Copyright Baltimore Sun
By Angie Hicks, Ask Angi The holidays have a way of sneaking up on us. Between shopping, cooking and corralling the kids for that perfect family photo, it’s easy to let the small but important details slip through the cracks. Preparing your home for holiday gatherings isn’t just about sprucing things up, but rather making sure you’ve covered the bases so you can enjoy the season with less stress and more good cheer. Start with your décor. Before you go full-on Clark Griswold with the lights, take stock of what you already have. Pull out all the bins, untangle the light strands and give everything a once-over. Toss or donate anything that’s broken or past its prime, and make a shopping list before you head out. A quick refresh on linens and a holiday playlist can go a long way toward setting the right mood, and if you’re pressed for time, a local organizer can help you whip your seasonal stash into shape. Once the decorations are sorted, it’s time to tackle the clutter. The holiday season doubles as a perfect excuse to clear out the extra stuff you don’t need. Set up bins to sort into keep, toss and donate piles, and work through the house room by room. Focus on kitchens, bathrooms, guest areas and entryways, since these are the spaces most people will see. Scrub bathrooms, vacuum the living room and give the kitchen a good once-over, including appliances you haven’t cleaned in a while. If the thought of deep-cleaning the whole house before guests arrive fills you with dread, hiring a local cleaning service may be the best gift you give yourself this year. Next, think about the table. Most households have enough dishes, cutlery and glasses for everyday life, but the holidays tend to bring a bigger crowd. Take stock early. Polish the silver, wash the fancy drinkware, and pull out enough chairs for your guest list (plus a few extras for surprise visitors). If you’re short on place settings, it’s better to borrow or buy now rather than scramble on the day of. Your kitchen and pantry deserve a checkup before the festivities. Few things put a damper on baking day like realizing you’re out of sugar halfway through. Check expiration dates on spices, baking supplies and canned goods. Stock up on staples like coffee, chips and beverages. Take the opportunity to purge freezer-burned or forgotten items to make room for the turkey, ham or roasts you’ve ordered ahead. While you’re at it, wipe down the microwave, clean the oven, and restock parchment paper, foil and plastic wrap. Don’t overlook security in your prep list. Make sure doors and windows are in good condition, locks work properly and outdoor lighting is functional. If you’re expecting packages, plan to be home when they arrive or consider a smart doorbell to keep an eye on deliveries. A little attention now can prevent unwanted surprises later. If your holiday plans involve overnight guests, now’s the time to get those rooms in shape. Fresh linens on the bed, a tidy guest bathroom stocked with towels and toiletries, and a quick check-in on any dietary or pet allergies will help your guests feel comfortable. Then, prepare for the influx of coats, boots and winter gear that comes with colder weather. Instead of piling everything on a bed, set aside space for outerwear. Hooks, coat racks, boot trays and mats can keep messes contained. A basket of holiday slippers or socks is a charming touch that also keeps floors clean. Finally, don’t forget about warmth. Cold weather is part of the holiday backdrop, but your guests should feel cozy. Change HVAC filters, test the fireplace, and make sure guest room vents are open. Stock up on wood or pellets if you burn them, and add throw blankets around the living spaces for comfort. If you haven’t scheduled a chimney cleaning in a while, get it on the calendar. And while you’re thinking about fire, check your fire extinguishers and take a few minutes to go over your family’s escape plan, just in case. Preparing your home for holiday gatherings is less about creating the picture-perfect scene and more about creating an environment where people can relax and enjoy themselves. With a little advance planning, you’ll be ready to open your doors with confidence. And once the guests arrive, you can focus less on what you forgot and more on making the kind of holiday memories people will talk about for years. ____ Tweet your home care questions with #AskingAngi and we’ll try to answer them in a future column. ____ ©2025 Ask Angi. Visit at angi.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
