The holidays are the most magical time of the year! And the most hectic, and stressful. The time between Thanksgiving and New Year’s goes so fast and will be over quickly.
It’s the perfect time to remove the excess by focusing on spaces where you will entertain. If you spend just 15 minutes a day on these 10 areas, you can tidy up and reduce the excess before Thanksgiving.
Dining room or kitchen table: This flat surface can easily become a dumping area for excess clutter. Clear off and put away everything from the table that doesn’t belong. Clean and polish the table and chairs. Add a tablecloth or place-mats and a beautiful centerpiece.
Tablecloths, table runners, linen napkins and doilies: Wash, dry clean and press table linens. Keep the table linens that are in good condition, and you will use. Toss stained, frayed and any that look tired. Short on storage space? Store holiday linens with the holiday decorations. Store cloth napkins in the kitchen so that you can use them daily. Not only will it save you money, but it is good for the environment.
Fine china, Silverware, and glassware: Wash and inspect dishes, and glassware for chips and wear. Polish silverware or clean if needed. Replace or add any pieces to finish your set for the number of guests that you will entertain.
Serving dishes, accessories and platters: Reduce the excess that you don’t use and won’t need including any pieces that are chipped.
Baking sheets, tins, and pans: Eliminate any pans that you don’t use, non-stick pans that are scratched and worn, pans without lids or loose handles.
Kitchen Gadgets and Utensils: Reduce broken, duplicates, and items that you no longer need and use. Donate any items that are in useable condition.
Spices, baking ingredients, canned goods coats. food. Toss all expired and donate any that are current and unwanted items.
Coat closet: Clear the coat closet of any unwanted coats, scarves, boots, gloves, and items that don’t belong that take up space that you will need for your guests. Be sure to add empty hangers for your quest.
Bathroom counters, under counter and closet: Tidy, clean, disinfect, and clear excess from the bathroom that your guest will use. Add clean fresh towels, empty the trash can, and fill the soap dispenser.
Entry, and hallway: This is the area your guest will see first and will make the most impact. Be sure to clean woodwork, flooring, remove dust, fingerprints, and cobwebs.
