As the season of entertaining and hosting family and friends quickly approaches, this is the time to get ready. Getting your home ready for the holidays can be an exciting process, bringing warmth and festive vibes. Here’s a guide to help you get your home holiday-ready:
Declutter & Clean
The holidays are the perfect time for a quick and easy decluttering session so you’ll have the space you need to show off your holiday style. Start by tidying up spaces where decorations will go, like the living room or entryway. Then walk through your home and give it a once-over. Put away any stray items that might be floating around. Once you have decluttered, you are ready for a deep clean. Clean areas that might not see regular attention—baseboards, windows, and furniture. Get into the nitty gritty of deep cleaning and deep decluttering first and then work your way backwards. This way, you don’t have to repeat tasks like dusting or window washing on the big day. A clean canvas will help your décor shine.
Create a Cozy Atmosphere
Use warm textiles to achieve that cozy atmosphere. Add throws, cushions, and cozy blankets in festive colors like reds, greens, golds, or silvers. Does your lighting need attention? Although often overlooked, lighting can have a major impact on how your home looks and feels. Swap out regular lights for warmer bulbs or string lights, and consider candles or lanterns for a cozy glow. Seasonal scents are another great option to give your home the cozy feeling of the holidays. Introduce seasonal scents through candles, diffusers, or stovetop potpourri (cinnamon, clove, orange).
Seasonal Décor
While a touch of holiday décor can transform any space into an inviting winter wonderland, decorating every room in the house can be costly and completely overwhelming. Focus on a few, well placed pieces, that will add just the right touch of seasonal décor. Here are some suggestions:
- Wreaths & Garlands: Hang a festive wreath on your front door and drape garlands on stair railings, mantels, and around windows.
- Centerpieces: Add a seasonal centerpiece to your dining table—think natural elements like pinecones, branches, and berries.
- Holiday Tree: Whether it’s a Christmas tree, a Hanukkah bush, or any other tradition, make it the focal point with personalized ornaments or lights.
- Stockings & Decorative Accents: Place stockings, snow globes, or figurines on shelves, mantels, or side tables for a festive touch.
Kitchen & Dining Area
Have you ever noticed how people seem to gather in the kitchen or dining room at parties? Kitchens have a unique charm that naturally draws people in. Kitchens are often the heart of the home, where food and drinks are prepared and shared. People gather to chat, cook, or help out, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. To get the center of your home holiday ready, use festive table linens, dishes and serving platters. If you plan to bake, organize a space with baking essentials. Then display holiday treats in jars or on trays. You could also create a hot cocoa station. Set up a cozy corner with a hot cocoa or coffee bar complete with festive mugs, marshmallows, and flavored syrups.
Outdoor Decoration
Decorating your outdoor space for the holidays can be a fun and festive way to spread cheer! Remember to balance aesthetics with safety, ensuring that pathways are clear and decorations are securely placed. Here are some tips to help you create a magical atmosphere:
- Lighting: Hang outdoor lights along the roof, porch, or windows. You can opt for classic white or go bold with multicolor lights.
- Yard Décor: Place seasonal lawn ornaments or create a festive porch with lanterns, poinsettias, and decorative pillows.
- Entryway: Add a seasonal doormat, hang a garland around your door, and place planters with winter greens or berries.
Plan for Guests
There’s no need to break the bank in order to provide a warm and inviting space for your holiday guests. If you’re expecting overnight guests, freshen up the guest room with clean bedding, towels, and a winter-scented linen spray to mist the room. Rather than splurging for a holiday-themed bedding set, stick with your everyday, neutral guest bedding but add a festive touch, like a small wreath, holiday pillow, or a cozy holiday throw blanket.
As the first thing visitors see when they enter your home, the entryway is key to a good impression. Make room for guests’ coats and shoes by organizing the entryway and adding extra hooks or baskets. You might also make space in your hall closet, or consider pulling in a bench or small table so guests have a place to set packages and feel comfortable as they enter your home.
Music & Entertainment
With your home all ready for company, you can turn your attention to music and entertainment. You can set the mood with a holiday playlist of festive tunes that can play throughout your home. You can also have holiday-themed games or movies ready for family time or parties. Now relax and enjoy your holiday!
Wrapping Up
One of the quickest and easiest ways to give your home a refresh is to touch up the paint. Restore dingy walls with a fresh coat of paint or opt for a different hue to give the room a whole new look. We would love to help you get your home holiday-ready with any painting projects you would like taken care of before the festivities.
