10 Ways to Prepare Your Home for Christmas Festivities

Getting ready for Christmas feels like a task worth the labor. They don’t call it the most magical time of year for no reason — it really is a time for celebration, happiness, and togetherness. Families and friends get together, and the host house may feel the pressure to get base camp up to scratch and magical. To avoid becoming overwhelmed, task organization is essential. Of course, decorations are a must, but there are other areas that need addressing too! You can also add wooden skirting boards to your gift list. With that in mind, here are ten helpful suggestions to give your space the Christmas makeover it deserves and prepare it for all the season will bring. 

Outside Space Tricks

Though it is the most likely to be forgotten, your outside space is equally as important to prepare as the interior. This is the first thing guests will see upon arrival, and it is the perfect opportunity to create a warm welcome sprinkled with festive feelings. There are four tips in this section, all worth following to get your house ready for festive guests, parties, and the day itself. 

Entrance Clean Up

Whether there is snow, rain, or sunshine, the entrance to your property needs some love and attention. Tidy up the weeds, clear the path and create a warm atmosphere that makes you happy every time you come home. This is the perfect spot to hang a wreath on the front door, string some lights, or even put out a festive door mat. 

Decoration

Speaking of decorations, why not go the extra mile and build the ultimate Christmas vision? There are plenty of ways to do this from hanging eco-friendly solar lights on the roof and awnings to putting out an inflatable Santa. Whatever your style, there is a decorative item to suit it and there is no better way to get your house into the spirit of the season than adorning it with festive décor. 

Fire Pits and Seating

Though the weather may be cold, the outside space is still a fun place to be. Consider installing a fire pit and some cozy seating options to complement the setup. This could be a special zone for roasting marshmallows and enjoying a warm cup of hot chocolate during a party or on Christmas eve. 

Patio Awning

A patio is an optimum place to place any seating, but protecting from the elements of this time of year is the only way to maximize the enjoyment factor and not detract from the overall goal of festive cheer. Thankfully, there is a range of awning types to suit every outside space from patio awning retractable options to everything in between. These can be decorated too for an extra splash of magic and will be the best way to keep out of the rain (or snow) while being outside. Sprinkling the magic reindeer food will be much more comfortable if you accommodate the space. 

Deep Clean and Declutter

Moving inside, the first stage is to deep clean and declutter. Focus on high traffic areas to begin, like the kitchen, bathroom, and hallway. These are where you will tread the most, use frequently and where guests will go as well. Decluttering can also lead you to make a charity donation of old toys or clothes, which is a great way to support those more in need than yourself during the holidays. Here are the best ways to get started with a deep clean. 

• Make a list of jobs you’ve been neglecting
• Deep clean all the carpets
• Clean the skirting boards and internal doors
• Tidy up the walls, and touch up with paint if required
• Wipe down all the windows and mirrors 
• Dust all around the ceilings and forgotten corners
• Bleach and scrub the trash cans
• De-clog the drains
• Tidy up the bathroom grout and remove all the mold (if any) 
• Wash the curtains and the couch covers
• Audit all the toys, clothes, and general items you can find with a view to donating unused items and making space

Decorate Key Areas

Once the cleaning has been done, you can focus on decorating the key areas. The traditional Christmas tree can be displayed wherever works best in your house. Some people have more than one, others purchase a large fir while some homes have smaller trees dotted around. There are no rules! Hang a wreath or three, decorate the fireplace, get out all the festive tableware and really give it your all. Whatever your theme or preference, decorating is a major part of the festive traditions and fun. 

Invest in Holiday Scents

How your home looks is one consideration, but creating a festive scent throughout the space is also important. This is achievable through scented candles, cinnamon sticks, oranges with cloves, and the tree itself. There is also the option to purchase festive air fresheners to enhance the effect before guests arrive. 

Revamp High Traffic Areas

Now is the time to revamp the high traffic areas. Aside from deep cleaning and paint touch ups, any odd jobs that have so far flown under the radar can be worked through so these areas aren’t at risk of breaking down or becoming unusable. Things like leaking faucets or toilets, dodgy oven switches, and broken handles are all quick fixes, inexpensive, and jobs worth doing to help the season run smoothly. 

Prep Everything in Advance

If you are throwing a party or charged with hosting Christmas dinner, anything you can do in advance will minimize stress and detract from the messy fallout. This includes all the shopping and cupboard organizing, working through the laundry, and cooking prep too. The last thing you want is to be navigating household chores or spending time peeling vegetables when you have family and friends around. 

Focus On Guest Bedrooms

Don’t forget to tidy and arrange the guest bedrooms! When having people stay over, it is far easier to prepare the guest rooms before they get there. Change the bedding, open a window and spray some festive freshener to revitalize the area ready for habitation. 

Getting your home ready for Christmas is a big job, but the results will be worth the effort you put in.