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December
8
8
Home for the Holidays: 7 Tips for Hosting
If you're expecting family and friends to come over to your place for the holidays, it's time to start planning. Whether you're hosting a family dinner, accommodating out-of-town guests, or throwing a festive holiday party, take some advice from our real estate agents and make sure you're prepared for the big event.
Hosting the holidays can quickly elevate your stress level, but careful planning can fix that. Take a look at 7 great hosting tips that will keep you calm and make your special event a big success.
- Space Out the Cleaning Chores
Instead of rushing the day before guests arrive, clean each day of the week leading up to your event. On Monday, concentrate on clearing the clutter. On Tuesday, dust the furniture and vacuum the rugs. On Wednesday, clean the kitchen, including the oven and the sink. On Thursday, clean the bathrooms and put out fresh towels for guests. On Friday, do a final sweep to make sure everything is spic and span. - Make a To-Do List
When planning a holiday dinner or a party, it's easy to forget some things you need to do, so make a list. If you're cooking a meal, write down your menu and a list of ingredients needed for each dish. When planning a party, make a list of everything you plan to serve, including appetizers, dips, finger foods, snacks, drinks, and cocktails. Don't forget the napkins, plates, glasses, silverware, and toothpicks. - Cook Ahead
Whether hosting a sit-down dinner or a holiday party, cooking ahead will give you more time to spend with guests. When roasting a turkey or a ham, plan to cook it the day of the event. Side dishes, hors d'oeuvres, and salads can be prepared the day before and kept in the refrigerator. If baking cakes and pies, the day before or the day of the event is best unless you buy frozen ones. - Bring Out the Fancy Plates
It's the holidays – time to skip the paper plates and bring out the good china. Washing and polishing may take some extra effort, but holiday guests will appreciate it. If you have a collection of holiday dinnerware, now is the time to put it on the table. - Freshen Up the Guest Room
If you're hosting overnight guests, make them feel welcome in a guest room that's cozy and comfortable. A few days before arrival, wash the sheets, fluff the pillows, and make up the bed with fresh linens and blankets. Welcome guests with a special note, holiday scented candles, and a tray filled with goodies on the dresser, and be sure to stock the guest bathroom with clean towels and extra rolls of tissue. - Buy a Coat Rack
If you're hosting a large crowd for the holidays, invest in an inexpensive coat rack where guests can hang their coats, sweaters, and hats. Your guests will not want to rifle through a pile of coats and jackets laying on the bed at the end of the evening. - Welcome Guests to Your Home
To welcome your holiday guests, light some festive candles, put out the appetizers, turn on your favorite playlist, and greet your guests at the door with a glass of champagne or a mug of hot cocoa. Invite them into a home filled with friendly holiday cheer and laughter.
Ready to start looking at a new home where you can host all your holiday gatherings? If you're interested in real estate in the Waco area and want to start looking at Waco homes for sale, contact us for information on available homes and prices that meet your needs.
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