Skip to main content

5 Ways to Get Your Home Ready for the Holidays


The holidays it's just around the corner. While you might not be making your gift list yet, there’s still plenty to prepare—especially if you're hosting guests. Whether you're a planner or simply excited for the season, here are five ways to get your home ready now.

1. Declutter Old Holiday Décor
Many of us have boxes of ornaments and décor in the garage or attic just gathering dust. While you may cherish family heirlooms or new ornaments from last year’s sale, it’s time to let go of things that are broken or cracked.

2. Make Sure You Have Enough Seating
Are you having four or 40 people at your annual holiday dinner? Make your guest list and check it twice. While it’s perfectly acceptable to use a chair from your home office at the dining table or drag in that accent chair from the living room—you may need more than that this year. After all, the holidays are stressful enough. So don’t wait until the last minute to nail your seating arrangement.

Remember, if you’re purchasing dining chairs to match your current set, delivery could take a few weeks. Or consider buying a set of folding chairs, which can easily be stored away when you aren’t using them.

3. Count Your Dishes
Make sure to replace any damaged or missing tableware from last year While a complete set of identical plates is ideal, you can mix and match with plain white and holiday dishes. If you're hosting a large party, consider renting tableware for convenience and cost savings. Local thrift stores and estate sales are also great places to find vintage china at affordable prices. Starting early gives you plenty of time to find the perfect pieces.

4. Fix Broken Appliances
If you have a malfunctioning burner, now is the time to address it. Schedule a repair appointment with a local technician, as parts for older appliances may not be readily available. You might even need a new oven. Waiting until the last minute could lead to problems. Additionally, check other appliances that may need repair or replacement, such as your HVAC system or smaller cooking appliances like your air fryer or food processor.

5. Get Ready for Guests
Do you have family or friends visiting you? Now is a better time than ever to get your guest room ready. Check your sheets and towels. Do they need to be replaced? Do you have a fresh throw blanket to put on the bed? Make a list of what you need to make sure your guests have all the comforts of home.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

GTA REALTORS ® Release July 2025 Stats

TORONTO, ONTARIO, August 6, 2025 – The Greater Toronto Area (GTA) experienced the best home sales result for the month of July since 2021. Sales were also up relative to listings, suggesting a modest tightening in the market compared to last year.  “Improved affordability, brought about by lower home prices and borrowing costs, is starting to translate into increased home sales. More relief is required, particularly where borrowing costs are concerned, but it’s clear that a growing number of households are finding affordable options for homeownership,” said Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB) President Elechia Barry-Sproule. GTA REALTORS® reported 6,100 home sales through TRREB’s MLS® System in July 2025 – up by 10.9 per cent compared to July 2024. New listings entered into the MLS® System totalled 17,613 – up by 5.7 per cent year-over year.  On a seasonally adjusted basis, July home sales increased month-over-month compared to June 2025. New listings also rose compared...
Post a Comment
Read more

GTA REALTORS Release April 2025 Stats

April home sales followed the regular seasonal trend with an increase relative to March. However, total residential transactions in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) were down compared to the same time last year, as potential buyers continue to wait for lower borrowing costs and for certainty about the trajectory of the economy. “Following the recent federal election, many households across the GTA are closely monitoring the evolution of our trade relationship with the United States. If this relationship moves in a positive direction, we could see an uptick in transactions driven by improved consumer confidence and a market that is both more affordable and better supplied,” said TRREB President Elechia Barry-Sproule. GTA REALTORS® reported 5,601 home sales through TRREB’s MLS® System in April 2025 – down by 23.3 per cent compared to April 2024. New listings in the MLS® System amounted to 18,836– up by 8.1 per cent year-over-year. On a seasonally adjusted basis, April home sales edged up m...
Post a Comment
Read more

Getting Your Home Back To School Ready

The countdown is on for back to school. If you have school-aged kids, now the time to prep for the busy days ahead. So, how can you get your home ready for the rush? Organize your entryway with a place to hang jackets and a spot for essentials you might need just before you go (e.g., sunglasses and keys). Declutter clothes and books, donating or selling items your kids have outgrown. Designate a study area with ample space, good lighting, and a comfortable chair. This could be in the kitchen so you can supervise homework while cooking, at the dining table, or at a desk in your child’s bedroom. Also, organize and stock up on school supplies. Organize cupboard space for lunch containers. Create a spot for quick and healthy after-school snacks like fruits and nuts, and reserve space in the fridge for perishable snacks like yogurt, cheese, and cut-up vegetables. Have a spot to hang art and test scores, such as a pegboard, a strong with clothespin, or a classic spot, the fridge. With little...
Post a Comment
Read more