Last-minute tips for hosting holiday guests (without the stress).

Updated Dec 20, 2021

The holiday season is here. And it’s a joyous time, but it can be pretty stressful, too. Putting up last-minute decorations, preparing a big feast, deep cleaning those nooks and crannies before your in-laws arrive — there’s a lot to take care of during the holidays. And if you’ve been busy (or procrastinating), your to-do list might be getting longer by the minute. The good news: you don’t have to do it all yourself.

Whether you plan to host a big party or celebrate with a small group of family and friends, follow these tips to help you get your home ready for the holidays. If you’re feeling stressed, there’s no shame in calling in the pros.

1. Get your home professionally cleaned.
2. Get that carpet and rug cleaned, too.
3. Service and clean your kitchen appliances.
4. Keep warm air in and cold air out.
5. Clean your fireplace and chimney.
6. Put a tiny bit of effort into your holiday decor.
7. Get someone else to cook the holiday meals.

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1. Get your home professionally cleaned.

This may be the most important chore you complete this holiday season. Health and safety are top of mind for everyone right now. If you plan to have guests over, deep cleaning your home is a great idea. And after your guests leave, consider getting that house cleaning company to come back out for another sweep.

2. Get that carpet and rug cleaned, too.

No one wants to look at (or put their bare feet on) dirty carpets. A professional carpet cleaning removes dust, dirt and stains that occasional vacuuming doesn’t. It also helps extend your carpet’s life by removing debris that can cause it to deteriorate.

During the warmer months, pollen and pollutants attach to your carpets. Once the cold weather approaches, you end up trapping those contaminants in your home. Clean your carpets and rugs to eliminate those additional allergens before your guests arrive.

3. Service and clean your kitchen appliances.

Has your oven ever quit on you halfway through baking the Christmas ham? It’s a recipe for disaster. Before you start cooking and baking for a crew of family and friends, make sure your appliances are working.

If your burner isn't working, your oven isn’t getting hot enough or your refrigerator is warmer than usual, call an appliance repair professional to take a look at it. And if your appliance is beyond repair, it may be time for an upgrade.

4. Keep warm air in and cold air out.

Nobody likes chilly drafts from old windows, caulk issues or poor insulation. Have a pro check your home’s energy efficiency before the holidays. They can help you locate potential air leaks and upgrade your insulation.

For example, an insulation contractor can replace or bulk up needed insulation in your attic. A caulking specialist can seal cracks around your windows. You may also consider upgrading your windows to a more energy-efficient style to keep your house comfortable all year-round. For example, windows with wood and fiberglass frames are more efficient.

Related: How to weatherproof your home.

5. Clean your fireplace and chimney.

There’s something picturesque about curling up by the fire with loved ones. But before you do, make sure your fireplace is ready for your guests by getting your chimney inspected. A professional chimney inspector will check for deterioration, blockage or the buildup of hazardous materials.

Many chimney inspectors will also offer sweeping services, and recommend repairs (sometimes they can even perform those repairs) to ensure a warm and safe night.

6. Put a tiny bit of effort into your holiday decor.

So you’re not a big fan of colorful string lights, reindeer families in the front yard or inflatable Santas on the roof. Totally fine. But, a little bit of decor goes a long way in spreading cheer and getting your guests in the holiday spirit. You can do these decorations in less than a day:

Hang a wreath decorated with red holly, ribbons or bows.
Purchase a holiday-themed welcome mat outside your front door.
Hang a few ornaments on your potted plants on your porch.
Place red, white and green pillows and throw blankets on your indoor and outdoor furniture.
Project holiday lights and shapes on your home’s exterior instead of hanging string lights.

7. Get someone else to cook the holiday meals.

Even top chefs can use a break from cooking for family and friends — especially during the holidays. This year, ditch the stress. Ask your guests to bring a dish and make it a potluck.

If you have a little extra room in your budget, consider booking a catering service. Or, see if any personal chefs near you have some availability during the holidays. You’ll impress your guests, and (more importantly) you’ll get to actually enjoy the celebrations instead of running around the kitchen.

Related: How much does catering cost?

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