Working moms struggle with getting ready for
the holidays, especially when we host holiday guests. For that reason, I was
pleased to receive this guest post from a talented writer named Naomi Shaw. Her
post is well written and contains great tips.
Enjoy!
The most wonderful time of the year has arrived – the holidays! If your family is like most, you will probably be spreading Yule tidings by opening up your home to guests. While it is always fun to invite friends and family over, as a working mom, you may not have the most time to prepare your home.
The holidays are busy and working a hectic job doesn’t make
it any easier. However, with these simple changes, you can make your house
feel like a home away from home for your guests this holiday season, and
they’ll never know just how quickly you did it.
Enjoy!
The Holidays are Here!
Is Your Home Guest Ready?
The most wonderful time of the year has arrived – the holidays! If your family is like most, you will probably be spreading Yule tidings by opening up your home to guests. While it is always fun to invite friends and family over, as a working mom, you may not have the most time to prepare your home.
However, being short on time doesn’t mean you have to
sacrifice any comfort for your guests.
There are some simple things you can do this holiday to let loved ones know exactly how much you appreciate their presence that won’t take up precious time in your schedule.
There are some simple things you can do this holiday to let loved ones know exactly how much you appreciate their presence that won’t take up precious time in your schedule.
Image Courtesy of
Shutterstock
These small changes and simple tricks easily extend a warm
welcome to all of your guests this holiday season, both those who are staying
just for the day and those who will be staying overnight, without taking a lot of extra work.
Outdoors
The best thing you can do for the outdoor portion of your
home is to enlist the help of your children and husband. While you are working,
ask your kids to clear the snow off the driveway and sprinkle some salt to melt
any ice. Your husband can string the lights to make your home look magical and so that your guests can easily
locate the entry.
Right before guests arrive, hang a festive wreath on your
front door for a bit of holiday cheer - start their experience off with a warm
welcome before they even walk inside.
The Entryway
The entryway is the first thing your guests experience when
they step in your home, but you don’t have to go overboard. Simple touches,
like Christmas carols playing and a holiday-scented candle, are all you need to
welcome your guests. Be sure you designate a clear space to hang coats and to
wipe or take off shoes.
The Bathroom
Even when you know a person well, there is nothing worse
than going into a bathroom at someone else’s house and finding that they are
out of toilet paper or that there aren’t any clean towels. Help your guests
avoid this somewhat awkward situation!
Preparing your bathroom only takes a few minutes. Before
your holiday guests arrive, give the bathroom a good cleaning. Stock up on
toilet paper and place extra rolls in an area that is easily accessible and
visible. Set out a stack of disposable hand towels so that your guests will
have a clean towel each time they use the bathroom. You can also include an air
freshener and light a candle to make the room smell pleasant - even the
bathroom can be a place to make your guests feel at home.
Living Spaces
As a working mom, you probably try to keep your home neat to
avoid the stress of not knowing where anything is - this will save you time
during the holidays! To cozy-ify your main living spaces, simply provide all of
the creature comforts, and then some. Pillows instantly transform a room and
your lit Christmas tree adds to the ambience, as well. One quick trick is to
open up the room to make for a better flow of conversation. Place groupings of
chairs around, but avoid making anything too cramped.
Image Courtesy of
Shutterstock
Any hostess knows that the food makes a party, so do your
part in your own home! Buying a cracker and cheese platter is easy, but keeps
the munchies at bay. Set out glasses, ice, and beverages at a small drink
station - all you need is a card table and a cute tablecloth. Your living
spaces will be guest-ready in minutes.
Guest Rooms
If any guests will be staying overnight, make sure that
their rooms are welcoming and inviting for a good night’s sleep. Make up the
beds with fresh sheets and provide plenty of blankets to keep warm. Place clean
towels and washcloths in the rooms that your guests can use to wash up. If
guests are staying for a few days, make some space in a dresser drawer or in
the closet so they don’t have to live out of a suitcase.
Naomi Shaw is a freelance writer in Southern California. As a mom who works from home, the holidays are one of the busiest time of the year, and she knows how hectic preparing for guests can be. These tips are some of her favorites for getting through the season. She contributes content to AllCandyContainers.com.
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