This post is sponsored by The Home Depot…
The holidays are fast approaching, and with them often comes house guests. I love having company stay at our home, especially when they know exactly how long to stay! 😉 My mother-in-law is the Hostesses with the Mostess! She has had more company over the years, than just about anyone else I know. One year we gave her a fun sign to honor her willingness to open her home to just about anyone…
“The art of hospitality is making others feel at home…when you wish they were.” … grin!
As wonderful as it is to be able to make guests feel at home….in OUR homes, there’s always that dreaded moment when you realize you are going to have to do a little (or a lot) of housecleaning. When you know you have company coming you tend to look at your home with fresh eyes. All of those little nooks and crannies and areas that you might neglect in you everyday cleaning, all of a sudden show their true colors….or true dirt!
Today, I’m sharing five places you won’t want to miss when cleaning your home to host your holiday guests and I’m showing off my new Hoover Air Cordless Vacuum. Yes, you read that right….CORDLESS VACUUM!
I love this small, but powerful cleaning machine! It has everything a full size vacuum should have, minus one…
notice what’s missing? Bear does….the cord! This makes vacuuming anywhere a breeze!
The first thing I noticed, aside from the missing cord, was the great rotation this vacuum has with it’s swivel technology.
It makes cleaning places like UNDER THE BED, super easy! Be sure to give a good vacuum under guest beds, especially if your guest’s bed ends up being one of your children’s beds! You never know what could be lurking under there. 😉
STAIRS get a lot of traffic, especially when you have company! You will want to give your staircases a good vacuum before guests arrive to cut down on dust and dirt being ground into carpets.
One of the places I HATE vacuuming the most is staircases. But, they are super easy when you don’t have to worry about a cord. With my corded vacuum cleaner I had to plug it in at the top of the stairs, would vacuum half way down, and then rush up to unplug it and then plug it in again into a downstairs location. Not anymore!
Don’t forget those VENTS in the ceiling! They are a dust and dirt magnet. This is an area that we often overlook, but there’s nothing worse than realizing your guest was laying in bed looking up at a dirty, dusty vent above their head. The Hoover’s rotating attachments make this job super easy!
After a summer of using CEILING FANS to cool down your home, they can become a covered in dust! Again, the rotating attachments of the Hoover Air Cordless Vacuum work wonders in this hard to reach area. With the full reach of a regular sized vacuum, it takes just minutes to get your ceiling fans clean!
And even though it’s not technically located in the house, you will want to transport your guests around in style, clean style. Having a cordless vacuum make VACUUMING OUT THE CAR a breeze!
Here’s just a few things I love about the Hoover Air Cordless Vacuum:
- It’s no just a wimpy little vacuum, but a full size cyclonic vacuum that will clean your whole home! With Two LithiumLife batteries, it provides 50 minutes of fade-free power and can clean 2,500 square feet of carpet and hard floors without losing suction!
- It’s WindTunnel 3 technology allows you to clean deep with THREE nozzle channels of suction to capture dirt, other vacuums rely on only one.
- The Air Cordless contains all of the technology you’d expect from any upright, just minus the cord! At a weight of only 9.9 pounds it’s easy to maneuver anywhere.
- No more worrying about if there’s an outlet close by, you can se the Hoover Air Cordless anywhere you need to clean!
And, here are some more great tips from some of my favorite bloggers, for hosting guests during the holidays!
“The holidays are such a fun time for entertaining. I love to leave special surprises throughout the house that make my guests feel welcome like leaving candles and festive hand towels in the bathrooms. I also love setting up a coffee and tea station that is readily available!”
Taryn, Design, Dining and Diapers
“Assess all the bedding in your guest rooms and make sure you have enough pillows, pillowcases, blankets, etc. for your guests to use. It’s also good to consider freshening up your sheets and replacing any old sheets or outdated bedding with new items if needed so your guests will feel comfortable!”
Megan, Megan Brooke Handmade
“Clean the spot/room that you think no one will look in, because…they will!”
Randi of Dukes and Duchesses
“Scented candles that smell like the holidays will make even a “lived in” home feel and look amazing!”
Bonnie of Uncommon Designs
Would you like a chance to win your own Hoover Air Cordless Vacuum, just in time for your holiday guests? If so you’re in luck! We are giving away ONE (valued at $299) Hoover Cordless Vacuum to a lucky friend here At The Picket Fence…here’s all you have to do to enter:
Good luck!
