The holidays are coming on fast. And because so many things really must be done at the last minute, now is the time to take care of the things you can do ahead of time.
So here is a pre-holiday to-do checklist. To pop up detailed step-by-step instructions, point your cursor at the links.
Appliances
Having a major appliance fail during the holidays isn't the worst disaster that can befall you — but it's pretty close. So make sure they're ready for the extra effort.
1. Have your furnace checked.
2.Flush the sediment from your water heater, so Aunt Emelia doesn't run out of hot water halfway through her shower.
3. Why is it that the refrigerator suddenly turns gross right before your mother-in-law arrives? Spare yourself the raised eyebrow - give the refrigerator a good cleaning.
4. Clean your oven. If you use an oven cleaner, don't apply it to the gasket, which could damage the seal on the door. If your oven is self-cleaning, run the self-clean cycle at least a week before the first major holiday cooking event — if you don't remember how, check your owner's manual. If your baked goods tend to be overcooked, undercooked, or lopsided, check out our troubleshooting guides to figure out why.
Cleaning
Take care of the big jobs now and then just maintain until it's time for the last-minute pickup and polish.
1. Get rid of clutter.
2. Childproof, if children will visit. Cover unused electrical outlets, remove breakables from low places, and move all cleansers, cosmetics and household chemicals out of reach. To get a kid's-eye view of other temptations, crawl around the house.
3. Have carpets cleaned professionally. Or rent a cleaner and do it yourself. If the carpets get a lot of traffic, consider covering high-traffic areas with those 1960s-ish clear plastic runners until the holidays.
4. Clean mildew and soap scum from bathroom tiles. To prevent scum from returning, either squeegee the shower after each use or use a daily shower spray.
5. Wash the windows, inside and — weather permitting — outside. For streak-free windows, wash with water, squeegee it off and then polish with a lint-free microfiber cloth. For best results, don't clean windows when they are in direct sunlight.
Get Guest Basics
1. With a tall air mattress or a regular one set on a bed frame, guests can be just as comfortable as in a real bed. Let a new air mattress air out for a week or so to get rid of that vinyl smell. If you already have an air mattress, inflate it now to make sure it still holds air for several days. Make sure you have an inexpensive mattress pad and two sheet sets that fit the air mattress, so you don't have to run to the store for them at the last minute.
2. It's hard to feel at home if you have to put a suitcase on the bed every time you dress. Provide a table or folding suitcase stand at the very least, and closet space and drawers if possible. If you don't have room for a permanent chest of drawers, opt for an inexpensive mobile unit that you can wheel out for guests.
3. Cast a critical eye on your towel supply. If they're frayed and discolored, spring for new ones — finger towels if your guests are just coming for a meal and full towel sets if they're staying over.
While your mind is on the guest bathroom, add a basket with soap, shampoo, lotion, toothpaste, floss and other necessities. Just before guest arrive, put it somewhere in plain sight. And put the spare toilet paper where they'll know to look, such as under the sink or in a linen closet.
By getting the basic cleaning and preparation done now, you have a week or so left for decorating and shopping. All that's left is a quick cleaning the day before guests arrive.
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