Preparing for holiday guests can be stressful, so this week we’re sharing 5 things you can do now to get your home ready for the holidays. If you do one thing a week between now and Thanksgiving, you won’t be running around like mad trying to make things presentable as your guests are ringing the doorbell.
1.) Make Your Entryway Welcoming
First impressions matter and your yard, front door and entryway should all be looking their best. Seasonal decorations are always a nice touch both inside and out. You can read our post, Eco-Friendly Fall Decor, if you’re looking for some ideas.
Safety should also be a consideration. Double-check your walkway for any obstacles such as toys or slippery leaves and check your outdoor lighting. Replace any burned out bulbs with the highest voltage allowable.
Also, your inside entryway should be clear of the normal day to day items that tend to accumulate. Your guests should be able to walk into your home without tripping over shoes or backpacks.
2.) Check On Your Formal Place Settings
If you have special dishes and silverware you use solely for the holidays, now is the time to check on them. The last thing you need on Thanksgiving Day is to pull out a bunch of tarnished forks or dusty plates. Make sure everything is polished and sparkling so when the time comes to set the table, you won’t have any surprises.
Next, pull out your tablecloths and linen napkins to see if they need a pass through the washing machine. If they’re going to need to be ironed, make a note of it so you can get it done ahead of time.
3.) Inquire About Dietary Needs
Don’t wait until the last minute to find out that one of your guests is vegan or that your nephew’s girlfriend doesn’t drink alcohol. In this day and age, it can be difficult to accommodate for every diet and/or allergy, but it’s always nice to have a few options for everyone. Simple things like serving cheese separately from salads and having sparkling waters and juices available can make all of your guests feel appreciated.
4.) Stock Up!
If you’re going to have more people in your home than usual, you’re going to need some back stock.
Consider items such as extra toilet paper, paper towels, napkins and paper plates (we like this eco-friendly brand).
A variety of drinks and snacks that guests can get for themselves is always a nice touch. Think extra cans of sparkling water, soda, and beer along with bags of chips, pretzels and crackers.
All of these things can be bought weeks in advance so you won’t have to battle last minuter shoppers.
5.) Clean Out Your Fridge, Freezer And Pantry
With all of the food you’ll be preparing, you’re going to have to have a place to put everything. Starting with a fridge that has been completely cleared out of old leftovers and random bottles of condiments will be a lifesaver. That turkey will need a lot of space to thaw!
Your freezer will be getting more use than usual as well. You can prep and freeze recipe ingredients and pull them out when you start cooking. Then, after the holidays you’ll have plenty of room for leftovers.
And don’t forget your pantry. With all those new snacks coming in, a well organized space will be essential. Not only will you know what you need to buy, your guests will be able to find what they want with ease.
If you need a step by step guide to organizing your home ready for guests, be sure to purchase our course, here.
Prepare Now, Enjoy Your Guests Later
The holidays are meant to be a time to reconnect, relax and recharge. If you plan ahead and get as much done as possible before your friends and family arrive, it will give you the opportunity to enjoy yourself!