I like to do as much pre-cooking as I can so I can spend my time with the guests instead of working so much while they are here.
My favorite tip is to start prepping a week ahead of time. I make a schedule and do just a little each day 🙂
I will confess that I have a vacuuming obsession. I love the stripes in the carpet and the look of freshly vacuumed carpet. 🙂 Would love to have one of these to use on my stairs. The cord on my current vacuum is a trip hazard.
I make lists for the many things I have to do, and the time frame I need to do them in, so that everything will be as I like, when my guest arrive
I don’t waste time. You can get a ton done in just five minutes!
I write everything down in a planner that I want to do, when and things I will need to get it done. I check off when it is completed. Thinking ahead and not rushing helps me get organised.
Don’t leave everything for the last minute!
I like the tip to leave surprises for guests, especially if you know the types of items they like.
I like the scented candles idea and also candy dishes around the house.
Our family enjoys family homes — they will keep their home ready!!
My best tip for getting ready for guests is to put together gift baskets for the guest bedroom and bath. I like to fill them with books, snacks, and spa products.
this year I am not cooking and really don’t know what to do with myself.
Isn’t that what the night before and waking up to the smell of a turkey is
all about. I might have to make a little something just to keep the memories going.
Have never used a cordless vac.before . Would love to win one.
My Hoover is so old I can’t remember…lol It would be awesome to not have to keep unplugging it to move to next area – got my fingers crossed that I win!
Part of my getting ready for the holidays is going to have to include acquiring a vacuum cleaner. Buying a house with carpet, which I haven’t had for 25 years.
Every year a bunch of us girls do a cookie exchange. I freeze some and pull out as needed and this way have a big variety for everyone.
I get all my holiday meals done before anyone comes here and then I can visit with my family.
Place a small basket of extra toiletries in the guest bathroom in case they forgot something.
The vac,looks awesome! That is my least favorite chore! Anything to make it easier…..
I would LOVE to win this!
I love to bake. I love sharing good food with friends.
I think this would be a lifesaver in my home! Would love to win it.
This is such a great Hoover product!! Would love to see how it handles my five kids!!
Bake something so your house smells yummy!
I like to sleep in my guest room at least once a year to see if it needs any tweeking… surprising what you discover!
I enjoy having holiday guests, too, and making lists and “checking them twice” seems the best way for me to have things completed they way I prefer so that I can enjoy the times
with my family and other guests. Happy Thanksgiving to all.
Would love to win that Hoover vacuum! I would put to good use! Thanks for the fun giveaway and love your blog!
That would be a handy vac for a quick swipe of the main rooms when you have friends dropping by, when?, now? I have an Electrolux wand vac but it doesn’t work very well and never mind even trying your carpets. With one of those I could Hoover up dog hair in minutes, seconds….
Love your colourful carpet! Your room says” Happiness!”.
Wow! That looks fabulous. You are so right about stairs. The no cord would make them so much easier!!
Love it! What a great vacuum. It looks very versatile and I love that it’s cordless!
I have already cleaned the whole house from top to bottom, including the windows! Would love to have this Hoover! I, too like to see the stripes in the carpet after vacuuming! I also like to start prepping early and get as much of my cooking completed so that I spend less time in the kitchen. I always like to have things for the kiddos to do, such as frosting cookies or cupcakes, even helping to stir last minute dishes! They feel more involved and it helps make memories for all of us!
I like the scented candles so inviting and makes house smell wonderful. I also love to decorate.
You’ve reminded me of how many chores I have to finish before guests arrive this weekend. Must stop playing on the Internet and get some work done.
When I am cleaning in preparation for house guests, I always stand on a stool and take a look around. I always catch something I forgot to dust — it’s amazing what a different perspective reveals.
I love to have a clean and decorated house for guests. It’s the only thing I really enjoy showing off.
I like to light scented candles like gingerbread or something Christmasy.
Never knew this even existed. I love Hoover products!
I make lists, with due dates, to keep me on schedule. They are my lifeline! Thanks for the opportunity! 😉
I make to do lists and shopping lists for the holiday parties
I clean the house really good and make sure to have every ones favorite foods and drinks.
We have spa like robes in our guest room for our company!
My favorite tip is to wash the bed linens, shake them out, and make a tight and tidy guest bed! Open the guestroom windows and let the fresh air in!
