Though many of us are still working our way through a pile of Halloween candy, Thanksgiving will soon be here. The holiday comes earlier than usual this year, which means less time to prepare. If you want to make this your best holiday season ever, the time to prepare is now. Here are some helpful ideas to get you and your house ready for the holiday festivities, and the guests that come with them.
Quick Guest Room Updates
If you’ve been planning a redecoration of your guest room or eying some cozy new sheets, you have the perfect excuse to spruce up your home. Get it done now, to save time and stress as Thanksgiving gets closer. Some simple strategies for a welcoming, contemporary guest room include:
- Invest in new throw pillows. They can make even the smallest beds look expansive and welcoming.
- Get a new pair of towels and sheets. Great linens are inviting.
- Clear out the clutter. Stacks of books or papers in the corner of a room you don’t use waste space and create chaos. Take some time to get organized now.
- Try a new window treatment. New curtains or blinds can open up a room and breathe new life into old décor.
- Get cleaning. There’s nothing like a good deep clean to make your home feel new.
- Add some flowers. A small bouquet in every room, a cute succulent arrangement, and an orchid or two can make your house look like something from HGTV.
Turn Decor into a Fun Family Project
Decorating for the holiday season doesn’t have to be a chore. Instead, make DIY décor into a fun family project that gets everyone into the spirit of the season. Some simple crafts your entire family might love include:
- Decorating a Thanksgiving succulent pumpkin. Click here for more details.
- Making a few gingerbread houses, the sizes and types are endless, see here
- Doing a few holiday-inspired crafts every weekend until Thanksgiving. Oriental Trading has great, affordable options that are friendly to even the littlest hands.
Pick Transitional Decorations
Among people who celebrate the holiday, opinions on when to decorate for Christmas are decidedly mixed. Some break out the sleighs and lights right after Halloween. Others have a strict “No Christmas until after Thanksgiving” rule. If you fall into the latter camp, you can save time by selecting transitional décor that’s perfect for Christmas and Thanksgiving. Consider the following options:
- Flocked pine cones and deep-hued flowers are perfect for both holidays.
- Displaying poinsettias around the house will create a luscious Thanksgiving backdrop that lasts past Christmas.
- A winter-themed welcome mat has more staying power than turkeys and Santas.
- Check out some of these great ideas from BHG
Now is also a great time to begin staging your Christmas décor. Head up to the attic to see what you have. Then make a list of what you need, clean everything that’s still in storage, and get ready for your big post-Thanksgiving decorating day.
Already in the holiday spirit? Rest easy. There’s no shame in decorating for Christmas now. In fact, it’s a great way to set a festive tone for your guests. So do what makes you happy—not what some arbitrary rule tells you, you have to do.
Make Holiday Food Easy
Cooking is a part of most people’s holiday traditions. That doesn’t mean you have to give up your entire day to slave over a hot stove. Try pre-preparing as much as you can—here is a helpful list from Food Network. And if cooking isn’t your thing? You’re not obligated to cook at all. Meal catering can revolutionize your holiday, offering delicious food for zero effort. Give Thumbtack a try to book the caterer that fits your specific needs. After all, what matters most is quality time with loved ones.
Perhaps most importantly of all, take time to enjoy the small moments in your beautiful MorningStar home. Sit back and relax. Watch the beauty that surrounds you. A little mindfulness can make this holiday season the best ever, for you and your guests.