It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas. Everywhere you go. So you’re probably getting your home holiday-ready. The season is full of festivities, fun, and good cheer. However, along with the merriment, the holidays can bring stress and anxiety, especially if you’re not prepared.
We’d like to share some tips and ideas to help alleviate the pressure you feel to achieve perfection!
Clear The Clutter
Prior to December, your dining kitchen table and counters might look like a resting place for papers, toys, and other miscellaneous items.
Return everything to its proper spot, then clean surface areas and floors, then get your house ready to start decorating.
Mantle
Most likely, you may keep your tree in the room where you spend the most time. This allows you to relax and enjoy your Christmas tree, providing those festive feelings.
One of the most prominent areas to place decorations is on the mantel. You can also start a toasty fire to keep warm and cozy. Using the mantel can serve as an area to showcase your collection of nutcrackers, Santa figurines, or nativity scenes. Some people may choose to use the fireplace for lit candles or other accouterments instead.
Above The Kitchen Cabinets
If you have the empty space that sits above your kitchen cabinets, why don’t you use the opportunity to utilize the unused area? You can use lights along the cabinet tops to cast a warm glow on the scene you create like the very popular “red truck” theme. Or miscellaneous things, like decorative plates, candles, or snowmen. Use your imagination and create a winter wonderland to enjoy, even doing those necessary chores, like washing those dishes.
Put The Guest Back In Guest Bathroom
The term “guests” implies that they are visiting for a short time. But with just a bit of intentionality and some simple must-haves, you can provide your guests with the luxury of a hotel in your home. It’s not necessary to completely remodel your room. But you can take a few simple steps to accommodate your friends or family and make their stay memorable. You don’t want guests stepping out to say, I need this.
So, think about offering a basket of “take one” toiletries the guests may need, like a new toothbrush, shampoo, and conditioner, washcloths, face wash, or bar of soap. Think what you’d require if you were the one visiting.
Use A Welcoming Scent
You’ve probably already considered parts of the house that appeal to sight, sound, and touch. But don’t forget the other important one, the sense of smell!
Examples of popular aromas that are associated with holiday times are cinnamon, gingerbread, pine, and many others. There is a plethora of candles and room sprays evoking these winter scents, often transporting people back to great, fun memories of past holidays and special times.
Stock The Bar
If there is a wet bar located in your home, you want to make sure it’s not empty. Have alcohol and non-alcoholic drinks available for your guests to imbibe. You’ll want to stock the bar with various cocktails, red and white wine, beer, and sodas. Find out your guests’ signature drink and stock up.
Pull Up A Chair
Depending on the number of guests you’re hosting, you must ensure that there is enough seating for everyone. If you must, you can pull in chairs from other rooms, or buy some inexpensive seating options like ottomans, a bench, or even bean bag chairs! Don’t worry the kids will be off playing and won’t be sitting still.
If down the road you want to remodel your existing family or living room, consider adding a built-in window bench, or consider adding a seat height foot to your mantel. A ledge makes a perfect little place to sit when you’ve got a big family gathering
Holiday Jams
It won’t seem like the holiday season without hearing those old crooners like Bing Crosby or Nat King Cole, or modern artists like Kelly Clarkson or John Legend. Whatever your musical style, fill your playlist with songs all ages can enjoy.
Finally, don’t forget to clean out that chimney and save time for baking cookies. Santa will be most grateful!
For any of your remodeling needs any time of year, just give Mosby a call at 314-909-1800.