Holiday Guide 2007 | CTV.ca

Preparing your home for guests

The following is a worksheet to help you prepare your home for houseguests over the holidays.

Children playing happily with their cousins, aunts and uncles relaxing together after a delicious meal, Grandpa nodding off in the lounger chair, Grandma tickling the newest baby on her lap - sound too good to be true? Well, families will have their conflicts, but hopefully, hosting yours at Christmas won't be one of them. Remember that the host family should be enjoying the visit too, and use some of these tips from OrganizeMe101.com to make your turn less stressful.

Get household chores out of the way:

  • Household laundry - towels, linens
  • Personal laundry - make sure every family member has clean clothes for the duration of the visit
  • Weekly cleaning - get it all done at once before guests arrive

Guest-related Housework:

  • Deep clean bathrooms - wash shower curtains, set out extra guest towels and face cloths
  • Re-fill pump soap dispensers
  • Stock up on toilet paper and facial tissue supplies
  • Vacuum the dust bunnies and cobwebs out of the guest room
  • Wash all linens and towels needed for guests
  • Clear out and clean fridge

Making space for guests:

  • Clear unused coats out of main closet
  • Empty out a drawer for long-term guests (put your own things in a suitcase)
  • Clear surfaces in bathroom for guest toiletries
  • Install over-the-door towel hangers, hooks, pockets for toiletries
  • Clear backpacks, unused purses and briefcases out to make room for guest bags and purses
  • Use over-the door shoe bag for guest mitts, hats, gloves
  • Clear space for guest suitcases in guest room or low-traffic area
  • Clear space in fridge for extra beverages and food
  • Clear some closet space - and leave in extra hangers
  • Extra touches - a box of tissue, a night light, water glass close to the bed add to a guest's comfort

New uses for familiar spaces:

  • Use the garage as a refrigerator - clear an easily accessible shelf and keep drinks, baked goods, leftovers, etc. cold - keep an eye on the temperature!
  • Use the laundry tub as a giant ice bucket to chill drinks - clean it out first!
  • Clear the laundry room to use as extra storage for guest coats, suitcases
  • Consider a portable clothes rack for guest coats, or for off-season family coats in an out of the way spot
  • Over-the-door shoe hangers make great places to stash mitts, small purses, slippers, toiletries

Share this story

del.icio.us

DIGG

Reddit

Facebook