Plan plan and plan some more! I make lists- of absolutely everything from food to toilet paper of the extras we will ever need for guests!
I put fresh flowers in the guest room!
My house may not be dusted but always vacuumed. I feel like my house is clean when vacuumed. I also like candles burning and twinkle lights, then relax with coffee and yummy creamers!
I love to make lots of diff.cookies,so I have a cookie party with friends.
Everyone in the house chips in to help get the house super clean and ready to go!
With three dogs the vacuum is always out. Would love to win a Cordless vacuum….wow!!! how easy would that be! even guests could vacuum 😉
I don’t really need to do much to get ready for the holidays and guests. My house is usually clean, so I don’t really need to do much to it. Other than that, I grocery shop and make sure that I have everything I need to make the meal(s) prior to the guests arriving.
Cleaning and getting some baking done the day before Thanksgiving!
When I’m getting ready for guests during the holidays I pop some cupcakes into the oven. Nothing speaks love to people like baked goods coming out of the oven right after they arrive!
Here is where I posted on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tammigirl/posts/10152887891843792
Putting vanilla in the oven makes a yummy smell!
I make sure there are extra hotel-like amenities in the guest bedroom and bathroom like bottles of water, mints, fresh clean towels and sheets!
My best tip for holiday quests is to start a month ahead of time so you are not rushed to get the house ready.
Keep things simple!
You had me at cordless. My fave tip for getting holiday ready is to make a few freezer breakfasts to serve when they’re over. Less time in the kitchen is always win-win!
My tip is to take your time and not worry so much!
This would give my aching back a real break without sacrificing thoroughness.
by getting things ready a week in advanced
Love love love cordless. Keep trying different brands but the dust bunnies keep coming back!
Sometimes it takes some serious planning, get the group together on days they can all help out and each tackle a room and get all cleaned really well.
great food and drinks
Planning the meals.
My getting Ready for Guests During the Holiday Tip is organize, preplan, clean, and make it cozy.
My Facebook Share is here: https://www.facebook.com/nicole.d.dziedzic/posts/891601167525252?pnref=story
I keep a running list of things I need to do in my planner
Vanessa I’ve been looking at vacuums without cords..I need one that I can just grab and do a quick clean up on dog hair! 🙂 And how did you make vacuuming so inspiring? All your photos made me want to clean 🙂 xo
that vac would be perfect for the car. i always get the cord stuck under one of the tires when I move to the do the other side of the car!
I need this vac. terribly! It looks awesome and the feature of not having a cord is really neat! You gave me some ideas with your pictres of ways to use your vacuum. Fans? Never thought of that!
Make sure your home smells clean and is clean.
I love to make my guests feel at home by leaving a basket of healthy snack and waters in their room. Just in case they get the late night munchies!
I LIKE TO HAVE ALL THE DECORATING DONE BEFORE MY GUESTS ARRIVE. I ALSO LEAVE DISPOSABLE CAMERAS FOR MY GUESTS TO SNAP PICTURES. I GET 2 SETS PRINTED 1 FOR ME AND 1 FOR THE GUEST.
I have never used a cordless vacuum. It looks so lightweight. I love your blog. Thank you for the giveaway.
Been searching for a cordless vac – beautiful dark hardwood floors and a yellow lab do not mix!!
I like to make what I can the night before, like dips, sweet potatoes, salads so all I have left is the main meal like the turkey and dressing the next day.
My tip would be to have all your meal plans and grocery shopping done. Make as much as you can ahead and freeze. Also prep as much as you can. That way when your guest are there you can enjoy yourself too 🙂
I turn on mind-numbing fast-paced techno and go into robot mode….. it is amazing how much I can get done!
Wow! What a fabulous giveaway! I would love to win this! It could replace my ancient ol Hoover. Here’s keeping my fingers crossed! This looks like it could do the job and in less time which is what I always need with working two jobs and precious time at home. Thank you! What a great Christmas present to ME!
Gotta have bathrooms spotless before guests arrive.
This vacuum would be great for quick cleanups during the holidays…What a great give-away!
Not hosting this year but that vacuum looks awesome!
OMGosh this couldn’t have been more timely – my vacuum died just the other day. This looks so easy to use!
Thanks so much for the give away!!! Before guests come over I like to light scented candles and wipe off the counters (Im a little OCD about them) a clean smelling home is a welcoming home!! Would love to win the cordless vac!
