Checklist: Preparing Your Home for the Holidays

Nothing brings people together like the holiday season. Start preparing now with some easy home improvement projects to welcome your guests in style. 

Whether your guests are staying just for the day or will be overnight visitors, this holiday checklist will help make your home as inviting and comfortable as possible.

Entrance

• Make sure all walkways and porches are free of ice and snow.  Taking someone to the emergency room because of a fall is not the way you want to start the holidays.
• Make sure all outdoor lighting is functioning properly and is turned on when it is dark.  Another important precaution to ensure your guest's safety.
• Establish a place to collect all warm weather apparel, including boots.  Add extra hangers to your coat closet or designate a room to collect these.  You should also consider adding an extra doormat for those wet boots.  If you plan for this ahead of time your entrance won't become a cluttered mess.

Living Area

• If the carpet isn't looking its best, schedule a professional carpet cleaning.
• Clean the windows so that guests can clearly see your outside decorations.
• Add some color to the walls by freshing up your space with a new coat of paint.
• Bring holiday scents to your living space with candles, potpourri, fresh garland or pine cones.

Bathrooms

• If the tile looks dingy, replacing it or even new grout can give a fresh look to a bathroom.
• Make sure the bathroom fan and window are in operating condition.  Ventilation is an important part of keeping your bathroom clean and mildew-free.
• Make sure you have enough guest bath and/or hand towels.  Consider special towels with holiday themes to keep with the spirit of the season.

Kitchen

• The kitchen has become an essential room for entertaining with the popularity and ease of serving food buffet style.  To provide more space, try installing applicances under countertops or consider investing in a kitchen island.
• Check the condition of the countertops, cabinets, and appliances.  Replacing the applicances can make a huge difference when you're preparing meals for large groups.
• Declutter your counter space by removing unsed appliances and other items and store in a place unseen to your guests.

Guest Rooms

• Make sure the guest beds have fresh linens.  Add a nice holiday decoration or treat to the bed welcoming your guests.
• Clear some closet space or a drawer to make your guests feel more at home.  No one likes to live out of a suitcase.
• Provide your guests with a bedside clock and reading lamp.  Not everyone goes to sleep or wakes up at the same time.