5 Ways to Prep Your Home for the Holidays

The weather is shifting and the holidays are just around the corner. Between changing up your home decor, gathering your holiday decorations, deciding when to decorate, preparing for guests, and writing your shopping lists, there’s a ton to do! 

No matter where you stand on the “how soon is too soon to decorate” debate, it is never too soon to start prepping for the holidays!

Here are 5 tips on prepping your home for the upcoming holidays:

Clean & Declutter

The seasons are changing, and so should the vibe of your home (more on that below). But first things first, start with a fresh home. 

Get out your cleaning essentials and spend some time sprucing up your home. A clean, decluttered house is easier to manage when it’s time to swap out your everyday stuff for cozy seasonal items and decor. To make it easier and more efficient, create a room-by-room cleaning checklist. 

This is the time to remove any lingering “summer” decor or home essentials you may no longer need. Donate or discard any unnecessary items, and organize and store the essentials. Use labels so you can easily find your items when the spring and summer seasons roll back around.  

Plan & Decorate

The fun part! Even if you’re waiting until the holidays get closer, you can still get ahead. This part of prepping can be broken down into steps:

• Setting a theme: Your decorating journey begins with setting a theme that resonates with your personal style and the atmosphere you want to create. Whether it's a traditional, rustic, modern, or whimsical theme, your chosen motif will serve as the foundation for your holiday decor. And don’t forget a color scheme—Your color palette sets the tone for the entire space and ties everything together.
• Gathering your decorations: Assemble your holiday decorations well in advance. This is the time to unearth those cherished ornaments, wreaths, and lights. Don't forget the stockings, garlands, and the tree topper! If you're adding new pieces to your collection, be sure to explore holiday shops and craft stores for unique and inspiring finds. Your decorations are not just objects; they're sentimental pieces that bring your holiday memories to life.
• Deciding when to decorate: Ah, the great debate: “How soon is too soon to decorate?” Some say it's never too early to embrace the holiday spirit, while others prefer to wait until the holidays are in full swing.

There are plenty of benefits of early decorating, such as:

• Reduced stress
• Creative freedom
• Plenty of time to gather inspiration
• Extended joy

But of course, it’s all personal preference! Do what works for you!

Create a Cozy Ambiance

The changing weather calls for a cozy home. And small touches can really enhance your atmosphere. Here are some ideas if you need some inspiration:

• Lighting: Lighting plays a pivotal role in setting the mood for your home. For a cozy ambiance, think beyond the harsh glare of overhead lights. Soft, warm lighting from lamps, candles, and string lights can transform your space.
• Holiday Scents: The power of scent is extraordinary when it comes to creating a cozy holiday atmosphere. Infuse your home with seasonal scents like cinnamon, pine, and vanilla. Scented candles, essential oil diffusers, or simmering pots with spices and citrus peels can fill your home with the delightful fragrance of the holidays. 
• Cozy Seating & Relaxation Areas: Cozy seating and relaxation areas are where family and friends gather to unwind and create cherished memories. Create comfortable seating areas for gatherings. Throw in a few soft, plush blankets for optimal coziness. 
• Music & Entertainment: Music is the invisible thread that weaves through every holiday tradition. Create a playlist of your favorite holiday tunes. Additionally, don't forget to prepare some entertainment options. Whether it's a movie marathon, a board game night, or even a craft corner for the little ones, having activities ready keeps the atmosphere lively and engaging.

These elements work in harmony to create a warm, inviting, and enchanting environment. By incorporating these ideas into your holiday preparations, you'll ensure that your home becomes a cozy retreat for all who enter, fostering a sense of togetherness and celebration.

Plan & Prep for Guests

The joy of hosting also comes along with some stress. Prepare your home ahead of time so it’s ready for your guests and puts your mind at ease.

For the guest bedrooms, upgrade your bedding to resort-quality bed sheets. It’s best to choose sheets that can fit everyone’s needs—soft and comfortable, temperature-regulating, hypoallergenic, and easy to clean. That way, no matter who is visiting you, they’re sure to feel like they’re on a holiday vacation. (Luckily, Cosy House’s Luxury Bed Sheets checks all these boxes.)  

Don’t forget your guest bathrooms, too! Swap out your everyday towels for fresh, luxurious ones. Plush, soft towels can make your bathroom feel just like going to a spa in the comfort of your own home. Choose towels that are not only soft, but absorbent and quick-drying, too, so your guests can use them anytime they need them. (Again, luckily Cosy House has you covered here with our Luxury Towel Set.)

Having everything ready ahead of time also saves you from the madness that comes with the arrival of those unexpected guests.

Create a Wrapping Station

To minimize clutter and chaos, set up a designated space in your house for gift wrapping. This is especially helpful for that last-minute gift you forgot about. Choose a corner of your home, an unused table, or even an empty closet to store all of your supplies and give you enough room to wrap any size gift.

And stock up on those supplies—there’s nothing worse than realizing you ran out of tape mid-wrapping.

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From a stress-free and extended season of joy to the opportunity to get creative and innovative with your decor, starting early provides a host of advantages. These preparations aren't just about decking the halls; they're about setting the stage for unforgettable moments and heartwarming experiences.

And for those looking to add an extra layer of comfort and elegance to their holiday preparations, we invite you to explore Cosy House Collection. Discover a range of home essentials designed to enhance your holiday experience. From luxurious bedding and soft throws to all your cleaning essentials, Cosy House Collection has everything you need to make your home holiday-ready.

We've gone ahead & enclosed a 10% off coupon below for you to use if you'd like to take the plunge and try out our sheets for yourself! To shop our collection & get 10% OFF Use the code 'BLOG10' at checkout.

So, let the holiday preparations begin, and may your home be a beacon of cheer, warmth, and delight throughout the festive season. Here's to a truly memorable and magical holiday ahead!