I would love to win this awesome cleaning machine! Thanks for the chance
I like hanging nice robes in thhttp://www.atthepicketfence.com/2014/11/getting-ready-holiday-guests-hooverand-giveaway.htmle guest bedrooms for them to use.
What a great offer. My vacuum just died, after purchasing another brand which scratched my hardwood floors I am now on a search for the perfect vacuum. Would love to have a new Hoover. Thanks for a great holiday offering.
We are in the market for a new vacuum. Had Oreck for years and loved it, but thinking of switching to Shark. However the cordless option does sound appealing.
I like to stock the guest bath with hotel soaps and shampoos along with bottled water. I put fresh flowers when I have them in my garden, and a scented candle.
JUST YESTERDAY, I emailed my husband and said ‘our vacuum SUCKS! Figuratively, not literally. It literally DOES NOT SUCK.’
I need this vacuum! 😉
I confess that my main getting ready for the holidays activity is vacuuming up all the dog hair!
My tip is to prepare as much of the food ahead time so that it only has to go in the oven on the day of…more time for spending with my family!
I NEED this vacuum cleaner!!
Start cooking and cleaning asap!
I was just thinking I was gonna have to add vacuum to my Christmas list…but I don’t wanna I want clothes, shoes instead! Sure would help to win this!
I like to put out extra blankets, towels, and a fresh bar of soap for our guests. I also like to leave a bottle of water in their room and, as mentioned in your post, make coffee & snacks easily accessible for folks to help themselves.
Great holiday giveaway!
Love the idea of a cordless vac!
I like to make sure my guests are as comfortable as I can! I stock their bathroom with everything homey, little toiletries, fresh towels, etc., and then I freshen up their bedroom with clean, fresh linens, decorations for the holiday that they are there to spend with us. Get all the shopping done, and plan activities! Just whatever I can do to enjoy spending time with family and friends!
Oh man. I’ve been looking at the cordless Dyson, but I like the price on this Hoover MUCH better! As for holiday parties, I just try to keep up with cleaning on a regular basis so it is never too overwhelming!
I would love this vacuum for all the pet hair that accumulates with a dog and a cat!!
I make a lot of lists!! It seems to be the only thing that keeps me sane!
My tip is to try and keep your house clean and organized throughout the whole holiday season. You will always have random visitors stopping by.
I do a lot of prep work the night before, then the rest in the a.m. After that is all done, it’s house cleaning time. I have a cat so it is quite the chore to get all of the cat hair out. This vacuum sounds like it does the perfect job to make it easier on me!
I love that a full charge gives you almost an hour of vacuuming; also, it’s great that the included filter can be rinsed and re-used!
I shared the giveaway on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/kissmykitty/posts/10154845252440527
We just barely moved into our first house so I haven’t ever had to worry about having guests stay at my house during the holidays. When we lived in a different state and would have guests stay with us I would make sure I cleaned the house spotless and had everything perfect. Also, stocked the cupboards with food!
I usually make a list – although it doesn’t always help keep me on track for guests.
I have 3 boys so keeping the house clean before guests arrive is usually done the day of!
I do as much prep work as possible. I also make sure I have enough beverages for everyone so that they don’t notice how long the food is taking.
My best tip would be to keep up with the house year round…so you aren’t overwhelmed with cleaning around the holidays. Have kids? Let them pitch in by cleaning baseboards, and dusting 🙂
Cooking in advance or having your party catered but miss the smells of a culinary kitchen? Boil your favorite aromatic herbs in a big pot of water on the stove top. The boiling water will humidify the air which can get dry this time of year, and permeate your home with the delicious aroma of vanilla bean, cinnamon stick, ginger root, whole all spice, cloves, rosemary…whatever you like.
List making, prebaking, and deep cleaning!!
This would make cleaning in our house so much better. Right now my husband handles most of the vacuuming and the stairs really aggravate him 🙂
I made sure my home bar is stocked with all the essentials…then I can hand a cocktail or drink of choice to my guests as soon as they arrive. I also make sure I have extra toiletries in the guest bathroom…toothbrushes, contact solution, razors, etc. Lastly, I light a candle in the guest room and leave a bottle (or two) of water on the nightstand.
I’m a list maker. Every detail gets written down. Feels good to check them off. I like to enjoy my guest without worrying about the things not done.
