Home Maintenance Monday 12/23/24
Since we’re SO close to all the winter holidays here, I thought I’d put together some last minute holiday decor ideas with just a smidgen of some of those easy Home Maintenance Reminders that we’ve already been talking about at the end! Here are just a few more things you can do to prep your home for the holidays!
Last-Minute Decor Ideas
Even if you don’t have a lot of time to decorate, a few thoughtful touches can bring holiday cheer:
Festive Table Centerpiece: Use candles, pinecones, or a simple arrangement of greenery for a quick yet elegant centerpiece.
Gift Wrapping: Some people are gift-wrapping their spare rolls of toilet-paper to stack on top of their toilets for a more festive look! You can get fun and creative with it. What mundane items in your home could be turned into ‘gift decor’?
DIY Ornaments: If you still need to add some charm to your home, consider simple DIY ornaments, like paper snowflakes, popcorn garlands, or cinnamon stick bundles. Cinnamon scented pinecones are quite cost effective while both smelling nice and looking good.
Throw Blankets & Pillows: Switch out everyday throw pillows for ones with festive patterns or colors (like red, green, gold, or silver). Add a cozy blanket for a welcoming vibe.
Holiday Lighting: If you haven’t already, consider stringing fairy lights around the house, even in non-traditional places like the kitchen or bathroom to add some warm ambiance.
Put on a Simmer Pot: Simmer pots are a simple and effective way to make your home smell inviting and festive. Here are some ideas for holiday-themed simmer pots that you can make quickly:
Cinnamon & Orange: A few cinnamon sticks, orange slices, and a couple of cloves.
Cranberry & Pine: Cranberries, pine sprigs, and a dash of vanilla extract.
Spiced Apple Cider: Sliced apples, whole cloves, cinnamon sticks, and a bit of nutmeg.
Gingerbread Delight: A few slices of ginger, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and a dash of brown sugar.
Make sure that you are keeping an eye on the simmer pot to avoid burning, the simmer pot will steam off over time, it is important to make sure you are checking on it and refilling it with water as needed.
Last-Minute Deep Cleaning Tips
We’re a day before the holiday rush begins… Here’s a quick but effective cleaning routine that can make a huge difference in your home! Focusing on areas that often get overlooked, can make a big impact:
Entryway & Hallways: Sweep or vacuum the entryway, clean up any dust, and make sure the mats are clean to leave a good impression for guests.
Living Room Touch-Up: Wipe down coffee tables, fluff pillows, and tidy up any clutter. Don't forget to vacuum the rug or carpet.
Kitchen Prep: Wipe down countertops, organize the pantry, and clean the fridge if you're expecting guests or planning for big meals.
Bathroom Freshening: Quick scrub of sinks, wipe mirrors, change out hand towels with festive colors, and restock toilet paper and soap.
Prepare for Holiday Guests: If you're hosting, make sure the guest room is ready with fresh linens, a few extra toiletries (like soap, shampoo, and a toothbrush), and a comfortable spot for luggage.
Stock Up on Essentials: Check to see if you're running low on items like extra toilet paper, soap, and paper towels, and stock up before the holiday rush.
A woman is carrying a stack of folded knitted blankets. When was the last time you refreshed the linens available in your guest areas?
Have You Done a Safety Check for your Holiday Decor?
Now’s the perfect time to inspect your holiday lights and other decor for safety!
Lights: Test all your holiday lights to ensure they’re working, and check for frayed cords or damaged bulbs.
Fireplace Safety: Make sure your fireplace and chimney are clear of debris, and always keep a fire extinguisher nearby.
Candles: Keep candles away from any flammable materials, and consider flameless LED candles if you’re worried about fire risks.
A couple other Home Maintenance Mondays this month have included recommendations to have your Heating System checked up on. Change your filters/schedule yearly maintenance, etc. So, if you haven’t done it already, NOW is a good time! With colder weather coming, a simple check of your heating system can help prevent any surprises:
Change Furnace Filters: Ensure your furnace filters are clean to help your system run more efficiently and avoid any unexpected heating issues.
Schedule Yearly Furnace Maintenance: Call your preferred HVAC company to have your yearly heating system maintenance performed.
Space Heaters: If using space heaters, check for safety, clean out dust from vents, and ensure they’re positioned away from anything flammable.
Our next few days here in the northwest are forecast to be a LOT more wet than white though! If you see a break between the raindrops, it might be a good idea to make sure your downspouts are all in proper working order and get ahead of any blockages before the rain gets really serious over the next few days!
I hope everyone stays warm and dry and has some happy winter holidays!