The fall festivities have begun! But autumn also signals the beginning of the hectic holiday season. Whether you’re planning on hosting a Thanksgiving feast or a cozy Christmas, now is the time to prepare your home for the coming holidays. As the weather cools, make sure your home projects heat up!

Below are a few projects to consider tackling this season before your guests arrive!

Start with the outside.

The first thing your guests will see is the outside of your home, so make sure it’s looking its best. This includes:

• Sweeping the walkway and driveway
• Cleaning the front door and windows
• Trimming the bushes and trees
• Adding festive decorations, such as a wreath, garland, and lights

If you have a patio or deck, you may also want to clean and decorate it. This will give your guests a place to relax and enjoy the outdoors, even during the winter months.

Spruce up the interior.

Once your guests are inside, you want them to feel welcome and comfortable. Start by giving your home a thorough cleaning. Be sure to:

• Vacuum and mop all of the floors
• Dust all of the surfaces
• Clean all of the bathrooms
• Make sure the beds are made and the towels are fresh

You may also want to make some minor repairs or updates. This could include:

• Fixing any leaky faucets
• Patching any holes in the walls
• Repainting a room or two

If you have any pets, be sure to give them a bath and brush them before your guests arrive. You may also want to put away any pet toys or belongings that could be considered unsightly or unsanitary.

Set the tone with the right décor.

The holiday season is a time to celebrate, so don’t be afraid to add some festive décor to your home. This could include:

• Putting up a Christmas tree
• Hanging wreaths and garlands
• Lighting candles
• Placing bowls of candy or nuts around the house

If you’re not sure how to decorate, there are plenty of resources available online and in magazines. You can also ask a friend or family member for help.

Don’t forget the kitchen.

The kitchen is the heart of the home, and it’s where your guests will likely spend a lot of time during the holidays. Make sure it’s stocked with all of the food and drinks they’ll need.

This could include:

• Snacks and drinks for when they arrive
• Food for meals and parties
• Baking supplies
• Coffee and tea

You may also want to do some minor repairs or updates to the kitchen. This could include:

• Replacing any old or damaged appliances
• Updating the countertops or cabinets
• Organizing the pantry and cabinets

If you have a lot of guests coming, you may want to consider setting up a buffet table or bar area. This will make it easy for your guests to get food and drinks without having to bother you.

Be prepared for anything.

Even if you’ve planned everything perfectly, there’s always a chance that something unexpected could happen. Be prepared for anything by having a backup plan in case of:

• Bad weather
• A power outage
• A sick guest

This could include having a list of emergency contact numbers, having food and drinks on hand that don’t require cooking, and having a plan for how to keep your guests entertained if they can’t go outside.

Additional tips

Here are some additional tips for preparing your home for holiday guests:

• Make your home child-friendly. If you have young children coming to stay, make sure your home is child-friendly. This could include putting away any dangerous items, making sure there are plenty of toys and activities for children to enjoy, and creating a safe and comfortable sleeping area.
• Set up a guest room. If you have guests staying overnight, make sure you have a guest room set up. This should include a comfortable bed, fresh towels and linens, and a nightstand with a lamp and alarm clock. You may also want to provide your guests with a small basket of snacks and drinks.
• Be flexible. Things don’t always go according to plan, so it’s important to be flexible. If something unexpected happens, don’t stress out. Just go with the flow and enjoy

If you need help preparing your home for the holidays, remember to hire a trusted, local DFW professional from The Good Contractors List.  Visit www.thegoodcontractorslist.com to find a contractor near you!