My vacuum cleaner is on its last leg. This might be a good replacement possibility.
Baking something sweet to make the house smell good.
The word cordless…got me. Oh how I would love to win this goodie.
Blessings,
Linda
I’m trying to get things cleaned and organized!
Clean, clean, clean… and clean some more!
i chop all veggies the night before the party
I try to make my house feel comfortable and inviting, I don’t’ want my guests to be afraid that they’ll mess something up and I want them to treat my house like their house!
demureprincess7(at)gmail(dot)com
This machine looks amazing! Can you please come do a demo in my home? Oh wait! If I win it I can do it myself! Thanks for the Hoover scoop.
We are having more company than usual this year!
So I made my list of things to do *each* day (starting with the day before company arrives and working backwards), getting long-term things done early (things that stay done).
Would love a new vacuum! Mine doesn’t work so well anymore!
My favorite tip is getting as much done ahead of time as possible. Get the house tidy early and then you will only have a few small things to do right before and you can focus on preparing the food.
Vacuuming is a priority around here with two dogs and two cats — I’d love to try the cordless vac!
I like planning a meal menu when hosting guests — however, this year, I’m off the hook! {insert happy dance}
PREP Ahead as in house tidy & plenty of food …
I make lots of lists and try my best to keep things clean! Thanks for the giveaway!!
Wash the guest room bedspread so it’s dust free and fluffy. I also place bath towels, hand towels, and washrags on their bed.
I make lists for everything!
My best advice would be to start early where you know you have plenty of time to have everything ready and cleaned up.
Relax remember you are supposed to enjoy your guests
do a little at a time. don’t stress out!
Clean, clean, clean is my tip, but I rarely have guests as we have a small house. We are usually traveling. Have a nice gift basket in the guest bedroom if you do have guests. My daughter does that for us and adds shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste and toothbrushes, almonds, chocolate, water and anything else she thinks we might need. I had to laugh because the first time she did this my hubby loaded up the goodies to bring home. So funny!!
I print holiday photos of family members at various ages (even rellies now gone) and add them to our walls and piano top!
Oh, wow! A cordless vacuum with attachments! I’m in love! I try to cook as much of the food in advance so that all I have to do is reheat so that I can visit with and enjoy my guests.
I make homemade granola, biscotti, and mini crustless quiche ahead of the guests arrival so there are things ready for breakfast during their stay.
My best tip is to plan everything out and give yourself lots of time to get everything done around the house. Of course, I never end up following my advice and am running around like a crazed person to get things done…but I work well under pressure!
Do meal planning in advance. Don’t leave anything till the last minute. Be ready and relaxed for your guests!
I’m not that good at getting everything ready. I just make sure there are plenty of places to sit, lots of food, and a working tv.
Fresh linens, fluffy towels, a basket of bathroom essentials, favorite coffee, tea and creamers, and a freshly scrubbed house. Then enjoy the guests!
Complete ALL cleaning tasks the day before guests arrive so you can complete other jobs the day guests are to arrive.
Start early,make a list a week or two before so you don’t feel rushed to clean and cook.
I start early and include family to help with the cleaning…one does the bathroom, one does the living-room etc.
Do as much cooking and prepping the day before.
I like to find out little things they like to make the visit special- fave coffee, wine, or snack.
I love to wash the floors (wood floors) with a bit of eucalyptus oil in the bucket….it really freshens up the house and makes it smell so wonderful.
Loving this giveaway! Thanks for the opportunity!
Start cleaning a week ahead and that way all you have to do is tidy up
Thank goodness for this technology! Amazing!
Making sure the sheets are fresh and the room smells nice.
thanks for another advertisement in my inbox. so disappointed.
Hi Annie, I’m sorry that this post was disappointing. We strive very hard to provide fun, practical and inspiring content on our blog. We also love a chance to give something away for free to our friends here on the blog. We were grateful that Hoover provided us with a chance to do that! We hope that you will continue to come over for our other content, keeping in mind that we provide all of it, both the everyday posts as well as the giveaways and product reviews, for free to our readers. 🙂 Blessings!
Bake something to make the house smell better!
Cordless? WOW! 🙂 My best holiday prep tip is this: relax! In the end, your guests will remember the great time with you and your family. Most will NOT remember what color your cloth napkins were, or if your bath towels truly matched your decor, etc. 🙂 Relax and enjoy! (After cleaning up of course!)
