The holidays are here and soon the house guests will be, too! Is your home ready? Not to worry! Here are some quick to-do’s to have you hosting in no time.
Stock up on the necessities.
It’s inevitable that someone will need a toothbrush…or some face wash…maybe lotion or nail clippers. I used to spend my time rummaging through the house looking for all these things when people asked. One trick I use now is to stock up on all the little toiletries and things my guests may need ahead of time. I arrange them in a small basket or container and leave it in plain sight in the bathroom or the guest bedroom. It’s a nice touch to make guests feel welcome and it’s super convenient for everyone.
Use double duty cleaning products.
Another task is to do a quick clean in high traffic areas. Whether you have a month or an hour to prep your home for the arrival of holiday guests, it can be a stressful task. To simplify it, use products that do double duty. Clorox® Disinfecting Wipes are a must have in my home. They clean and disinfect hard surfaces from the kitchen to the living room and everywhere in between.
I also love the Clorox® Disinfecting Wipes with MicroScrubbers! The texture on these helps reach deep into counter top grooves and scour away tough messes, like the dried remnants of pumpkin pie filling.
And we know cold and flu season tends to peak right around the holidays, so make sure to wipe down and disinfect commonly-touched surfaces like doorknobs, light switches and faucets. Do this before and after guests stop by. Both of these wipes help kill 99.9% of germs that can live on surfaces for up to 48 hours, including cold and flu viruses, E. coli and salmonella. I like to keep a few canisters of each around the house for quick access.
Layer up.
Layer extra blankets on the bed and couch and add extra pillows to the guest bedrooms. Everyone has different preferences - my dad likes to sleep with 3 pillows, my aunt is always hot at night, my mom is always freezing. Keep extras available so everyone is comfortable and your guests won’t feel like they’re bothering you to ask for more.
Pre-plan your meals.
This could mean doing a big grocery run before they arrive or it could mean cooking and freezing a few casseroles the week before. For some, it simply means gathering the take out menus so ordering food is easy. Whatever your style, a little pre-planning is key to cut down on the stress and keep everyone fed and happy.
With these tips, you’ll be ready to open your doors and welcome guests this holiday and beyond!
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