The holidays are quickly approaching. Are you already feeling the crunch of holiday madness? Prepare your home now for all the festivities and guests. Don’t wait until last minute. That will only add to your stress, start now!

Get to decluttering. Declutter ruthlessly. Throw out the piles that have accumulated, massively purge closets and go through the toys and clothes and donate, donate, donate. Getting all the extra stuff out is a great jumping off point.

Deep clean! This is the time to check the heating and air system. Change out the filters. Have your water heater serviced. You do not want a house full of guests and have a system failure! But do the normal cleaning rituals as well and go as far as washing the curtains and cleaning windows. You will thank yourself for the efforts when you can enjoy your holiday gatherings in a clean and tidy home.

Prepare your entryway will festive and inviting decor from the outside in.  Add new rugs to trap all the upcoming rain and snow from entering your home. Clean out the coat closet to have room for guests items. Place a new bench or seating to allow for everyone to take off and put on winter boots, hats and scarves.

Is your home the hub for gathering? Make sure you prep your guest areas. Clean the guest bathroom thoroughly and have extra toiletries on hand. Make a small basket of essentials like toothpaste, mouthwash, soap and lotions and other items your guests commonly use. Stock up on household items that get used more during busy times like toilet paper and paper towels and make these items easily accessible for guests to help keep them replenished. If you don’t have an official “guest room”, carve out a space in a public room for sleeping quarters. Get a room divider or rolling bookcase to create a temporary wall for privacy. And don’t forget the coffee! You know Grandpa Bob loves his coffee! Spruce up your coffee station with all the goodies and make them easy to get to for those early risers.

Holiday decor is always on top of everyone’s to do list this time of year. You don’t have to put up the Christmas tree just yet, but some subtle changes to your rooms can make it cozy. Change out the bedding for something seasonal. Add season appropriate decor pillows and comfy blankets to sofas and chairs. Change out light bulbs from bright white to a warmer tone. And how about some night lights? You know you can maneuver your house with your eyes closed but if you have overnight guests, they will thank you for the extra help for late night kitchen or bathroom trips.

This time of year has everyone excited for all the holiday fun, but the preparation can be daunting. If you don’t leave it to last minute, and do some much needed cleaning and organization, the holidays can truly be a peaceful, relaxing, enjoyable time for everyone!

Stylishly yours,

The Chelsee Sowder Design Team

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