With the holiday season approaching, there never seems to be enough time to prepare, especially if you are hosting friends and family. Each time you cross a task off your to-do list, another two seem to magically appear!
However, I’m a pro at last-minute prep, and I’m going to share my top five hacks for making your home look immaculate and welcoming without spending precious time on a deep clean before your guests arrive.
Whether you’ve got a family or not, life is hectic, and keeping on top of regular chores around holiday time can be almost impossible. That’s why you need some quick and simple ideas to make your house look amazing, without leaving you too tired to enjoy the celebrations.
1. Tidy your door and hallway
When you’re tucked up cozy inside, it’s easy to forget about sprucing up the front of your home. But it doesn’t take long to give your front door a wipe down with a damp cloth and your door furniture a polish.
You can also give your hallway a quick tidy too. If you have shoe storage and coat hooks, make sure everything is neat and ensure there is plenty of space for your guests to hang their coats and place their shoes. It might also be a good time to buy a new doormat. I like the Okuna Outpost ‘Happy Holiday’s coir doormat for $23.66 at Amazon, which has a grip backing to top it from slipping.
2. Add scent
There’s nothing that’s going to put your guests off more than a stinky home. Old food smells, dirty dishes, and damp bathrooms won’t make the best impression.
A home that smells fragrant will give off positive vibes and create a welcome that shows you’ve put thought into it. Scented candles are a good choice, as they not only give off a delightful fragrance but also evoke a calm setting and an ambient atmosphere. However, they are best used when you are occupying a room, and should be put out once the room is vacated.
For a permanent scent, reed diffusers are ideal, or you could try an electric version. I use Aromatech’s Ambience diffuser for $198 at Amazon. What’s more, you can control it via your phone, turning it on a few minutes before you return home to give your house a beautiful, fragrant boost.
3. Get out your vacuum
When I don’t have time for a full-house clean, I’ll get my best vacuum cleaner out for a quick tidy-up. It’s amazing how much smarter my house feels after I’ve just run around with my vacuum. What’s more, if you own one of the best robot vacuums, it will take you no time at all!
And to make my home smell fresher, I often place a few drops of my favorite essential oil onto a cotton ball and put it in the vacuum’s empty canister. For a bagged vacuum, you can add it directly into the bag. At this time of year, cinnamon, clove, and orange make warming fragrances.
4. Take 15 minutes to declutter
Try setting a timer to declutter your space. Working against the clock keeps me focused, and I don’t get distracted with finishing the washing up or deciding I need a quick coffee fix. You've been there too?
I have a quick sweep around my living room, tidy the surfaces, then plump up my cushions and fold my throws.
You’ll also find me in the kitchen, as this is the one room guests always follow me into. I start by clearing away the countertops, loading the dishwasher, and emptying the trash.
5. Clean your bathroom
In the rush to get everything prepared for your guests, don’t forget to make the most essential room in your home clean and fresh.
There’s nothing like spotting yellow stains on a toilet seat when you’re using a downstairs bathroom, and it will show you up as a host. A simple paste of baking soda and water, left on the stains for 20 minutes, will help lift the marks.
What’s more, to make your guests feel welcome, lay out a couple of clean, fluffy hand towels and fragrance the room with a diffuser.
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