Sprucing Up Your Home for the Holiday Season
The holiday season is always a festive event in Filipino households. This is a time when relatives gather, overseas family members come home, and the kids are all in the house. In other words, it means holiday parties with house guests that spill out of the guest room and extra sleeping space outside of the bedroom.
As the holidays arrive, Filipino families need to do more than just redecorating their Christmas tree and other ornaments. Below are the tips to prepare your home.
How to prepare your home for the holidays
Have you ever found yourself in a time crunch with less than one hour to get your home ready before the holiday guests arrive? Surprise family visits are welcome, but they can be stressful, especially when you’re the type to deep clean before welcoming guests. Avoid cramming and start preparing early this year with these easy tips.
Liven up your living room.
The living room is where you receive your guests, so this space makes the first impression. Do away with the usual clutter and elevate the ambiance of this room by decorating your coffee or console table with seasonal trinkets. You may also try putting scented candles or a well-curated holiday-themed tray to add to the festive mood.
Complement the setup with creative flower arrangements featuring poinsettias and pinecones or colorful berries for an extra touch of holiday cheer.
If you want a completely new look, you may want to rejuvenate your living room walls with a fresh coat of paint. To keep the holiday vibe, accentuate your space with vibrant, festive colors such as warm reds or deep greens.
Keep your dining room festive
For Filipino families, food, and therefore, the dining table is the center of the holiday celebrations. Getting your dining room guest-ready for the holiday season starts with striking a balance between aesthetics and practicality.
Make sure you set an inviting ambiance in your dining table decorations, as well as your tableware and seasonal centerpieces.
Ensure safety of children
In some cases, you may also have family and guests with small children. Prepare your dining area by ensuring that high chairs are readily available and appropriately positioned. Keep your floors and children protected with slip and spill proof floor mats.
Needless to say, to have small children running around the entryway, halls, and literally your entire house invite potential hazards. So make this a salient part of your pre-holidays preparation projects so you’ll have a hassle free celebration.
If you plan on painting parts of your house, make sure to use the odorless, quick drying type of paint to ensure that the walls are dry at least a week before the kids arrive. Make sure that all spaces are dust free before these kids come over to spend Christmas with your family. Keep stuff that smaller children can choke on, breakable or hazardous. When planning and cooking your Noche Buena, consider meals that are appetizing and healthy for the kids.
Since you will have many people at the dining table at once, spills and accidents are more likely. For this season, you can opt for durable, easy-to-clean tablecloths and placemats. This will accommodate any accidental spills or messes, allowing both children and adults to enjoy the festive meal without worry.
Stock up your pantry
With extended families and friends coming over (and probably staying for a few days) during the holiday season, it is ideal to keep your pantry stocked. You can prepare by ensuring you have essential items for the kids and adults alike.
For instance, you can stock up on a variety of coffee beans, hot cocoa mixes, marshmallows, and other family favorites. This way, everyone can enjoy a cozy and indulgent treat during the chilly evenings.
Additionally, do not forget to replenish staple foods and ingredients for your holiday recipes early to avoid the long shopping lines during peak season. This includes your baking essentials, spices, and canned goods.
By doing this, you ensure that you have everything to whip up delightful seasonal dishes and treats for your guests and loved ones.
Declutter your bedrooms
As company arrives during the festive season, make your loved ones feel right at home by preparing the bedrooms for holiday hosting. Though there are no winter months in the Philippines, the northeast monsoon can still make everyone hide under warm blankets, so make sure each room has them.
Additionally, you would want to ensure that each bedroom has cozy bedding, extra blankets, and plush pillows. You may also add a personal touch by placing thoughtful amenities such as scented candles and seasonal decor.
Furthermore, you can also add a selection of holiday-themed books or magazines that embody the spirit of the holidays.
Lastly, consider adding festive touches like decorative throw pillows or holiday-inspired artwork to infuse each room with a touch of seasonal cheer.
Prepare your bathrooms
The holiday season often involves gatherings and festivities, which means that your bathroom might experience more frequent use than usual. By preparing your bathroom in advance, you can help prevent any last-minute stress and ensure that it remains in optimal condition throughout the holiday period.
Prepare your bathrooms and powder rooms by ensuring they are well-stocked and impeccably clean. Stock up on your favorite cleaning products to maintain a sparkling, fresh environment for your guests.
Make sure that you have an ample supply of toilet paper so you do not worry about running out during the festivities. Also, consider adding festive accents like scented candles, seasonal hand towels, and decorative soap dispensers.
All of these will create a welcoming and luxurious atmosphere, allowing your guests to indulge comfortably while enjoying the holiday spirit.
Clear the high-traffic areas
During the holiday season, several areas in the house tend to experience higher foot traffic due to various activities and gatherings. You can prepare for it by implementing practical strategies to maintain both the functionality and aesthetics of these areas:
Entryways
For your entryways and front door, you can place a small rug or mat that is easy to clean. Just ensure that they are durable enough to withstand heavy foot traffic while adding a touch of festive charm to your decor.
Living Room
In the living room, consider additional seating options, such as ottomans or benches, to accommodate the influx of guests. This way, you provide comfortable resting spots for brief respites.
Hallways and Corridors
For your dim hallways and corridors, you can enhance the ambiance with subtle lighting. You can use string lights or decorative lamps to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Implementing these thoughtful measures will not only maintain the visual appeal of your high-traffic areas but also ensure a smooth and enjoyable holiday experience for all your guests at home.
Create cozy entertainment spaces
One of the most common activities when friends and family gather during the holidays is TV shows and movie marathons. To prepare your entertainment area for the holidays, focus on creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere for socializing and relaxation.
Start by ensuring ample seating is available and arranging furniture for easy conversation and interaction. You may also opt for warm, ambient lighting and other decorative lamps for this space.
Aside from your entertainment system, you can equip the area with other entertainment options such as board games, gaming consoles, and other options to cater to various preferences.
Lastly, do not forget the seasonal decor, such as decorative pillows, throws, and subtle accents that reflect the spirit of the holidays.
Brighten up your entire home for the holidays with Camella
Preparing your entire home for the holiday season is essential as it helps create a warm and welcoming environment for both your family and guests. By taking the time to decorate and organize each space, you can set the tone for joyful celebrations and cherished moments with loved ones.
A well-prepared home not only enhances the overall holiday experience but also contributes to a stress-free and enjoyable atmosphere. This then allows you and your guests to fully immerse yourselves in the spirit of the season and create lasting memories that you will treasure for years to come.
Do you want to spruce up your home for the holidays? This season, buying a property in Camella grants you gifts as much as Php 150,000 in value to liven up your home. Reserve a lot-only property, non-ready for occupancy, or built-to-sell home to receive up to Php 100,000 worth of gift checks. Alternatively, you can get as much as Php 150,000 in appliances when you reserve a ready-for-occupancy home.
For more information, check out Camella’s promo page or browse your property options.
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