The holidays are officially here and it’s time to get ourselves and our homes ready to enjoy the best of the season!

For many, this time of year can be very stressful and feel like a lot of extra work, but with a little preparation and organization, it can be very relaxing and manageable.

Follow these last-minute tips to guide you on the right path to a stress-free holiday season:

Decorate the Main Spaces

You don’t need to have holiday decorations in every nook and cranny throughout your home.

Focusing on the main areas of your home that guests will see is more than enough, we recommend the following:

• Front Porch
• Entryway
• Living Room
• Kitchen
• Guest Bedrooms

And remember “less is more”. Going over the top with decorations is a thing of the past, your guests want to feel comfortable and relaxed. 

Seasonal Scents

Holiday scented candles or stovetop scents are a fantastic way to bring that cozy, seasonal feeling into your home.

A real Christmas tree will also add the scent of fresh pine and nothing smells better than this during the holidays! 

Set the Table

Bring out the fancy dishes and tabletop decorations, get the Christmas crackers ready, and new candles placed.

Whether you’re serving a plated dinner or buffet style, having the table set in advance will make life much easier when mealtime arrives. 

Clean the Oven and Fridge

If you plan on cooking a holiday feast, it’s best to clean both the oven and the fridge in advance.

There’s nothing worse than pre-heating the oven to find that it has spillage from a previous meal burning and causing an unpleasant smell throughout the home.

Cleaning the fridge in advance will ensure you have plenty of space for all the yummy leftovers and festive beverages. 

Pro-tip: Plan ahead and prepare some of the dishes in advance, such as pies or casseroles. These can often be frozen or stored in the fridge and simply transferred to the oven for reheating just before the big meal. 

Prepare for Houseguests

It’s inevitable that people are going to pop by during the holidays or maybe you have family coming to stay with you for a few days.

Make your guests feel welcomed and loved by taking the time to tidy up the guest room,  and have spare towels, toiletries, blankets, and pillows ready for them. 

Additionally, keep a few blank holiday cards and a wrapped generic gift or two on hand. You don’t want to be empty-handed when someone drops by unexpectedly to offer you a gift and a card. 

Prepare for Children

If you don’t have children or maybe yours are grown, chances are a friend or family member will have a small child that may be stopping by.

Take a few extra minutes to ensure your home is baby-proof and safe for children of all ages, this could save a lot of stress later.

If you know you have numerous children coming for the holidays, a trip to the local supermarket to grab a few child-friendly snacks or setting up a play area in the home will be greatly appreciated by the parents. 

Relax, Enjoy, and Don’t Overthink it!

It’s called “the Holidays” for a reason…you’re meant to enjoy yourself!

You may not have everything perfect and that’s ok, make the best of your time with your loved ones and don’t overthink it. 

Wishing you all a wonderful holiday season, from all of us at JP Real Estate.