The summer warmth has faded, school is back in session, and before you know it, the holiday season will be here. December might feel far off, but planning early will make it all the more enjoyable. If you're hosting guests or planning any holiday gatherings, now’s the time to get your home ready. Here are five practical steps to make sure your home is warm, inviting, and ready for holiday celebrations.
1. Sort Through and Update Your Holiday Decorations
The first step to a refreshed holiday atmosphere is organizing your decorations. We all have those boxes of ornaments, lights, and seasonal decor in the basement or attic. Instead of dragging everything out in December, take some time now to sift through it. Keep meaningful items, like family heirlooms or favorite pieces, but toss anything broken or outdated. Aim for a clean, streamlined collection, so when it’s time to decorate, you can skip the clutter and focus on the items you really love. Plus, if you start early, you’ll have time to add new pieces to your collection if needed.
2. Plan Your Seating Arrangements Now
If you're hosting this holiday season, seating is essential. Take a look at your guest list and see if you have enough chairs for everyone. If you’re short on seating, now’s the perfect time to consider investing in extra chairs or a few comfortable folding options that can be easily stored when not in use. Bonus tip: Look for versatile chairs that can double as seating throughout the year, so you get more use out of them beyond the holidays.
3. Check Your Dishes and Tableware
Few things are worse than realizing mid-party that you're a plate or two short. Go through your dinnerware, glassware, and utensils to check for cracks, chips, or missing pieces. If you’re hosting a large crowd, don’t be afraid to get creative with mismatched sets, blending plain dishes with holiday-themed ones. And if you prefer not to buy more, look into renting tableware; many rental services offer elegant options that can take your table setting up a notch. Thrift stores and estate sales can also be hidden gems for affordable vintage or seasonal tableware that adds a unique touch to your holiday setup.
4. Get Any Appliances Fixed or Updated
The holiday season often brings more time in the kitchen, so make sure all your appliances are in working order. Now’s the time to fix that stove burner that’s been acting up, or the dishwasher that’s been leaking. Waiting until the last minute might mean dealing with delayed repairs or expensive replacements, so it’s wise to address any issues now. If any small kitchen appliances like your food processor or mixer need replacing, look for deals now rather than facing peak holiday prices.
5. Prepare the Guest Room for Comfort and Style
If you're expecting guests, start getting the guest room ready now. Freshen up the linens, check that you have enough cozy blankets, and add a few thoughtful touches like fresh towels and travel-sized toiletries. Consider creating a small guest welcome basket with essentials and a note to make guests feel at home. Taking care of this now will let you enjoy your company stress-free, knowing you’ve prepared a welcoming space.
