Preparing your home for holiday entertaining can be stressful. With so many things to do, you might need help figuring out where to start. To make it easier, we’re sharing a helpful to-do list for holiday preparation. Once you look through it, the process will seem much more straightforward and manageable.

Plan well ahead

Preparing for holiday entertainment is a process that takes time. It’s better to plan ahead to avoid the stress that comes with last-minute preparations. Get started weeks before the holidays and create a timeline that works for you. 

Schedule all your decorating, gift shopping, and cleaning for the upcoming days to ensure you accomplish everything. When you have a clear plan, you won’t feel so stressed by the burden of those tasks. 

Also, remember to do meal prepping so you can spend more time with your family during the holidays. Prepare any ingredients you can beforehand, and store them in the freezer until they’re needed.

Photo Credits: Kinwoven

Declutter

Decluttering not only gives your Christmas decorations a fresh setting but also makes it easier for you to clean after the holidays. Find a place for every item that clutters your home, and donate the things you don’t use anymore. Make sure there’s enough space for guests’ coats and shoes in your entryway.

Photo Credits: Mihaela Diane

Deep cleaning

While you can make up the guest room a few days before the holidays, it’s better to perform a deep cleaning of the rest of the house ahead of time. Tidy up your kitchen cabinets and eliminate any clutter to make cleaning after the holiday parties easier. Make sure the bathrooms are clean and inviting as well!

Photo Credits: Our Southern Home

Decorate

When your home is clean and clutter-free, it is time to set up those Christmas decorations. Start from the front door, and work your way inside. A luscious holiday wreath will wish your guests a warm welcome, setting the holiday mood. 

You don’t have to decorate the whole home. Instead, enhance your year-round decor with holiday-inspired objects. Decorate the main spaces where the holiday entertainment takes place, such as the living and dining rooms. Remember to add string lights to bring that pleasant ambiance and set the mood for your holiday parties.

Photo Credits: Chrissy Marrie

Prepare the guest bedroom 

If you last hosted guests a while ago, now is an excellent time to update your guest bedroom. In addition to cleaning, you should go a step further and add a welcoming basket for your guests. The simple arrangement can include basic toiletries, clean towels, snacks, coffee, or other things that suit your guests’ preferences. 

Photo Credits: Farmhouse Living

Grocery shopping

A well-stocked pantry is a must for the holidays, as it saves you from last-minute shopping. You don’t want to run out to crowded stores just because you need a couple of ingredients. Buy food in bulk to save money while providing plenty of food for your guests. You can also freeze fruits, vegetables, and meat ahead of the holidays. 

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A kitchen renovation is a significant investment. It helps you create a functional and stylish space that feels updated and fresh. In addition, a kitchen renovation can increase your home’s resale price. 

But before you start planning your kitchen renovation, there are a few common mistakes you should be aware of. 

Not considering your lifestyle

While designing a kitchen partially involves aesthetics, you shouldn’t neglect function. A kitchen’s design should support its purpose, which can vary depending on each family’s needs. Evaluate your lifestyle and needs so you can be sure your new kitchen design perfectly fits them. 

Food and cooking enthusiasts can invest in upgraded appliances, for example. And someone with a vast collection of kitchen tools and dishes will need extra storage space. 

If your kitchen is the central spot for home entertainment, you’ll probably want to incorporate extra seating to accommodate everyone. After all, you don’t want to leave your guests waiting in the living room while you prepare the food in your kitchen. Therefore, you might include a conversational seating area in your kitchen renovation. A kitchen island with bar stools would work perfectly for home parties. 

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A kitchen island that’s too large

A kitchen island provides ample working surface while also serving as the central point for gathering. You might think that a larger kitchen island works better, but think twice before supersizing it. 

Walking around a kitchen island longer than 10 feet is difficult and can disrupt the traffic flow. Therefore, it’s usually best to go with a more compact design. For smaller spaces, a kitchen peninsula might be a better fit.

Photo Credits: Studio McGee

Not enough storage

Providing plenty of storage space is necessary for a functional kitchen. Open shelving might seem like a smart option that makes the area feel more open, but there is a drawback. The dishes will gather dust, and you’ll need to make sure you display only the best pieces for the streamlined look you see on those dreamy Pinterest kitchens. 

Make sure to include cabinets for storage. Glass door cabinets are another stylish option since you can show off your fine glassware without exposing them to dust. You still need to ensure the arrangement is attractive. 

Photo Credits: Emily Netz

Not sampling materials

If you aren’t experienced in home renovations, you might go to the home store and purchase the first materials you fall in love with. A nice color and texture might trick you into making impulsive decisions, but remember that colors look different under different lighting conditions.

The same exact color can look vastly different when placed under artificial light and natural light. Before you commit to a specific finish, make sure to sample it first to see how it looks in your home. 

Lighting isn’t the only thing to consider. A particular color will look different when displayed next to other colors. Stores usually offer samples, so take them home to see what the material will look like in your chosen room.

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Are you ready for the gift-giving season? Christmas is right around the corner, so it’s time to prepare your gifts! If you’re thinking about what to get your family and friends, rest assured that a meaningful DIY present is the best choice. Check these simple DIY Christmas gift options prepared with love. There’s something suitable for any taste!

Breakfast basket

A carefully curated basket full of yummy breakfast goodies is an excellent gift for your friends or family. Prepare your pancake mix and have the recipe written on a cute card, along with complementary foods and beverages.

Photo Credits: Curly Q Paper

DIY clementine wreath

A clementine wreath is a go-to if you’re looking for a simple gift for just about any recipient. It is straightforward to make, so you don’t need to have DIY skills at all. Make sure to include a cute message personalized for the gift receiver. 

Photo Credits: Omiyage Blogs

Stovetop simmer mix

A stovetop simmer mix prepared with chosen ingredients is an ideal holiday gift. Nothing’s better than having a combination of smells in the home, setting a cheerful holiday mood. Add dried orange, cranberries, herbs, cinnamon, star anise, or prepare a custom mix. Pack it in cute bags, and the gift is ready to make someone’s day happier.

Photo Credits: Evermine

Coffee basket

A curated basket is perfect for the coffee lovers in your life. Include a fine coffee blend, creamer, syrups, and marshmallows to create a gourmet coffee selection. Remember to add cookies or some small accessories to help them prepare their favorite drink.

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Hot cocoa mix in a jar

This gorgeous gift is a pleasure for all the senses. With an attractive presentation in jars and  delicious flavors, it’s a gift anyone would appreciate. Layer the ingredients, add marshmallows, and tie on a candy cane for a decorative touch.

Photo Credits: LMLD

DIY magnolia leaf wreath

This DIY wreath is an excellent holiday decor gift that is easy to make. Plus, the design is versatile enough to fit various styles. Give it to your favorite decor enthusiast and watch them appreciate your handiwork.

Photo Credits: A Piece Of Rainbow

Slippers with goodies

A pair of cozy slippers filled with goodies is a great gift for anyone on your list. Fill them with chocolate, hand cream, lip balm, or other things that suit their taste. 

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DIY knit blanket

A cozy throw blanket will always be appreciated. It’s even better when you can make it with your own hands, giving a meaningful gift prepared with lots of love.

Photo Credits: Place Of My Taste

DIY letter board

A letter board is an ideal gift for decor lovers or people obsessed with Instagram. If you’re feeling crafty, try making one yourself.

Photo Credits: Savvy Sparrow

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