Home Holiday Decorating How to prepare (and decorate) for holiday guests!

How to prepare (and decorate) for holiday guests!

by Debbie Correale

The holidays are coming!  The relatives are coming!  Before the panic sets in…take a minute…and come up with a list!  Look around your house and decide what is realistic to get done before the busy holiday season begins.

Is the guest room ready?
This is the perfect time of year to do that painting that you have put off.  With lower humidity it’s a perfect time to update your guest room!  Click here to read a prior blog of mine on tips for picking a paint color.  You can update the look of a guest room by placing fall accessories in the room to complement the existing decorating style.  Use pillows, new photos for artwork, a fall colored throw to accent.  Be sure the room is comfortable for guests as you want them to feel as though there is a place for them to go and have some comfortable quiet space.  Here’s a check list to quickly update the guest room:

  1. Ensure that there is proper reading light and not a bright overhead light which is not soothing or “cozy” feeling.
  2. Add a winter colored flower bouquet or a decorated tree to the room.
  3. Be sure there are enough pillows.  I tend to like lots.
  4. Make sure there is room in the closet or drawers for your guests.

Is the guest bathroom ready?
If the bathroom is shared, be sure to clear out space for the guests.  Clean towels should be available, along with any necessary toiletries that the guest may need.  You may wish to stock up on new toothbrushes and toothpaste, make up removal wipes, disposable razors, a variety of soap/skin lotions, shampoo and conditioner. When my guests come I have a large wicker basket full of these items and I leave it in the guest room with the the towels I want them to use!

Is the house ready?

This is a good time of year to purge.  I know you did your spring purge, now it’s time for the fall purge!  All of the beach and summer items should be stored away!  In terms of cleaning, always start with the obvious first!  Here’s a list of  items to-do from HouseLogic.com:

  1. holiday guestScrub your entryway.  Wipe down your front door, give the doormat a good shake (or replace), and make sure dust and dirt haven’t collected on floors and furniture legs.
  2. Focus on the kitchen.  People tend to gather around the food during the holidays, so make sure your kitchen looks and smells nice.  Don’t forget to dust the light fixtures and replace burned out light bulbs!
  3. The Bathroom should sparkle.  Don’t just wipe surfaces; break out the stiff-bristled brush and scouring powder to really scrub things clean.
  4. Clean your windows!  For more information on sparkly streak-free windows, click here.

Do me a favor; I want you to change the first item on your holiday to-do list to HAVE SOME FUN!

For more information on how Redesign Right can help you with your decorating projects contact us at debbie@redesignright.com or 610.955.8202.

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