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Ready or Not, Here They Come
Preparing Yourself and Your Home for the Holidays By Beth Skarupa
Follow these great tips from the Maids Home Services:
- Refurbish Your Refrigerator – If it's more than a week old – get rid of it! You will need plenty of room for desserts and any trays your guests may bring, and don't forget the leftovers!
- Clear Your Countertops – Display your holiday cards to bring out the cheer of the season (not to mention your guests will be delighted to see their card on display).
- Polish Your Powder Room – Give your toilet a good wash and be sure to add decorative soaps and scented candles for the extra holiday aroma. Also be sure to empty any garbage in your waste can.
- Perfect Your Pantry – Stock up on holiday spices, canned yams, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie mix and other holiday-related yummies. While you're at it, collect any items you can spare to send to a local charity food drive.
- Finish Your Floors – Whether tiled, wooden, linoleum or marble, give your floors the shine they deserve. Thoroughly wax, clean, mop and sweep for the multitude of feet that will pass through.
- Unfasten Your Flue – Make your fireplace fire-friendly, and open the flue! Fires are a nice touch to the chilly holiday weather. Be sure to have a fire burning when your guests arrive. (And for children, keep marshmallows and supplies for smores in the pantry).
- Shine Your Silverware – There's nothing tackier than spotted silverware. Polish to the point that people can see their reflection – they shine and you will shine too.
- Drive Away the Dust – Grab old rags, a large bottle of your favorite dusting agent and begin. Be sure to pick up items and not just dust around. You are bound to have a guest who will notice any trace of dust (that's the last thing you'll need).
- Whip up a Window Cleaning Concoction – A 1/4 cup of white vinegar to 1 quart of water will do the trick.
- Turn on the Tunes – Nothing sets the holiday mood better than classic holiday music. Whether you're cooking, cleaning or entertaining, it's always good to keep things festive.