Home For The Holidays
Well, it’s the first time in 3 years that the borders are going to be fully open for Christmas. Many people will be looking to travel overseas at this time but there will also be many people choosing to stay home to celebrate. Here’s a few tips on how you can prepare your home for entertaining over the holiday period.
While you may not be travelling interstate or overseas, you may have visitors coming to stay instead. Making sure your guests feel welcome and comfortable will relieve any stress that they may feel on coming into ‘your space’. If you have a guest bedroom with ensuite, your guests will have their own dedicated space to sleep, get themselves ready and also escape for that much needed afternoon nap. If you are more pressed for space, you may need to resort to using a fold out couch, air mattress or even commandeering one of the kids’ bedrooms. All of these options are fine if you make sure that they are not in high traffic areas and that overly personal effects are put away for the duration of the stay … privacy is important for everyone.
Hosting an event at your place? There’s always the great Australian tradition of ‘bring a plate’. Make sure that you have cleared off the bench space in the kitchen to set out all of the yummy dishes for your guests to serve themselves. It’s also a good time to check that you have enough serving utensils! With this casual style of dining, guests can be seated at the dining table, alfresco, on the couch or even on rugs and cushions. If you are opting for a more formal meal, timing is key. Pre-preparing as many aspects of the meal will mean you get more time to spend with your guests. Holiday themed table decorations also help to set the mood.
If you are travelling for the holidays, security of our home while you are away is key! Make sure that your home is locked up and valuables cannot be easily seen. This includes making sure that any delivery boxes from Christmas presents are disposed of and not left on the verge. You don’t need to advertise that there is a new kids bike in the garage! Consider setting timers for lights etc and enlisting trusted neighbours to put your bins out and collect your mail.
Whichever way you choose to spend our holidays, we wish you a safe, happy and fulfilling Christmas and New Year!
