Tips to Freshen Up Your Home for the Festive Season

If you’re planning to host friends and family in your home during the holidays, then there’s still time to make a few updates. While a complete renovation may not be possible, there are several simple spruce-ups that you can tackle in the coming weeks.

First and foremost, concentrate your efforts on the room your guests are likely to interact with, such as the bathrooms and guest bedrooms. If you’re only hosting dinner, consider where visitors are likely to congregate before, during, and after the meal. While everyone’s home and entertaining style is different, this may include the kitchen, living room, and formal dining area. Once you’ve determined what those main entertainment zones are, you can use the following tips to prepare your home for the holidays.

Wrap Up Any Unfinished Projects

Before the holidays arrive, you will want to finish up any unfinished projects. For instance, if you’re in the middle of redesigning your living room or remodeling your bathroom, think of ways to expedite the process. This will ensure that your guests can see the final results rather than a rough draft. While everyone can deal with bouts of procrastination, upcoming holidays may be just the motivation you need to tackle some lingering to-dos. If you’ve been wanting to wallpaper your bathroom or guest bedroom, it’s time to just go for it. Find a peel-and-stick wallpaper to ensure that it’s mess-free and will only take a day to finish up.

Rethink Your Entryway

Your entryway is one of the first things your guests will see, meaning it’s key to making a good first impression. It’s important to have a designated area for guests to take off their shoes, hang up jackets, and set down purses. A great way to spruce up the space is by adding a small rug, boot tray, bench, and storage baskets to your entry area. For coats, mount hooks along the wall if you have the space. If not, make some space in a hall closet. Once you’ve got the basics down, then it’s time to incorporate seasonal décor or fresh flowers to add a festive touch.

Time to Declutter

One of the tried-and-true ways to instantly make your home look more polished is by cleaning up excess clutter. It also helps to create a blank canvas so your seasonal décor can shine. If you’ve been meaning to get organized or declutter, then now is the time. Throw out, recycle, or donate any unwanted items. Then, put everything else in its rightful home. If you’re still struggling to find space for things, invest in a new organizing solution.

Revive Your Walls

You may not realize it, but a coat of paint is an affordable and impactful way to transform your home for the holidays. It’ll restore dull walls and give the space a brighter and cleaner look. For those who don’t have time to break out the brushes, then take the time to clean your walls to ensure they’re free of scuffs, stains, and dirt.

Tackle Problem Areas

While you may aim for your space to look pristine, nobody has a perfect home. There are problem areas in everyone’s home. For instance, it may be a tattered loveseat, a wobbly chair, or a too-small area rug. When you’re considering quick and easy solutions, it’s important to think about what makes you most unhappy with the space. Then, you can prioritize getting it repaired or replaced.

Update Lighting Inside & Outside

Lighting can have a major impact on how your home looks and feels. If you’re struggling to find ways to prepare your home for the holidays, start with lighting. Installing dimmer switches in the common area is a great way to not only update the space but also set the mood for entertaining guests. For exterior areas, adding a few outdoor sconces or lanterns will ensure that your home is more inviting. If you’re short on time, replacing any burnt-out or too-dim bulbs will give the space a brighter look.

Freshen Up the Guest Room

If your friends or family are staying over, then it’s important to spruce up the guest bedroom. Hang new curtains, add a shag area rug, or install a reading light to make the space feel like a “home away from home” for your guests. If you’re able to, upgrade pillows or a mattress to ensure your guests get a restful night’s sleep.

Reach Out to Our Local Hardware Store to Get Started

When you’re preparing your home for the holidays, you may need some supplies the get the job done right. Luckily, L.I. Hardware is here to help. Our local hardware store is proud to serve homeowners throughout Bohemia, Suffolk County, NY and the surrounding communities. Whether you’re in need of paint, lighting, or plumbing equipment, we’ve got you covered. If you’re interested in learning more, contact us or visit our local hardware store to see our selection for yourself!