GETTING READY FOR GUESTS
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How to Get the Outside of Your Home Ready for Christmas Guests in 5 Easy Steps
The steps and tips below are meant to help your property look better and create a safer environment for your family and guests.
1. Tidy up landscaping
Before even turning into the driveway, the first thing noticed will be the landscaping. Fortunately, for most of us the grass has stopped growing for the year so the mower doesn’t come into play with this, but just because it’s cold doesn’t mean the lawn & landscape maintenance stops.
Many of us have to contend with tree limbs, leaves and those pesky pine needles everywhere. One quick and simple way of tidying up this mess—create natural landscape beds. That’s right, use those leaves and pine needles for a purpose, they will breakdown and become a food source for the landscaping that is planted within the beds.
This all depends on the severity of the debris of course. If you’re dealing with overrun flower beds and need to get debris out…a leaf blower will be your best friend for this. Once you’ve blown the beds clean, rake or blow the debris in a pile away from the house.
Tip-if you haven’t put the mower away for the winter and you have a bagging system, this is a miracle worker when it comes to picking up yard debris. Just be very careful what and how much you’re collecting.
2. Clear walkways
While you’ve got the broom or that leaf blower out, make sure all walkways and entryways are easy accessible. By doing this you’re insuring that there will be no debris or extension cords from decorations that could create a fall.
Make sure proper footing can be maintained and handrails are sturdy. If you notice any areas that are discolored with black and green algae and mold please beware, this can be very slippery.
We’ve all seen those glorious infomercials of the people falling uncontrollably. No one wants to spend the holidays in the hospital! If it’s too late and guests are about to arrive make sure to advise of slippery conditions.
3. Declutter
If you’re like our family, our social areas turn into a cluttered mess before we know it! Make sure areas like the porch & patios meant for social gathering are clean and clutter free.
Last thing you want to do is scramble to move last weeks laundry out of the patio furniture so your mother in law can sit down. Make sure all seats are clean and worth sitting in. Put the kids toys in one area, I know this will last as long as it takes to read this, but at least you tried right?
Tip-keep that broom & leaf blower handy for getting those stray yard debris and cobwebs down and out of eyesight.
4. Check decorations
This one is so easy to forget! In North Carolina we have all types of weather in just one day, literally every season…sometimes before lunch.
With that being said, the wind, rain and general wear and tear can put a damper on the Christmas mood by taking out our decorations. A quick check a couple days prior to guests arrival would be ideal but regardless you want to check the day prior.
Make sure everything is stable, wreaths mounted properly, inflatables staked down and lights are operable.
5. Clean doors & windows
Other than your front steps, the doors & windows are the most noticed. You may be used to the dog slobber and baby hand prints on the windows, but guests may not think as highly. Can you tell I’m speaking from experience? Make sure you’re using a window safe cleaner and cloth and give the windows a once over.
This next part goes beyond what you can visibly see. I don’t think I need to stress this part enough but make sure to sanitize all surfaces such as handrails, door knobs, seating and pretty much anything that your family and other guests come in contact with.
When you do all of these steps you will create a fun and safe environment that will set the perfect Christmas mood for your family and guests, even if Scrooge or the Grinch decides to make an appearance at your home.
None of this is required…
Let’s be honest—what happens on the inside of the house is far more important than what people see on the outside. Family and friends gathering no matter what you believe in plays a major part in the true meaning of Christmas and the holidays.
Just wanted to say thank you for reading!
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MERRY CHRISTMAS!
