Ah, the holiday season! The air is crisp, lights are twinkling, and your friends and family are about to visit (invade) your home. But don't panic! With a few easy steps, and some deep breathing, you can prepare for a less stressful, more enjoyable holiday season. One big helpful step is to get your home prepared to welcome the loved ones (invaders). The first bonus step is to pour yourself a glass of holiday cheer, read the five tips below, and create your plan.

4 Steps To Get Your Home Guest Ready

1. De-Clutter...or Just Hide It

First things first: make your home look clean and tidy. People say “out of sight, out of mind” for a reason. If there’s no time for a full house purge, take the practical approach — grab a couple of laundry baskets and throw in anything that doesn't scream “holiday cheer.” Stash these baskets somewhere your guests won’t look (like maybe the garage or your basement laundry room) and enjoy instant relief through instant organization. You can process the baskets after the holidays.

2. Prepare Your “Guest-Ready” Bathroom

Bathrooms will get extra use and represent a great opportunity to shine like porcelain. Start with a thorough cleaning. Next, stock it with things that say, “We’re glad you’re here.” Add decorative touches like a pretty basket with extra soft extra toilet paper, a classy hand soap dispenser and fresh fluffy hand-towels. Consider a pretty candle and a basket with extra toothbrushes and disposable razors. Try to generate that feeling you get when you stay at a nice hotel.

3. Fake a Luxurious Guest Room

Not everyone has a dedicated guest room with Egyptian cotton sheets and a pillow menu, but anyone can pretend. Fresh linens go a long way toward convincing guests they’re on a mini-vacation. If you’re short on bedding, you could raid your closet and layer mismatched blankets like it’s a new trend. Place water bottles and magazines on the nightstand to add to the hotel vibe.

4. Stock the Kitchen with Thoughtful Snacks

Guests are snackers, so give them what they want and make an impression. Assembling a  charcuterie board is a simple way to provide healthy food with an inviting presentation. Since no one will see the packaging, you don’t have to buy the super expensive items. A nice layout will enhance the taste of whatever you put together. Also, remember to plan for the entirety of your “hotel season.” People on vacation love to nibble and nosh, so buy plenty to last for the duration of your visitors (invaders) stay.

And there you have it! Four simple steps to holiday guest-readiness that won’t break the bank, your back, or your spirit. From our family to yours, Happy holidays!

Now, what will you do next to love where you live? 

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