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Open Your Home for the Holidays

’Tis the season for holiday gatherings. With less than a month until Thanksgiving, you might be scrambling to get your home ready for a flood of family and friends. But entertaining doesn’t have to be stressful, as long as there’s a foolproof game plan in place.

Get Spic and Span

It’s important to welcome guests into a tidy space, but there’s no need for the scent of cleaning supplies to hit them at the door. It will be less stressful to deep clean the weekend before their arrival. Scrub the showers, vacuum the carpets, dust, mop and wash bedding up to five days in advance.

On the days leading up to their visit, pick up after your family as needed. That morning, do any last-minute tidying and bake cookies in the hour or so before guests get there so they’ll be met with a warm and inviting scent — and tasty snack — upon their arrival.

Stock Up on Necessities

Impress guests by having everything they might need on hand. Take a cue from hotels, and stock the guest bathroom with inexpensive amenities including soap, toothpaste and shampoo. Clear out dresser drawers, and stock closets with hangers or a luggage rack.

Make sure the fridge is also packed with easy meals and grab-and-go snacks for guests. Think chili or hearty soups that can be portioned out into single-serving containers and heated up in a flash. If any guests have special dietary needs or allergies, be sure to have items on hand they can enjoy.

Decorate for the Season

Thanksgiving doesn’t have to mean turkey dishtowels in the kitchen and ceramic pilgrims on the dining room table. Understated decorations can get the job done without overpowering your décor. Try embracing the luxury lodge feel with dark brown hues and touches of fur on couch pillows or guest bathroom towels.

Or, sprinkle autumn touches throughout your space. Fill jars with pinecones. Decorate your mantle with vases in autumnal hues. Light candles in seasonal scents like cinnamon and pumpkin. Or hang wreaths featuring dried leaves and flowers.

Photo: CarbonNYC

Linda Johnston

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