Hassle Free Holidays Home Sweet and Simple: Fix it and Stock Up!

                             Picture courtesy of Time Warp Wife Blog

This picture says it all!  Time to seize the day!  Now your kitchen is in shape as discussed in the first part of our series "Home Sweet and Simple" and the clutter gone,take inventory.
  
Fix it!

What has to absolutely be fixed before you entertain guests for the holidays?  Only consider the things that really have to be done now.  If it can wait, put that on your list for the new year.  

Consider your budget and time.  Will you do it yourself or hire help?  Think ahead and get going.  If you plan to do it yourself, you will need to schedule time to pick up supplies and time to fix the area of your home that you need to repair or update.  If you are going to hire help, make that call as soon as possible so that your professional help can schedule the time before the holidays to come to your home and repair or update what needs to be fixed. 

Stock Up! 

Kitchen:

Since you created an organized command center AKA kitchen, it is time to fill it with the basics that you will need for cooking and entertaining.  Make a list of what you need in the pantry, make a list of supplies you will need for baking and entertaining.  Fill your pantry with extra sugar, flour, chocolate chips, plastic wrap, snacks,etc... all the items you need so you don't have to run to the store often.  This alone will save you a lot of money (cuts down on last minute impulse buying) and precious time.



Bathroom: 

Got TP?  Be ready with plenty of toilet paper so you aren't caught without enough when the guest bathroom runs out.  Once your kitchen list is done, consider the bathroom.  Stock up on toilet paper, hand soap, body wash, shampoo, towels, toothpaste, etc...  Make sure each bathroom is well equipped to handle guests and family.  This will make them feel at home and welcome.  If you want, you could make individual small gift baskets or fill a clear cello bag with personal items that your guests might need.  Top it with a bow and it will be another reminder of how much you care about them.

Bedroom:

Blankets in good repair?  Sheets fresh and clean?  Stock the bedroom with enough bedding to make your guests feel comfortable.  An extra blanket at the end of the bed, will keep your family or guests warm at night if they get cold.  For an added touch, put bottled water in their room and replace it each day of their stay.  Just another reminder that you are glad to have them visit.

Fireplace:

If you plan to use your fireplace during the holidays, have a good supply of wood on hand so you have enough when you need it.  Once again look ahead to save you time to enjoy once the guests arrive or when you are spending time with your children.

Have the supplies for a s'more bar and have some fun games nearby when the time is right to "roast chestnuts by the fire" so to speak and you will be ready for some cozy fun by the fire.



Now you have your list, make that trip to the store.  You will have peace of mind to be able to enjoy the holidays!