Once autumn comes around, the countdown to Christmas begins. There's so much to organise ahead of time and Christmas presents usually taking the focus as 54% of Brits begin shopping for gifts before December rolls around.
However, the home is just as important to organise ahead of the festive period as it becomes the hub of the holiday season. That’s why you'll want to get your home prepared ahead of the big day, so you're ready for all the hosting, eating and gift-giving.
If you're not sure how to get your home ready for Christmas ahead of time, this guide can help. We've put together all the important features of the home that need your attention, so read on to learn how to prepare for the festive season.
Decorate your main spaces
It doesn't get more Christmassy than bringing some festive spirit to your home and you should always start with the main spaces. These are the areas that guests tend to spend the most time in, so you'll want to make sure you're spreading the Christmas cheer in these rooms more than anywhere else.
Some Christmas design ideas for the main areas of your home include laying tinsel along your mantelpiece, placing a Christmas-themed cloth on your table or wrapping festive lights around your staircase. And don't forget a Christmas tree! Glistening with lights and baubles to create a festive centrepiece for the home.
Focus on decluttering and storage
Your belongings may well double during the winter period with new toys for the kids and fresh outfits for all the Christmas events you may be attending. This makes it more important to declutter early, so your home is ready for the influx of new items. Plus, decluttering is known to be great for mental health, so it could give your mindset a boost ahead of the hectic festive period.
A great storage idea for your living room or bedrooms is fitted living furniture that can hold toys and just about anything else you need to keep out of sight. This lets you keep clutter under control and give each family member's Christmas presents a home.
Stock the cupboards
Christmas is a time for eating what you want, when you want, which makes stocking your cupboards essential. Write a list of your family's favourite snacks and head to your local supermarket for a big shopping spree to ensure you won't run out when everyone gets peckish. This should help you avoid any last-minute, budget-busting food shopping and mean you’re ready to entertain at a moment’s notice.
P.S. Don't forget to buy enough mince pies and carrots for Santa and all of his reindeer - not just Rudolph!
Create a wrapping station
Wrapping gifts can feel tedious but designating a set space can make the process easier and speed it up. Your wrapping station could be anything from a desk in your home office or a tabletop in your living room with the only real requirement being a large, flat surface.
When you have all your wrapping supplies in one space, it prevents clutter from building up around other areas of your home and may stop you from pulling your hair out when you lose the Sellotape… again.
Clean high-traffic areas
Just because it's Christmas, it doesn't mean you're no longer house-proud, so you'll want to keep your home in tip-top condition for all the guests that may pop round during the holiday season. Focus on cleaning your main entertaining areas like the kitchen or living room and don't forget to keep toilets and bathrooms sparkling to make sure your cleanliness standards remain high.
If you're having overnight guests, your spare bedrooms will need to be prepared too. Do this by washing the bed sheets ahead of their visit and having clean towels ready for them to freshen up after a fun night of festivities.
Book a design visit
Now you know how to get your home ready for Christmas, it's time to take action. Put all your decorations up, fill your snack cupboards and book a free design visit with Hammonds to add toy storage furniture to your living room or bedrooms in preparation for Christmas Day.
