How to Prepare Your Home for the Holiday Season

The holiday season is here! Bringing with it gatherings, cozy nights, and a bit of festive chaos! If you’re like me, you want your home to feel both inviting and festive, without all the stress. Over the past few years, I’ve learned a few tricks to get my home holiday-ready while keeping it fun, even with a playful cat like our Zoro prancing around!

Zoro, our adorable Norwegian Forest Cat and Himalayan mix, loves nothing more than getting into Amazon boxes, swatting at low hanging ornaments, and turning wrapping time into his own personal playground. He’s too funny and makes holiday home prep a bit of an obstacle course. Whether you’re preparing to entertain, or simply want a serene space for the season, here are some tips to make holiday prep feel festive and organized – even if you have a rambunctious pet getting into the mix of things!

1. Start with a Seasonal Deep Clean

The best way to get your home ready is to start with a thorough clean. Focus on high-traffic areas, especially if you’ll be having guests.

Declutter the Spaces You Use Most: Start with entryways, living areas, and the kitchen. Donate or store items that won’t add to the holiday vibe. For me, this also means keeping any cardboard boxes far from Zoro’s reach unless it’s playtime and I’m ready for him to dive right in!
Tackle Forgotten Spots: Dust your shelves, wipe down baseboards, and vacuum under furniture. Trust me, getting these areas tidy before the decorations go up makes a big difference.
Add Some Festive Scents: After cleaning, add a few seasonal scents. Cinnamon sticks, pine-scented candles, or even a simmer pot with citrus and cloves can make your home feel cozy and festive.

2. Create a Holiday Organization Station

Setting up a holiday “command center” can help keep you on top of holiday tasks and reduce stress.

Gift Wrapping Zone: Designate a small area for wrapping supplies—paper, tape, ribbons, and tags—so you can wrap gifts on the go. Our wrapping station has to be somewhat “Zoro-proof” since he thinks ribbons are his personal toys, so we have it in our downstairs office where we can shut the door.
Holiday Planning Calendar: Keep a small calendar or use a planner to mark down events, gift shopping lists, and any other holiday to-dos. This helps you stay organized and avoid last-minute scrambling.
A Catch-All Basket for Decor Items: If you’re switching out seasonal decor, use a basket for your usual items, so they don’t go missing until January.

3. Decorate with Function and Festivity in Mind

Adding holiday decor is one of the most enjoyable parts of preparing for the season. But a few practical touches can make things easier for daily living.

Start with a Base Color: Decide on a holiday color scheme to create a cohesive look. Then, pick key spots like the entryway, living room, and dining table to decorate.
Choose Pet-Friendly Decorations: If you have pets, avoid low-hanging tinsel and fragile ornaments. Zoro, in particular, thinks anything at his level is his to swat. To keep it simple, we decorate higher areas with delicate pieces and use plush or wooden ornaments on the lower branches.
Add Warm Textiles: A cozy throw blanket, festive pillows, and a textured rug can add instant warmth. Opt for machine-washable options if you have pets, as they can double as their personal cozy spots!

4. Prepare the Kitchen for Entertaining

The kitchen often becomes the hub during holiday gatherings, so make sure it’s guest-ready!

Clean Out the Fridge and Pantry: Make room for all the treats and leftovers that come with holiday cooking and baking.
Organize Serveware and Utensils: Bring out your serving dishes, platters, and utensils to check if anything needs a quick wash or polish. I like to keep our coffee and hot cocoa station organized, too, for a quick pick-me-up on chilly nights.
Set Up a Beverage Station: If you’re hosting, set up a simple drink station with festive mugs, glasses, and hot cocoa ingredients. It’s a welcoming touch and easy for guests to help themselves.

5. Brighten Up with Seasonal Lighting

Lighting can set the mood, especially during the dark, cozy winter months.

Add Twinkling Lights: String lights or fairy lights around doorways, mantels, and windows can create a magical effect.
Use Candles or Lanterns: Arrange a few candles or lanterns in common areas. Flameless options can be especially helpful if you have curious pets or young children.
Highlight Outdoor Spaces: Don’t forget outdoor lighting to welcome guests. From string lights on the porch to simple lanterns by the door, it’s an easy way to bring holiday cheer to the exterior of your home.

All Set for the Holidays!

With these simple steps, your home will be holiday-ready and filled with warmth and joy. Embrace the season and remember that it’s all about creating memories. Whether it’s decorating with family, watching your pets get into the holiday spirit, or simply relaxing with a hot drink, the holidays are a time to celebrate togetherness.

Ready to start your holiday prep? These tips should help you make it festive and fun, with a cozy atmosphere for everyone (including the furry members of the family).

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Emily Smith

Emily Smith, Editor of The Best of This Life, has been crafting lifestyle content and delicious recipes for over a decade. Featured on platforms like BRIT + CO, Today's Parent, and Chatelaine, she writes about family, food, home, and wellness, inspiring readers to live well and savour life's beauty. Based in Ottawa, she shares her adventures with her husband, two beautiful kids, and their mischievous cat, Zoro.