Thanksgiving and the winter holidays are just around the corner, which means there are plenty of things to look forward to and prepare for in the coming weeks. With cities returning to normal after the pandemic, we’ll be expecting to see our friends and family members showing up on our doorstep for the holidays.
Since it’s been a while since the last time we accept guests in the house, you have to ensure everything is clean and in order before the company arrives. Some even hire a furnace company to fix their heating system to provide guests with a warm and cozy atmosphere.
To ensure a safe and prosperous Christmas holiday hosting after the pandemic, here are ways to prepare your home for your guests.
Declutter and sanitize
Since we’re still recovering from the pandemic, it’s crucial to take cleaning and sanitation seriously to protect everyone’s health and safety.
Before the company arrives, deep clean all the high-traffic areas of the house, such as the living room, bathroom, and kitchen. Vacuum the armchair and sofa to remove dust, dirt, and pet dander. You may also consider hiring a professional cleaning service to save you from holiday fatigue and ensure a clean living space.
Focus on the main spaces
Don’t worry about cleaning every nook and cranny. Focus on the areas of your home where guests will often congregate, such as the entryway, kitchen, bathroom, living room, and front porch.
If you have no time to sort out scattered items around the house, use a laundry basket so you can easily store and hide them away in the closet.
For those lucky enough to have a dedicated room for guests, prepare it ahead of time. A home office can also double as a guest room by making a few alterations. Just make sure to only incorporate temporary additions so that you can easily remove them after guests have left. If you live in a small apartment or a home without extra rooms, make sure to stock up on plenty of linens and blankets to keep guests comfortable if they sit on the floor.
At the same time, consider decorating the main spaces to set the holiday mood. This is only applicable to areas where guests will hang out to save costs on decorations.
Holiday decoration shouldn’t be costly. Deck out the living room by incorporating some holiday touches, such as an average-sized Christmas tree, lighted garlands, winter-scented candles, holiday-themed pillows, and a holiday centerpiece. These minor additions will give guests a warm welcome once they step inside your home.
Prepare the kitchen
The kitchen is where all the action takes place when preparing the holiday dinner. This is where you’ll spend hours of cooking and baking treats for the guests. Your appliances will also take a lot of beating during the entire holidays, so it’s important to start everything on the right foot.
Take the stress out of the holiday preparation by purging cabinets and drawers and deep cleaning the counter and appliances. A clean kitchen allows you to work seamlessly while ensuring cleanliness and sanitation. The last thing you want is to make guests suffer from food poisoning.
Clean the microwave and remove all traces of grease and dust. Prepare the refrigerator by clearing blocked vents and repositioning items in each compartment to allow cold air to circulate freely. For the oven, simply give it a quick cleaning and save the major cleanup after the gathering. Also, check the drain area of the dishwasher and remove all remaining residue.
Stock up early
Stocking up the kitchen early and buying items wholesale will save you from the holiday rush and multiple grocery stops. Start by writing a grocery list containing all the ingredients you need for the holiday dinner.
If you have guests coming for an overnight stay, make sure to keep sufficient stock of toiletries, such as toothpaste, soap, shampoo, and toilet paper. Place reading materials, bottles of water, and an extra blanket in the guest room. Your guests will undoubtedly appreciate your effort.
You may also consider preparing a first aid kit in case the kids get into a bit of trouble. Even if guests don’t stay too long, stocking up on essentials will come in handy in the event of food spills, stomach troubles, and other incidents.
The steps above are just some ways to jump on holiday preparations so that you can savor the simple pleasures of the holiday season. Don’t get too stressed about making your holiday hosting perfect for everyone. Instead, focus on preserving the holiday spirit and making your guests happy and comfortable during their stay.
