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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.

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