Do as much as you can the day before, from baking to chopping. The less you have to do the day guests arrive, the more thankful you’ll actually be!
I make a list of what needs to be done, and prepare 2 weeks ahead of time. I do a little everyday, so not to be too exhausted before my guests arrive.
Bake something so the house is warm and smells yummy.
TO help get ready for guests everyone pitches in, everyone is assigned a job to do so that everything is ready.
I love deep cleaning and making my house smell really good! I start preparing and cooking the food in the morning.
I clean every nook and cranny about the week prior to guests arrival. Then I only have minor keep up so there’s no last minute rushing around. I love to use wax melts to keep the house fresh and welcoming too.
Make To-Do lists and clean just one room, top to bottom everyday until guests arrive.
I like to make lists for when I’ll start cooking and preparing, and on which days I’ll clean a certain part of the house. Once I’ve made my plans, then it feels much less stressful.
I try to get up early each day to get one item of cleaning done before I have to go to work, that way I can spend time with my family in the evening.
Like the idea of a cordless vacuum.
It seems as though I am getting ready for guests no matter what the season is…I try to find recipes that I can make ahead and freeze…and when guests stop by, I have ready made appetizers to pop in the oven…
Love the idea of the cordless vacuum cleaner…
I have to chime in with yet another prep cooking tip! My best bet at having a lovely and stress free holiday! Start early and enjoy the season!
Light candles or bake cookies so the house smells wonderful.
Prepare as much as you can the day before, so all you have to do the day the company comes is pop everything in the oven. And let everyone help by bringing a dish to share.
I like to light my candles
Get the kids to help cook and clean.
I don’t wait, but start early and then I only have touch-ups and am fresh and relaxed and ready to have fun with my guests!
Lists! They are my life! I have lists for my lists! Lists help me to keep everything organized and planned and help me to not forget anything or worry about remembering.
my favorite tip is to get the whole family involved even the little ones!!! write down tasks spin the wheel and then pump up the music and knock it all out!!! the more people helping the faster it goes!
I have started the pre-holiday scrub! Cleaning LR, DR, Kitchen, and Bathroom down to the Baseboards. This way I can just give it the once-over before any guests arrive.
Surely could use this new vacuum cleaner! Our ancient one is so heavy and doesn’t pick up like it used to. We are older now and a lighter weight would be wonderful!
shared on fb!
I already did this, but you said I didn’t. Would love to have this vacuum cleaner
The week before guests arrive I divide all of my chores up for the week. I save vacuuming and dusting for last.
My tip is to start early and be prepared by having everything I need to clean on hand.
I simmer on my fireplace a pot of water with essentials oils cinnamon, clove , orange . To make more inviting and relaxing.
Talk about a handy giveaway!! This would be great
I love to make the house smell wonderful and inviting by placing scented candles, plug-in wallflowers, and spraying a holiday scented room spray throughout the house.
I love the fact it’s cordless. Your homes are beautiful and spotless.
My tip is to get the whole family involved.
Cordless and lightweight sound like a great combo! I’ve always had upright vacuums but recently invested in an expensive tank style to tackle the stairs. It works well but it’s so cumbersome to haul around: tank, hose, wand… This Hoover sounds like a much better (and less expensive)option!
Before The holidays I use totes to pack away unnecessary items. You may be in need of extra seating and things like big floor vases and anything just sitting around can be moved to another room or garage. Big potted plants or trees can go to a guest room or up stairs for a while.
I like the 2-in-1 Dusting and Crevice Tool. This makes getting those little dust bunnies and cobwebs in the corners much easier.
As vegetarians 364 days a year, the turkey is the centerpiece. Other families may make an event out of picking the Christmas trees..we make an event out of picking our turkey.
Two weeks before guests arrive, I write down what I need to do each day on my calendar. Usually, I start by removing clutter first, then clean the kitchen, bedroom, hallway, etc, and leaving vacuuming and mopping for the last two days.
Organization is key – I make a list and check it twice!
Always light a scented candle, especially around the holidays – smells of baking or pinecones can really add something extra to any get-together
Prepare the best you can..Get as much done before the big day!
Be prepared for more than who is invited so you have enough goodies to offer. Clean a day or two before guests arrive and welcome them with open arms 🙂
I know I would vacuum more if I didn’t have a cord to worry about! This Hoover sounds like just what I need!!!
