Summer has come to an end, and the back-to-school rush is behind us. Now, our focus shifts to the approaching holiday season. Although December might seem distant, it’s right around the corner. While you may not be creating your gift list just yet, there’s plenty to tackle, especially if you plan to host guests. Whether you’re a meticulous planner or simply eager for the upcoming season, here are five steps to begin preparing your home now.
1.Decluttering Old Holiday Decorations
A significant number of us have boxes, perhaps even half a dozen, of ornaments or other decorations tucked away in the garage or attic, gathering dust. Although you likely cherish family heirlooms or those new gold baubles you snagged during a post-Christmas sale last year, you probably won’t miss that paper glitter snowflake your child crafted in second-grade art class. It’s time to let go. This guideline should be applied to anything that’s broken or cracked.
2.Ensure Adequate Seating for Guests
Are you expecting a modest gathering of four or a larger one of forty for your annual holiday dinner? Take the time to create and review your guest list. While it’s entirely acceptable to repurpose a chair from your home office or bring in an accent chair from the living room for the dining table, you may require more seating options this year. After all, the holiday season can be stressful enough, and you wouldn’t want seating arrangements to add to the pressure.
Keep in mind that if you plan to purchase dining chairs to match your existing set, delivery might take a few weeks. Alternatively, consider investing in a set of folding chairs that can be easily stored away when not in use.
3.Take Inventory of Your Dinnerware
Recall last Christmas Eve when Aunt Jenny accidentally broke her salad plate into pieces? It’s a good idea to ensure you have replacements for any damaged or missing items before the holiday season kicks in.
While having a complete set of identical plates is ideal, you can also opt for a mix-and-match approach, like alternating plain white plates with those designed for the holiday season. If you’re hosting a large gathering, renting tableware could be a convenient and cost-effective option.
You may also want to explore your local thrift stores or estate sales for vintage china at affordable prices. Starting early provides ample time to find the perfect additions to your dinnerware collection.
4.Address Malfunctioning Appliances
Have you been putting off fixing that burner that’s been acting up since last spring? If you’re planning on doing some cooking during the holidays, it’s essential to take care of this now. Contact your local repair service and schedule an appointment. If a replacement part is needed, it might not be readily available, especially for older appliances. In some cases, you may even require a new oven. Procrastinating on this could lead to a disaster.
Also, remember to check for other things that might need repair or replacement, such as your HVAC system or even smaller kitchen appliances like your air fryer or food processor.
5.Prepare for Guests
Are you expecting family or friends to visit? This is an opportune time to prepare your guest room. Check your sheets and towels. Do they need to be replaced? Do you have a fresh throw blanket to place on the bed? Create a checklist of items you need to ensure your guests enjoy all the comforts of home.