Can you believe the holidays have approached us so quickly? It’s time to start getting your home ready for those holiday guests, but where do you begin?
- Extra beds– If you are having people stay overnight, you’ll want to get the extra beds figured out. It may be time to invest in some air mattresses. Of course, don’t forget the clean sheets, blankets, and pillows.
- Toiletries– It never fails over the holidays, someone is bound to forget something. Don’t forget to grab extra toiletries for your guests.
- Have the meals planned out– Make a list of what meals you will make besides the big holiday meals.
- Start the decorating early– If you know you will be having guests for a few weeks, don’t be shy about getting the holiday decorations out early.
- Deep clean the house– Don’t forget to give your house a proper deep clean at least a week before guests start arriving. You can do the light cleaning the days prior to the guests showing up.
- Get rid of the clutter– Living quarters are going to be tight, ditch the extra clutter.
- Place extra lamps throughout the house– Guests may like different types of lighting, place extra lamps where you can to help people make it through the house without tripping.
- Wrap the gifts beforehand– If your family does a gift exchange, don’t forget to wrap the gifts beforehand.
- Closet space– Get the clutter out of the closet, so your guests will have somewhere to put their jackets and shoes.
- Extra tables and chairs– If you’re expecting quite a few guests, see if you can wrangle up a few extra tables and chairs.
- Napping kids– Guests with kids will want a place for their children to nap, try to find a quiet place in your house and stock it up with extra baby items you may have.
- Extra toilet paper– More guests mean your house will need a lot more toilet paper this holiday season.
- “Just in case” gifts- Don’t forget to grab those ‘just in case’ gifts in case you forget to purchase for someone or in case someone brings a special guest.
- Extra wine– For the wine lovers in the family, don’t forget to stock up!
- Party supplies– Grab extra paper products for all of the guests you’ll have over this holiday season.
- Centerpieces– Part of the fun of having guests over the holidays is decorating your home, as you decorate, don’t forget the centerpieces.
- Check your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors-This is important, so double check to make sure all are working properly.
- Parking situation– Everyone will need a place to park. Okay with neighbors and ensure your extra parking spots will be available as you have guests.
- Forms of entertainment– How will you entertain your guests? Have board games and family appropriate movies on hand!
- Lots of privacy– Take note of where your guests will be able to get ready for the day. Will they have their own bathroom and guest bedroom? Show them where “their space” is once they arrive.
- Prepare yourself– Some people aren’t prepared for what it means to have guests over the holidays. Take a deep breath!
Your home won’t stay spick and span and that’s okay because your guests are there with you to make memories. Take these tips to make your life and the life of your guests a while lot easier. Do you have any tips to add?