Monday, August 8, 2011




A Few Neat Tricks to Ready Your Home for Guests This Christmas Season

The holiday season is a time to remember the twin blessings of family and friends. And as much as many of us love having close friends and relatives inside our home, cleanup between visits and parties' causes stress that threatens to spoil our holiday cheer. Just how then will we make sure everything is presentable and still maintain our peace of mind?

Mom always reminded us of the benefits of planning. If there is something that you can do in advance do it. This will decongest the list of things you need to do on the day itself.

Master the art of fast cleanup sessions. There's no reason to clean the whole house each and every time visitors come and visit. Linda Cobb, a house organizing specialist and writer tells us "If it's not dirty, don't clean it". Get a basket and collect things that don't belong in the room, repeat this for each room then hide the basket in a closet for organizing later. Come up with a cleanup basket that carries all the items you need for cleaning, take this with you to each room you should clean. Clean only parts or surfaces that will be used or seen. Vacuum the areas the guests will use and place the pillows in their proper position. Do not agonize that you were unable to vacuum cleaner under each furniture piece, I doubt your guests will move the furniture around. To judge if the area is fit for company stand in its center and assess it like you're the visitor. Be sure to shut or lock the doors to rooms guests should not have access to. The coats and jackets of your guests must have its own place close to the front door, a coat rack can be setup or a closet emptied and assigned for use.

Get your washroom prepared for many visitors. You may want to invest in a new shower curtain for the holiday season as well as a bathmat as guests tend to spend time in this room. Clean the surfaces of the room efficiently, then put fresh flowers in a bowl or light a scented candle. Sweet smelling soaps and potpourri will prolong the pleasant smell of the room even with dozens of uses. Be sure you stock up on amenities like towels, soap and toilet paper for your visitors.

The outside of the home shouldn't be forgotten as guests see this first. Polish the front door knob and wipe down the door. Sweep the steps or pathway your guests will take. If there is snow or ice, make sure they are taken out so as to prevent accidents. It is recommended to turn the lights on if your friends or relatives are coming at night. Should your guests go to your house throughout the day open the window blinds or curtains so that from the outside the house looks more welcoming, the inside will also have more light.

As a final useful tip, combine some cinnamon and cloves in a pot of water if you have time, and simmer the ingredients till the house smells nice and fresh.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Samson_Hannison

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