Are you hosting a holiday party this year? Cookie exchange, hot chocolate bar, having guests spend the night? Are you already stressing out about everything that needs to be done? Cleaning, cooking, baking, and more cleaning. Don’t worry, I have some simple tips to help get your home holiday ready.

Every year I get excited about the holidays…the blinking lights, hot baked cookies wafting through the house, and cozy candles burning. But at the same time I get stressed out and filled with anxiety. There is always so much to plan and do like buying presents, then wrapping the presents, school sings, getting the house ready for guests and so on and so on.

This is why the holidays have to be simple

If I get a jump start on getting my home holiday ready before the holidays then it feels like an instant victory. Once the preparation is done, there is time to actually sit back, relax and enjoy the wonderful holiday season.

5 Successful Steps That Will Make Your Home Holiday Ready

Step 1. Start Your Holiday Cleaning A Week In Advance

Break out your cleaning supplies days ahead of your party or when guests are scheduled to come over. Do some deep cleaning during this time that includes dusting, mopping floors, and yes even wiping down the baseboards. Have a plan by making a checklist of everything you want cleaned so you can bust it out like a pro. Then when it gets closer to time, you can do some spot cleaning that is quick and easy. Rally the family and have the help.

Here are a few homemade natural cleaners that I love:

Step 2. Get Rid Of Unwanted Clutter

Your house is already going to have extra objects from decorating for the holidays like a Christmas tree, wreaths, and mantel kick-knacks, so you want to liquidate things you have been meaning to get rid of. This is a great way to clean out the closets and clear out clothes you don’t wear, kids’ toys, and just things you don’t need anymore. You can either donate or throw away the unwanted clutter. Also, make sure to go through the kitchen and bathroom cabinets and throw away all expired items. They are of no use to anyone and can be harmful.

Step 3. Stock Up On Toiletries and Personal Items

When family and friends from far away embark upon your home for holiday celebrations, you better be prepared. Some stay for days; others just come for a party.

Regardless of the number of guests you have, you need to be stocked up and ready to host. Use this simple checklist to ensure your guests have what they need and you’ll spend less time running around because you weren’t prepared.

Items to keep on hand:

Comb or Brush.
Deodorant.
Hair Ties.
Moisturizer.
Razor and Shaving Cream.
Shampoo and Conditioner.
Body wash.
Toothbrush and Toothpaste.
Room Spray

Step 4: Make Space in the Entryway

Your home’s foyer is the first place guests see, so make a good first impression. Clear a place for coats, shoes and bags…adding baskets is a great storage solution. If you have a coat rack in your entryway, empty it out to make room for your guests’ belongings. Or, make up the bed in your bedroom or a guest bedroom for everyone to drop their coat and bag.

Stpe 5: Setting the Holiday Mood

Food and drink – keep the menu simple. Stock the refrigerator and bar with plenty of snacks and drinks.
Decorations – add some of your favorite holiday decor but keep it clutter free.
Music – make a holiday playlist that you can play for background sound.
Games – what are the holidays without cheesy games?
Candles – lighting and fragrance are things that people relate to the holidays.

Make your own seasonal candles with these easy tutorials and each one includes a printable label:

BONUS Step: If your guests are spending the night, you can have the bed linens washed, dried, and fluffed on the bed. Also, you can have towels and washcloths ready too. Just put them in the bathroom the day before they are to arrive.

Don’t stress out! Take a breath…you got this. You are ready to conqueror the holidays like Santa Claus himself now that you have these 5 successful steps that will make your home will be holiday ready.