prepping your home for holiday hosting: mindful cleaning, organizing, and storing for a calm sanctuary
the holiday season is just around the corner, and that means it's time to prepare your home for hosting gatherings, decorating, and spreading the festive cheer. whether you're planning to host a thanksgiving dinner, a cozy christmas gathering, or a new year's eve party, it's essential to get your house in order. in this blog, we'll explore some handy tips on prepping your home for holiday hosting with mindfulness and provide insights on how to efficiently clean, organize, and store your holiday decorations, creating a calm sanctuary for all.
mindful cleaning for a sparkling holiday home
start with mindfulness: begin by approaching your cleaning with mindfulness. take a moment to appreciate your home and the joy it will bring to your guests.
declutter first: be mindful of the items you no longer need, donate or toss them, creating an open and welcoming sanctuary for your guests.
deep clean mindfully: prior to decorating or having guests over, give your home a deep cleaning with a calm and focused mind. dust, vacuum, mop, and clean all surfaces, paying extra attention to high-traffic areas.
kitchen sanctuary: your kitchen is likely to be the busiest area during the holidays. ensure it's a sanctuary by keeping it sparkling clean. clean out the refrigerator, organize your pantry, and ensure all appliances are in good working order.
guest-ready bathrooms: be mindful of creating a spa-like ambiance by cleaning and stocking your guest bathroom with essentials like fresh towels, toiletries, and even a scented candle (have you checked out mai candle bundle?!).
mindful organizing for an effortless hosting experience
furniture arrangement with mindfulness: rearrange your furniture mindfully to accommodate more guests. create cozy conversation areas and make sure there's plenty of seating for a calm and inviting atmosphere.
decorate with mindfulness: when decorating, consider your guests' comfort and safety. avoid overcrowding rooms with excessive decorations, creating a tranquil environment without trip hazards.
set the mood mindfully: create a warm and inviting atmosphere with cozy lighting, like candles and string lights, to foster a sense of calm. consider adding festive music and a decorative centerpiece to set the holiday mood.
extra linens for a calm space: stock up on extra linens and blankets for guests, ensuring a peaceful and serene space. it's always good to have extra for unexpected guests or chilly nights.
mindful storage of your holiday decorations
organize and label with mindfulness: as you take down your decorations, organize and label them. invest in clear plastic bins or storage containers to keep your ornaments, lights, and other decorations safe and organized. have decorations that no longer look good-as-new? time for a donation!
store ornaments mindfully: for delicate ornaments, consider using specialized ornament storage containers with individual compartments to prevent breakage, creating a sense of calm for your decorations.
wreath hangers for longevity: use wreath hangers to keep your wreaths in good shape, making sure they stay dust-free and retain their shape for next year.
mindful storage for lights and garland: wrap your lights and garlands around cardboard or plastic reels to prevent tangles. label each strand with details like where it was used (e.g., living room or porch) to make next year's decorating easier, fostering an organized and calm decoration storage space.
artificial tree storage with protection: if you have an artificial christmas tree, invest in a tree storage bag or box. these are designed to protect your tree from dust and damage during storage, maintaining the tranquility of your holiday decorations.
by following these cleaning, organizing, and storage tips mindfully, you'll be well-prepared to host memorable holiday gatherings and make the decorating process easier and more enjoyable year after year. with your home in order, you can focus on the joy of the season and create lasting memories with family and friends. happy holidays from maiorganization!
