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By Rebecca Barnes, Publisher of Prince William Living
As the holiday season approaches, it’s time to prepare your home for the festivities and the extra guests, gifts, and decorations that come with it. Whether you’re hosting family dinners, accommodating out-of-town visitors, or just need extra space for seasonal items, a little planning can make everything run smoothly. Here are some tips to help you get your kitchen, guest areas, and storage ready for the holidays.
Get Your Kitchen Holiday-Ready
The kitchen is the heart of the home, especially during the holidays. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just whipping up some seasonal treats, an organized kitchen can make all the difference.
Declutter Countertops: Clear away any non-essential appliances or decor. Make room for holiday baking tools, serving platters, and any extra prep space you’ll need.Clean Out the Fridge and Pantry: Make space for holiday groceries by tossing expired items and organizing what’s left. Designate areas for appetizers, leftovers, and drinks so everything has a place.Prep Your Cooking Tools: Ensure your oven, stovetop, and small appliances like mixers and blenders are clean and in working order. You don’t want to be dealing with unexpected repairs on the big day!Stock Up on Essentials: Make sure you have plenty of kitchen staples — think spices, baking supplies, and cleaning products. This will help you avoid last-minute runs to the store during the busiest time of year.Prepare for Holiday Visitors
Whether you’re hosting overnight guests or just entertaining for an evening, making your home welcoming is key.
Spruce Up the Guest Room: Fresh linens, an extra blanket, and a cozy throw will make your guest room feel like a retreat. Don’t forget to stock the bathroom with essentials like fresh towels, toiletries, and extra toilet paper.Create a Coffee or Beverage Station: Set up a self-serve area with coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and holiday mugs so guests can help themselves in the mornings or during cozy evenings by the fire.Entryway Organization: Ensure your entryway is ready to handle winter coats, shoes, and bags. Consider adding a few extra hooks or a shoe rack to keep things organized as guests arrive.Make Room for Extra Items
The holidays bring an influx of gifts, decorations, and seasonal items. Here’s how to make space without feeling overwhelmed.
Designate a Gift Wrapping Station: Clear out a drawer or set up a small corner where you can keep wrapping paper, tape, scissors, and gift tags organized. This way, you can wrap gifts as they arrive instead of letting them pile up.Rotate Decor: Instead of adding holiday decor on top of your everyday pieces, pack away non-seasonal decor items. This keeps your home from feeling cluttered while making space for festive touches like wreaths, candles, and holiday lights.Make Storage Space for New Gifts: Clear out closets and storage bins by donating items you no longer need. This will make room for new gifts and holiday purchases, keeping your home tidy and stress-free.
The holidays are meant to be a time of joy and celebration, not stress. With a little organization and thoughtful preparation, you can enjoy a home that’s ready to welcome family, friends, and all the magic of the season. Happy holidays!
Rebecca Barnes is the Publisher of Prince William Living magazine and Brides & Weddings magazine. She is a lifelong resident of Prince William and a volunteer with OWL VFD. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her blended family, being a Grandma, visiting Walt Disney World, reading, and sleeping.