It is officially the holiday season and there is lots to do, but as with any new season, it is a good time to refresh the home and set up decor.
When starting to think about what needs to be changed, it is important to think about the goal ambiance of the home. Some people enjoy cozy, others more industrial, modernistic, or a mix of all. Whatever the home goal may be, it’s all about starting with the basics: a clean and polished home.
A big home project before the holidays isn’t the best idea. Touching up parts of the home that can be renovated at a later time is the best way to prevent any lingering projects and feeling as though there are too many unfinished areas.
Prioritize, prioritize, prioritize.
Create a list and start with the big things that a guest would notice, such as bathroom(s), kitchen, pantry, entrance closet, dirty windows, etc. A guest or family member who has not seen the home may want a tour and will see those larger areas.
If there are pets in the home sweeping, dusting and vacuuming all areas they roam around is a big do. The dander can cause allergies and overall keep a home from looking polished.
If possible, wash all sofa covers, blankets that may be in the gathering areas and pillows. Once they’ve been cleaned, there will be a noticeable clean smell and compliment a candle or wallflower. If there is no time to do so, vacuum the cushions and base then purchase an odor spray, that will eliminate any lingering scents.
When there are gatherings, bathrooms are a hotspot therefore each one in the home should be replenished with hand washing soap, moisturizer, a drying towel, and most of all a bathroom spray that can be used in the air or directly in the toilet. Tissues and toilet paper should be visible as well as a plunger.
The end of the year is near which means all expired food should be tossed. Refrigerators and freezers collect bacteria, have stains from food, and spills that may have not been cleaned up right away. For all those reasons, before placing any holiday groceries, remove all compartments, wash with a disinfectant spray and dish soap. Cleaning the interior of both areas can help with smells and preps the fridge for all the yummy food to come. This all applies to pantries as well.
Any glass in the home that is frequently touched should also get wiped down to remove dirt, handprints and disinfected along with other handles and such.
Home is clean, updates are made, the best part is to come — decor!
Decor is a way to share the personality and interests of those who live there. With that said, some decor that is saved from previous years may not feel right or in tune with the improved look of the home. A great way to give those items another life is by donating to a local thrift shop, shelter, or others that may want them.
Once all the right decor is chosen, fill the large spaces first, once filled, a walkthrough is in order to see what is missing and smaller items can fill those spots. A way to make sure the home has the right look and feel, leaving the space and even going outside to re-enter, may help to see what looks right and what doesn’t.
The house is clean, it is decorated, and it is time for a hot cocoa to the sound of holiday music.