Take the stress out of Christmas this year with our guide to getting organised. Here’s how to prepare your home (and yourself) for the festive season.
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1. Declutter
- Take a day or two to clear out anything and everything you don’t need. The holiday period is a busy time and there may be many people moving around in your home, especially if you have people staying with you. Declutter any problem areas and donate anything worthwhile to charity.
- Clutter takes up valuable space that could be used for festive Christmas decorations or furniture. Getting rid of it frees up space and gives the illusion of things being clean even if it isn’t.
2. Check Now, Save Time Later
- Stock up on everyday essentials: toilet rolls, paper towel, cling wrap, and bin bags can be stockpiled now. Buy batteries for any potential kids toys and games. You’ll also need them for things like fairy lights if you want to create that special Christmas twinkle.
- Audit your essentials. Do you need more Champagne flutes? What about a gravy boat or serving platter for your canapés? Do a quick survey as there’s always something you wish you had more of come Christmas Day.
Top tip: Book all your hair and beauty treatments before the service providers close for the festive season!
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3. Tidy Up The Bathroom
- The bathroom will probably be the most used room in the house, especially if you have people staying over. Make sure it’s in top shape by clearing the basin and counter top of messy toiletries. Put any duplicated products in a box to store elsewhere and throw away almost-finished bottles to make space.
- Hide cleaning products and spare toilet rolls in boxes, and then store them on shelves above eye level. If you don’t have already, invest in a few sets of matching towels to create a sense of luxury. They will also look luxurious stacked in piles or rolled up in a basket.
4. Create A Festive Playlist
- Create your own festive playlist to play in the background for when guests are around. Include a few non-holiday songs as well to balance things out a bit. Music will help to create that irresistible festive season atmosphere.
ALSO SEE: 8 Easy Ways To Add A Luxe Feel To Your Bathroom
5. Get Your House In Shape For Visitors
- Prepare for guests now, avoiding the festive panic. Find out how many people are coming to you (or let other hostesses know if you are going to theirs), and if this includes any new partners on the scene. Will they be staying over?
- Send out reminders or invitations now – even a quick email will help you get organised. Confirm any invitations you might have received now, too.
- Work out if you’ll need extra chairs for Christmas lunch or while your guests are staying with you. You want your home to be comfortable and inviting, so ensure there are plenty of places to sit and chat while guests enjoy starters and welcome drinks. A carefully placed coffee table in these groupings will make for easy access and worry-free food or beverage placement.
- Clean your oven or leave it until after you’ve done all your bake-ahead cooking. Dig out all your extra racks and shelves as you’ll need them for your Christmas cooking.
- Also, think about investing in (or borrowing) squashy floor cushions and blow-up beds, and check you have enough spare pillows.
- Buy a festive scent, such as Yankee Candle Season of Peace (from R339 for medium), so your home smells like Christmas.
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6. Give The Garden Some Love
- It’s hot outside and with water restrictions taking hold, chances are the garden is looking a little neglected. Give everything a good water (with your watering can, of course) and pull out any cheeky weeds that have surfaced. Collect leaves, rake, and get the teenagers involved.
- If time is limited, focus on the areas where guests will enter the property or gather. Brush off the doormats, dust away cobwebs, and sweep the entrance.
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Compiled by Food and Decor Editor, Claire Badenhorst
