Shorewest Shares: How to Prepare For Thanksgiving Guests

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Thanksgiving is a little over two weeks away, and most families have already decided where they will be celebrating the special day. If you’re hosting Thanksgiving this year, not only do you have to cook, you also have to make sure your house is immaculate.

When you’re hosting guests, it’s important to create a welcoming environment that makes guests feel comfortable so they can enjoy the day. Shorewest shares: how you can prepare for your Thanksgiving guests:

1. Clean your front porch. Take away all unsightly objects and sweep. Clean your front door and door handle. First impressions are everything, including your guest’s view of our home from the curb.

1. Make the inside entryway pleasant. Pick up any personal items that are hanging outside your door, including shoes, papers, jackets, etc. Guests don’t want to feel cramped and in your personal space the moment they walk into the door. If you have an entry way or shelf, add a candle or fresh flowers to make the entry way smell wonderful.

1. Lighting. If your guests are arriving at night, make sure you turn on your outside lights. Change any light bulbs that are burned out inside your house. Avoid having dark corners, so it doesn’t feel dark and dreary.

1. The sniff test. You can’t discern the scent of your home because you are used to it already. But it’s important to make sure your house still smells good.

• *Clean your kitchen and bathroom thoroughly

• *Vacuum carpet

• *Dust furniture

• *Clean liter boxes and animal cages

• *Take out the trash

• *Wash everyone’s bedding

• *Give animals a bath

• *Light a candle

5. Prepare your guest bathroom. If you don’t have a “guest” bathroom, prepare what bathroom you will show to your guests.

• *Gather all personal items and put away. Put away toothbrushes and toothpaste, clothing and used towels.

• *Clean the bathroom.

• *If your guests are spending the night, leave out towels for them to use.

• *Leave out extra toilet paper.

• *Add a nice touch with holiday décor.

6. Bed and breakfast comfort. If your guests are spending the night, you can make them feel like they are staying at a Bed and Breakfast, even if your house is not “big” or “luxurious.”

• *Make sure you have fresh, clean sheets, pillows and blankets.

• *Clean out the guest’s room so it is neat and welcoming.

7. Communication is important. When guests first arrive, give them a tour of your home showing them where the bathrooms are, where their room is (if they’re spending the night) and where they can put their things. Also let them know what time the Thanksgiving meal will be served.

Remember, it’s not the house or the food that matters, it’s the people that do. As the Holiday Season approaches, it’s the family and friends in your life that make the celebration. Enjoy!

Inspired by our Melissa at The Inspired Room.

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