These things in your home may need to be replaced before holiday guests start rolling in. Here’s our list of recommendations.
It’s easy to get caught up in the holiday gift and decor shopping and forget all about the things that are already in your home, but there may be some items that need some love and attention, or even a replacement, before the holiday festivities kick in. Take a quick inventory of the list below so you don’t have to stress over them the day before guests arrive.
1. Guest Bedroom Linens. If your guest bed has your old sheets and comforters from two years ago when you replaced your primary bed’s linens, it may be time to give them a swaparoo. Give your guests the royal treatment by dressing their bed with luxury linens like these from Boll & Branch. No guest room? Now is the time to order an air mattress like this one with a built-in air pump.
2. Pots And Pans. You’re going to be doing a lot more cooking and baking than you’re used to, especially the week of the holidays. If your pots and pans are starting to chip or show signs of damage, ordering a new one should be on your to-do list asap. I love the Always Pan because it’s so versatile.
3. Dishes And Serveware. Now that Thanksgiving has come and gone, it’s probably still fresh on your mind that you lacked certain necessities like an extra large platter or not enough salad bowls. If your dishes are missing pieces due to breakage over time, or if you just don’t have what you need, go ahead and stock up this week. I’m really digging these new Walmart x Gap Stoneware dishes.
4. Dining Flatware. How do pieces of silverware somehow disappear? I have twelve big forks and only 7 small ones. Where do they go?? If your flatware sets are missing pieces too, or if they’re old and outdated, you might want to pick up a new set. These gold utensils from Target always look fancy on a table and they’re really low maintenance.
5. Lightbulbs. Take a quick tour around your house and make sure there aren’t any burnt out light bulbs, and don’t forget to check outside, too. You’ll be glad you got this out of the way before all the holiday madness starts. If you need new bulbs, I recommend upgrading to these smart bulbs.
6. Towels. Still using the same towels from when you got married fifteen years ago? If you’re having overnight guests, spring for a new luxury towel set like these just for them. Towels can get expensive, so for now just get a new set per houseguest. You can upgrade your personal bathroom’s towels in January when all the home sales are going on.
7. Kids Toy Storage. If you have kids in the house, you’re already stressing about where all the new gifted toys are going to go. Before they open any presents, take a moment to do a purge and donate session with them to make some room, and upgrade their toy storage to suit their current needs. I really like these cube shelves and they look nice in any room.
8. Pantry Organizers. You’ve probably got way more groceries stashed in your pantry than you’re used to right now. If your pantry is feeling a little overwhelming, it’s a good time to add some organizers to keep all the current food in view so it doesn’t expire. This Pantry Starter Kit from The Container Store takes all the guesswork out of shopping for bins. No pantry? This freestanding cabinet gives you extra storage and can go in any open area.
9. Door Mat. Upgrade the old faded and stained welcome mat with a new and fun mat that shows guests you’re happy they’re here. This one is super cute and festive.
10. Appliances Past Their Prime. Christmas morning is not the day you want your coffee maker to break down or your oven to stop heating. Talk about a disaster! If you know one of your appliances has been malfunctioning lately, go ahead and repair or replace it so you don’t have to worry about it during your holiday meal prep. I have my eye on this coffee maker upgrade right now.
11. Cable TV. Have you been considering ditching cable or satellite tv and jumping on the streaming train? There are a lot of great deals for discounted annual subscriptions right now, and a lot of them offer live TV for a fraction of what you’re paying now. If you don’t have a smart TV, the Amazon Fire Stick can allow you to get all the streaming networks you want without buying a new television.
12. Doorbell. A couple of years ago we swapped our regular doorbell with a Ring doorbell and we have never looked back. It’s so nice to have a camera at all of our doors for security, but also to see when guests arrive so we can run out to help them carry in bags and boxes.
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Want More Holiday Prep Tips?
Here’s the entire archive of all my holiday prep blog posts, craft projects, and organizing advice to help you roll through the season as stressless as possible. Be sure to follow me on Instagram @lelaburris for more ideas and quick video tutorials to get your home and life Organized-ish.
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