The holiday season is here, bringing with it the promise of joy, connection, and an often lengthy to-do list. If you’re hosting friends or family in your home this year, making preparations in advance may help the celebrations go off without a hitch.
At Newrez, we know how important the holiday season can be for many of our homeowners. Below we’ve provided some cleaning and decorating tips to turn your home into the perfect gathering place for loved ones.
Start with a Deep Clean
Decorating might be the fun part, but don’t forget to give your home a thorough cleaning before busting out the festive adornments. Your guests will feel even more welcomed when they walk into a tidy home.
- Focus on high-traffic areas: Hit the entryway, living room, kitchen and guest bathrooms first so the most visible areas of your home look great. Wipe surfaces, vacuum carpets and mop floors.
- Tackle the clutter: Time to tamp down on any stacks of mail or piles of toys littering the main areas of your home. Remove excess items from countertops, coffee tables and the floor.
- Freshen up fabrics: Wash throw blankets, cushion covers and curtains. These often-overlooked items can hold odors and dust, and could be keeping your home from smelling as clean as possible.
- Clean out the fridge: Make room for hearty holiday casseroles, desserts and leftovers by tossing out old and expired food and organizing shelf space.
Create a Joyful Mood with Seasonal Decor
Now for the exciting part: Putting out your holiday decorations to spark that seasonal and celebratory vibe. If decorating isn’t your forte, lean on these simple tips:
- Layer in cozy textures: Swap out lightweight throws and pillows for plush fabrics like velvet, faux fur or knit to help your gathering spaces feel like sanctuaries of warmth.
- Use natural elements: Pinecones, evergreen branches and dried oranges add a rustic charm and smell amazing. Arrange them aesthetically as a centerpiece for your dining room or coffee table, or include them as accents on shelves and counters.
- Create a focal point: Whether it’s a decorated mantel, a wall of family photos or a holiday-themed bar cart, choose one area to highlight. In addition to natural elements, you can incorporate easily added decorations like brightly colored ribbons, mini pumpkins or holiday figurines – whatever fits your aesthetic.
- Light it up: Candles, string lights and lanterns add warmth and ambiance. Stick to soft white or golden tones for a cozy glow. Also, always keep safety in mind—be sure candles are safely away from materials that could catch fire, and avoid using older string lights if their wiring is worn or damaged.
- Set the table early: Lay out dishes, glassware and napkins the night before to save time and reduce stress. Bonus points if your tablecloth matches the rest of your décor.
Make a Great First Impression
Your entryway sets the tone the moment friends and family arrive. Make sure their welcome is warm and memorable:
- Add a festive wreath: A seasonal wreath on the front door is a simple way to anchor your aesthetic, since it’s the first thing your guests will see. Choose one to match your indoor decor, whether that’s more natural elements like leaves and pinecones or adorned with ribbons and bows.
- Create a landing zone: Provide a spot for coats, shoes and bags so those items don’t become a new source of clutter. Create some space in a nearby closet or provide coat and shoe racks so guests can take a load off.
- Scent and sound provide atmosphere: Use diffusers or stovetop potpourri with cinnamon, clove and citrus to greet guests with a cozy aroma as they enter. And don’t forget to put on a fun and family-friendly music playlist to liven things up.
Prep Guest Spaces
If you're hosting overnight visitors:
- Freshen up guest rooms: Make sure sheets are clean and provide extra blankets for cold nights. If you’ve got extra phone chargers, put them on the nightstand for a thoughtful gesture.
- Stock the bathroom: Make sure there are plenty of towels, toilet paper and toiletries to make your guests’ stay easy. Add a festive hand soap or seasonal candle for flair.
Wishing You a Wonderful Holiday Season!
Hosting can be a big undertaking, but doing some simple preparations can help it look effortless. Then you can spend the holidays focusing on the things that really matter, like spending time with the people you cherish. From all of us at Newrez, we hope your holiday season is filled with love and laughter.
If you’re thinking about buying a new home, refinancing † or tapping your equity for cash, our mortgage experts are here to help you see what’s possible. Reach out to us today.
