This holiday season, will you be hosting a gathering for family, friends, neighbours, or co-workers? Whatever the occasion, we’ve got helpful tips to get your home ready for the festivities.

PLANNING

As the song suggests, this may be “the most wonderful time of the year,” but it’s also the busiest time. Leaving things to the last minute will bring added stress and interfere with the enjoyable experience you’re trying to create. Just as Santa makes his list and checks it twice, it’s wise to start planning in advance, including your guest list, food supplies, beverage needs, decorations, and activities.

DE-CLUTTERING

As a result of day-to-day life, the high-traffic areas of your home are likely lined with backpacks, reusable grocery bags, and sports equipment. If you’re concerned about clutter, you can instantly free up space in any area of the house by placing unsightly items in a box or laundry basket, then temporarily stashing it in a closet, office, or bedroom. If toddlers or young children will be coming over, you can also use this strategy to safely set aside any valuable or breakable items.

CLEANING

You don’t have to deep-clean every inch of your home before the party (which is great news, since you don’t have time for that, anyway). Instead, focus on the main areas where guests will be spending most of their time. Here are some efficient tidying-up suggestions:

Foyer/Entrance: Clear your entryway to make room for guests’ footwear and belongings. Designate a space for coats and other outerwear.
Kitchen: There will be ongoing food and drink preparation in here, so don’t waste time trying to make it look pristine. If any guests have serious food allergies, proactively remove or relocate those items.
Dining Room: If a formal meal is part of the plan, ensure you have enough seating for everyone. If food is being served buffet-style, allow plenty of space for people to circulate around the table.
Living Room/Family Room: If necessary, re-position the furniture to provide ample seating that encourages easy conversation. Once you’re happy with the configuration, give the exposed carpet a good vacuuming.
Bathroom: Do a full cleaning a few days prior to the event, followed by a final brisk wipe-down and fresh towel upgrade on the actual day.

SETTING THE MOOD

Decorating for the holidays should be fun, not an overwhelming chore. The goal is to create a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere. Consider adding special holiday touches by tapping into each of the five senses:

Sight: The glowing Christmas tree is typically the star of the show, but you may want to add seasonal decorative pieces such as accent pillows or treasured holiday figurines. The decorations don’t have to be expensive – they can be from the dollar store, the thrift store, or even homemade.
Smell: Light up a scented candle with a festive fragrance, such as gingerbread, peppermint, or pine.
Hearing: Put on a familiar Christmas playlist to strike a jolly note. If you have a fireplace (or the fireplace channel on TV), the sound of crackling logs also creates a cozy effect.
Touch: In the seating area, provide fuzzy fleece blankets for guests to curl up in after they come in from the cold. A steaming mug of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate will also warm your guests’ hands and spirits.
Taste: For your menu, choose simple, classic dishes that are known crowd-pleasers. You can also honour your family history by making a cherished traditional recipe, like shortbread, fruitcake or gingerbread.

Remember, the most important thing is to be calm and relaxed yourself, to create an inviting, friendly atmosphere. Let go of the pressure to have the perfect home or perfect decor. Your guests aren’t coming for a Showhome tour, they’re coming to spend time with you. With that in mind, have a very merry holiday!