home during the Christmas season. Here are some things you can do to prepare these spaces for the upcoming holiday season:

  • Comfortable Seating – Ensure there is enough comfortable seating for all guests. Consider rearranging the furniture to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
  • Cozy Atmosphere – Add some cozy touches such as pillows, throw blankets, and a lit fireplace.
  • Dining Table – Set the dining table with festive tablecloths, napkins, and centerpieces. Consider a Christmas-themed piece with candles or fresh flowers.
  • Entertainment Options – Provide entertainment options like puzzles, board games, or a selection of movies.

 Kitchen Preparation

A well-stocked kitchen can make meal preparations and entertaining easier. Follow the steps below to get your kitchen ready for Christmas:

  • Stock the Pantry – Ensure you have plenty of non-perishable food items, snacks and drinks for you and your guests to enjoy during the festive period.
  • Organize the Fridge and Freezer – Clear out the fridge and freezer to make space for bringing your festive foods in. Get rid of any items that are out of date. Organize food items to help maximize space.
  • Clean Appliances – Clean the oven, microwave, and other appliances thoroughly.
  • Kitchen Tools and Utensils – Ensure you have all of the necessary kitchen tools and utensils that you need for cooking and baking.
  • Dishwashing – Wash dishes promptly and keep the dishwasher running efficiently.

 Bathroom Preparation

When guests come to visit, it is inevitable that they will need to use the bathroom every now and again. It’s important to keep this frequently used space clean and tidy. Follow the steps below to get your bathroom ready for Christmas:

  • Clean and Sanitize – Clean and sanitize all of the surfaces in the bathroom, including the sink, toilet, and bathtub.
  • Fresh Towels – Provide fresh towels and washcloths for you and your guests.
  • Toiletries – Stock up on toiletries such as toothpaste, soap, shampoo, conditioner, and hand lotion.
  • Toilet Paper – Ensure there is plenty of toilet paper available.

 Outdoor Preparation

If you have outdoor spaces and plan on using them during the festive period, you may need to do some preparations out there, too. Take the steps below to get your outdoor space ready for welcoming guests:

  • Winterize – If you live in a cold climate, winterize your outdoor faucets and pipes to prevent them from freezing.
  • Clear Pathways – Clear your walkways and driveways so they are free from snow and ice. This will make them much safer.
  • Outdoor Lighting – Ensure your outdoor lights are working properly and provide enough light for you and your guests to see properly outside.
  • Outdoor Seating – If the weather permits, create a cozy outdoor seating area with blankets, pillows, and a fire pit.

 Final Touches

To truly capture the spirit of the season, there are some final touches that you could consider, such as the following:

  • Festive Decorations – Add some festive decorations such as wreaths, garlands, and a table centerpiece to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. A beautifully decorated Christmas tree can also capture the spirit and joy of Christmas.
  • Christmas/Winter Scents – Fill your home with the delightful aroma of Christmas by using scented candles, potpourri, or essential oils. Some popular Christmas scents include gingerbread, cinnamon, berries, and candy canes.
  • Festive Music – Play some Christmas music in the background to help set the mood.
  • Warm Drinks – Prepare hot cocoa, tea, or mulled wine to keep your guests feeling warm, festive, and cozy.
  • Festive Treats – Bake cookies, cakes, or other festive treats to share with your guests.

 Final Thoughts

With this comprehensive checklist as your guide, you can ensure your home is ready to create lasting Christmas memories with your loved ones. Remember, while a beautifully decorated and sparkling clean home is lovely, the most important element is spending that quality time with your loved ones.