Holidays are coming, and with them, cozy gatherings, festive lights, and maybe even a house full of guests. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner, trimming the tree, or preparing for overnight visitors, a little planning now can make the season smooth and stress-free later.
Here’s how to get your home ready for the holidays, along with a few creative ideas and tips that’ll make your home feel as joyful as the season itself.
1. Start with a Fresh Slate
Before you add garland and glitter, give your home a clean start. Begin with a focus on high-traffic areas such as your kitchen, living room, and entryway.
Wipe down walls, deep-clean your floors, and polish windows and mirrors. Also, don’t forget often-overlooked spots like ceiling fans, light switches, baseboards, and door frames.
Tip: Schedule these deep-cleaning tasks in your HomeZada maintenance calendar so they appear automatically each year.
2. Declutter Before You Decorate
Clutter competes with your décor. Pack away non-seasonal accents and clear surfaces before the holiday sparkle comes out.
- ⬥ Store décor in clear bins labeled by room or color scheme.
- ⬥ Donate duplicate or unused decorations to local charities.
- ⬥ Digitally track your holiday décor inventory in HomeZada so you know what you have and where you’ve stored it.
Tip: Create a “Holiday Prep Bin” with extra hooks, batteries, ornament hangers, and extension cords. Store it where you can grab it easily each season.
3. Spruce Up Guest Spaces
To make your guests feel special, incorporate thoughtful details into their stay. Start by preparing a small welcome basket that includes snacks, bottled water, and a handwritten note.
Be sure to provide extra hangers, a luggage rack, and a cozy throw blanket for added comfort. Finally, refresh the guest bathroom by stocking it with new hand towels and travel-sized toiletries. These thoughtful touches will create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Unique Idea: Use a smart home assistant or a small laminated card to share your Wi-Fi password; it saves your guests from asking (and you from searching).
4. Check Your Kitchen and Pantry
The kitchen is the heart of the holidays, so it’s important to give yours a little TLC.
Start by testing your oven, microwave, and dishwasher to ensure they’re ready for heavy use.
Take inventory of your cookware, bakeware, and serving pieces, and make sure you’re stocked up on pantry staples like sugar, flour, and spices. Organize your kitchen gadgets and utensils for easy access while cooking, and plan your holiday menu to avoid any last-minute stress.
Remember to ensure you have enough storage containers for leftovers and clean out the refrigerator to create space for holiday ingredients and meals.
Lastly, consider investing in a few new festive items, like table linens or decorations, to add a special touch to your celebrations.
With these preparations, your kitchen will be ready to create delicious memories this holiday season!
Tip: Keep a digital grocery list in HomeZada, synced with your phone, so you can track what you need for recipes and gatherings.
5. Add Curb Appeal and Outdoor Cheer
The front of your home sets the tone for the holidays, so it’s important to invest some time in its appearance.
Start by power washing the entryway and cleaning the outdoor light fixtures to create a fresh look. Replace any burned-out bulbs, and consider adding warm LED string lights to enhance the festive look.
Want to bump up the holiday spirit more? Hang a wreath or fill planters with evergreens, pinecones, and ribbons, creating a welcoming atmosphere for guests.
6. Safety First
Amid all the sparkle, make sure your home stays safe.
- ⬥Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
- ⬥Inspect light cords for fraying and never overload outlets.
- ⬥Keep candles on stable surfaces away from children and pets.
Tip: Use HomeZada’s seasonal reminders to track annual safety checks, from chimney inspections to replacing fire extinguishers.
7. Create a Cozy Atmosphere
After completing the heavy lifting, it’s time to shift your focus to creating a cozy atmosphere.
Begin by switching to soft, warm lighting that casts a relaxed glow throughout the space. Layer in inviting textures such as chunky knit throws, faux fur pillows, and flannel bedding to enhance the comfort level.
To create a warm atmosphere, introduce gentle scents like cinnamon, orange, or evergreen by using essential oil diffusers or stovetop simmer pots.
Fun Tip: Curate a “holiday home playlist” and connect it to your smart speakers, allowing music to fill your home effortlessly at the touch of a button.
8. Organize Your Gift-Wrapping Station
Nothing puts a damper on holiday cheer quite like frantically searching for tape and ribbon!
- ⬥Dedicate a corner, closet, or rolling cart to gift-wrapping supplies.
- ⬥Store ribbons, tags, and paper vertically for easy access.
- ⬥Keep a pair of scissors and a tape dispenser in that spot year-round.
Tip: Add photos of your gift-wrapping setup in your HomeZada inventory so you can recreate it quickly next season.
9. Plan for Post-Holiday Ease
To make your January cleanup easier, consider planning ahead by labeling your storage bins according to next year’s decorating order, such as “Mantel,” “Tree,” and “Front Porch.”
Taking photos of your favorite setups can also provide valuable inspiration for next year. Instead of storing broken items, recycle old lights and décor to declutter.
Tip: Create a “Next Year Notes” checklist in HomeZada, where you can jot down what worked well and what you’d prefer to skip. This will serve as a simple digital reminder for future seasons, helping you streamline your decorating process.
10. Don’t Forget to Enjoy The Season
With your home organized, decorated, and ready to shine, take a moment to enjoy it. Light a candle, play a favorite song, and relax in the cozy space you’ve created, as you look forward to enjoying the season with friends and family this year.
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