Company is coming! Make sure your house is shipshape and that your guests will be comfortable by getting these important tasks done before Thanksgiving!
1. Make sure all appliances are maintained and working properly.
Whether you’re hosting 2 or 20 guests, you want to know that your range and oven are in tip top shape before A LOT of cooking will be done at your house! An oven that won’t heat or a gas burner that won’t light are common problems that you can often fix yourself, usually in less than an hour. It’s best to check your oven early, several weeks before Thanksgiving at least. Like the oven, check to make sure your dishwasher is working well before company arrives. You can fix a dishwasher that won’t drain yourself, but for bigger problems, you may need to call a pro. Appliance repair techs are busy this time of year, and it could take some time before they can get to your house for a more involved repair.
2. Stock the bathrooms!
This one seems obvious, but in the hustle and bustle of prepping well.. EVERYTHING – this one can be easy to forget. Your guests will be using with plenty of toilet paper and clean towels. And put a package of cleaning wipes under the sink so you can quickly clean up the sink, counter and toilet when needed. When inviting guests into your home, try to think of the things they might need so they don’t have to ask. Consider providing toothpicks, air freshener, and anything else that will increase their comfort!
3. Check dishes, silverware, & glasses.
Make sure you’ll have enough plates, glasses, silverware and serving dishes for all your guests and holiday meals. And if you think you’ll need more of anything, ask a friend or neighbor if you can borrow what you need rather than buying more for just a few days. Washing dishes as you cook helps the things you need clean for when guests arrive.
4. Clean out the fridge & freezer!
Be honest here—anything that is expired or hasn’t been touched in months should be tossed. Empty out the fridge and scrub the shelves and walls with a mix of half vinegar and half water. Cleaning out the fridge will get your kitchen ready for Thanksgiving because now you’ll have more room to store your delicious leftovers!
5. Clear the clutter!
Look for any clutter around the living room, entryway, kitchen and any prime places people will gather. Get rid of old mail, magazines, newspapers and spent candles. Dust the coffee and end tables, mantel and media center, this will help get your home ready for thanksgiving.
6. Prep your Fireplace!
If you haven’t used it yet this season, there are several things you should do to make sure your fireplace is ready for winter. Inspect your fireplace and chimney before starting a fire, and clean and repair anything that needs it. Your Thanksgiving company will appreciate this task. But remember: Safety first!
7. Ready the guest room.
If you’re having overnight guests for the holidays, be sure to get all the bedding, including sheets, blankets and comforters washed before they arrive. Clean the ceiling fan (or fix it if it’s wobbly), wash the rug and make sure the room is vacuumed and dusted so your guests can feel totally comfortable!
8. Fix the wobbly dining chairs & replace upholstery!
Test out all the dining chairs you plan to use to get your dining room ready for thanksgiving and fix any chairs that are wobbly. And if you think you’ll need extra chairs, check with neighbors or friends to see if they have any you can borrow. Thanksgiving celebrations usually involve large gatherings of family and friends sharing a meal. Once you’ve fixed your chairs, be sure there are enough to seat everyone at the Thanksgiving table.
If you have a dining room chairs with worn or torn fabric? Don’t worry! You can replace the fabric with a design of your own choice. In fact, you may be able to make it better than ever!
9. Add a seasonal welcome mat to stop dirt at the door.
It’s a commonly held notion that approximately half of the dirt and dust in your home gets inside on your shoes and boots. Keep door mats at each exterior door, one outside and one inside to be extra careful. Shake them out away from open windows and wash or hose them down regularly.
10. Get organized.
To go containers, pantry, and anything that helpers may need or use!
Get organized in the pantry. You don’t want to be hunting for that last ingredient when your already on a tight schedule. This is a great time to toss anything expired or unused to help keep the space clutter free. Grab some organizers or canisters to help keep things in order!
Have PLENTY of to-go containers. You won’t be able to eat all those leftovers on your own so inventory your containers to see that everything has a lid and which ones you don’t mind sending home with your loved ones.
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If you don’t get through the whole list this month, THAT’S OKAY! Any of these projects can help your family gathering to go a little smoother.
Happy Holidays!!