I have bookmarked tip and tricks , check them two weeks before and make a new appropriate plan
The 1st thing I always do is make my to do list
Make a to do list of course!
I commission my family to help!
My tip is: don’t have guests during the holidays.
I do a quick clean, make some snacks, and put in a new scentsy bar!
Give each member of the family things to do to get ready for guests!
This would be perfect to have handy in the laundry room for quick kitchen clean ups
Make sure to leave plenty of time for cleaning and don’t wait for the last minute!
Fave tip would be to pre-plan and organize everything!
I do all my deep cleaning the week before, that way I just have to touch ups the week of Thanksgiving.
I don’t really have any great tips. I usually clean my house from top to bottom.. and always make sure they have clean sheets/linens!
Light candles and have snacks ready
Just relax with the guests to make them comfortable.
Candles, chocolates, and candies to keep guests happy.
Clean the room, new linen, towels, and warm blanket for the guests.
Remember to have clean wash cloths for guest
Clean a little every day, so it’s not so overwhelming!
Just in time for the holidays…..thanks for an AWESOME giveaway!!
Candles are my fave trick!
When I know that I am having guests arriving, I take two hours out of everyday for the week preceding their arrival to do my housecleaning and any other preparation so that it makes their arrival more exciting rather than overwhelming.
A feature I like with this vacuum is that it has Steerable Technology allows you to clean around furniture with ease.
Putting out fresh flowers. Even if it’s a $3 bundle from the grocery store, it automatically makes a room look more put together.
i prep ahead at least a week getting things ready for them #HooverCleanUp #giveaway
Something baking in the oven that smells up the house with homemade cooking. Brownies, cakes
I get out the fine china, have the carpets cleaned and clean up the guest bathroom.
prep as much as you can ahead of time & ask people to bring faverite dishes.We haven’t been able to buy anew sweeper for 15yrs. Love the idea of a cordless one!!!!! I was resently diagnosed with muscular dystrophy cordless wood be wonderful .I love your blog. found it from Heathers kitch. redo from a magazine. God bless &keep up the great insperations !!
Wipe down counters so everything looks sparkly.
Do as much cooking ahead of time as you can so that you will have time to spend with your guests. also clean anlittle everyday a week before the event tat way you dont “kill” yourself ding it all in 1 day
I invite my hubby to vacuum while I dust. Its clean in half the time!
Keep it simple, let others help. Try one new item. Use fresh cameras.
As you move from room to room look around in each space and pick up carry away anything that doesn’t belong. This way you aren’t making as many trips to put things away.
my tip is i start cleaning a week in advance so i have the whole house ready for the holiday
I start with one room at a time then save the kitchen for last
Organization is the best tip!
So handy!
I like to light scented candles. They give a warm glow and the scent can mask any troubling odor.
My best tip is to keep your holiday meal as simple as possible and don’t stress out over the little things.
I always try to style things on my shelves and tables in each room. It’s a small thing that makes the house look put together.
Lists are definitely my secret!!
1. Find out any allergies to food, pets.
2. Make an extra house key on a keychain, in case your guest want to site see your town.
3. Print a local Map with Local attractions, favorite restaurants, banks, etc…
4. A welcome gift basket with combs, deodorant, shampoo, toothbrushes, toothpaste, etc.(you don’t need to spend a lot, samples or dollar store work) Many airlines do not allow personal items on board, and many forget to pack the simple things.
When getting ready for guest, I like to make sure we have a good variety of refreshments and snacks on hand. I also make a toiletry basket for them, in case they need something.
I do all of my baking and most of my dinner prep work ahead of time. This saves me so much time the day they come!! It makes a huge difference!!
I would try to prepare anything that I can before hand and clean and have anything else done before the day of the holiday and it makes the day go by alot easier.
I get out all of our extra blankets, pillows, and sheets and make sure they’re clean, fluffed, and placed where they’re easy to get to. I always put extra pillows of various types, and extra blankets in guest rooms.
Sweeping and dusting the day before. Start cooking as soon as possible to avoid stress.
I have to make a list of to do’s theses days and I do as much pre preparation as possible.
Get the whole family involved with cleaning and preparations.
My favorite feature of this vacuum is the reusable Easy Rinse Filter. I like that a spare filter is also included.