For most of us, it’s a good idea to make preparations for these special occasions, as our homes aren’t maintained in holiday-ready condition all year round. If you want to make the right impression on your guests, you should definitely take the time to spruce up the premises in keeping with the proper seasonal spirit. Luckily, there are ways to do this that don’t involve straining your budget or taking up too much of your valuable time. With that in mind, the team at ROMAN Products has a few ideas for giving your homestead a simple holiday makeover.
Toss the Clutter Out
The holiday season is the perfect time to get rid of all that random stuff you’ve accumulated over the past year (or longer, in some cases). It will also make the house look cleaner for your visitors. Areas you should give special attention to include:
The refrigerator – Now is a good time to toss out all the old food and condiments in there that are past their expiration date. Although you understand that it’s best to avoid those leftovers that have been in there since April, your guests may not.
The pantry – You probably have a lot of unneeded items in here that can be removed. Check for expired cans of food. If you have cans that are nearing expiration, consider donating them to a local charity. Many retail stores have seasonal drop-off boxes that collect items of this nature, and it’s another opportunity to honor the holiday spirit.
The closet – This is another area that may hold various items suitable for donation, such as old boots or coats. In any event, you need to ensure that your guests have enough room (and hangers) in there for their own belongings during their visit.
When getting rid of things, one smart rule of thumb is to observe the six-month rule: If you haven’t used it at any time within the last six months, it can probably go. This is especially true of low-value items that could be easily replaced if necessary.
Some people take this opportunity to do a once-a-year decluttering of the entire house, but if you’re pressed for time, just concentrate on the areas mentioned above, as well as any spots your guests might be wandering through.
Create a Pleasing Entrance
Building up the proper holiday atmosphere begins before your guests even set foot in your house. A wreath, some string lights, or similar decorations on or around the front door helps your visitors feel right at home in your home. This can also help distinctively mark your house (“It’s the one with two red wreaths”) to aid guests in finding it if they are unfamiliar with your current address.
If you live in an area where the holiday season means ice or snow, you should also ensure that guests have a safe, unbroken pathway to the door, clear of any walking hazards. One easy “hack” for ice removal is to pour pickle juice on your driveway or walkway. The salt content in pickle juice is very effective at melting ice.
While preparing for the holidays, it’s also wise to set up a boot rack outside the door where visitors can put their footwear and prevent them from tracking slush into your house.
Enliven the Interior
Many families enjoy setting up a Christmas tree during this time of year, but you definitely need to be careful. Electrical lighting poses a serious fire hazard. If you’re setting up lights on your tree, be sure to avoid “octopus” connections—that is, many cords plugged into the same outlet. These setups increase the risk of fire.
To make things simple for yourself, consider opting for an artificial tree. They provide the benefits of being less messy, less likely to trigger allergic reactions in guests, and less likely to catch fire. You can even purchase a tree that is pre-wired with lights. Look for trees that are “UL-approved” or “UL-listed.” These trees are compliant with the fire safety standards of Underwriters Laboratories.
If you’re not into setting up lights or trees, potpourri can supply a convenient alternative method of enriching the atmosphere of your house. They can spread a pleasant fragrance throughout the interior without the use of harsh chemicals, and they’re easy to put away afterward.
Install Wallpaper
One fantastic way to give your home a seasonal boost while you’re getting ready for the holidays is to hang wallpaper in an area where your guests will be lounging. The dining area or living room is a good choice. Another possibility is a guest bedroom if you plan on having visitors who will be staying overnight. Placing some brand-new wallpaper in one or more of these rooms will catch the eye of any visitors who were familiar with your old decor; it’s also symbolic of ushering in the New Year.
Hanging wallpaper isn’t the type of job you can put off until the last minute. There are preparations that must be made: buying the right wallpaper, cleaning the wall, applying primer, and carefully attaching the wallpaper to the surface. Fortunately, you can always turn to ROMAN Products for the finest wallcovering accessories on the market today. We have a wide selection of wallpaper adhesives, primers, and other products for the DIY enthusiast and professional installer alike. You should also refer to our blog for tips on installing your wallpaper, such as:
