North Olmsted, Ohio... 'Tis the season for house guests! Nearly 99 million Americans are expected to travel at least 50 miles from home during the holiday season.* So, how do you ensure it's the most wonderful time of the year for guests and hosts, alike? Don't wait until the last minute to tidy up; instead, prepare your home with these five helpful tips.
Mudroom Makeover
1. It's the first place guests see when they step inside the house. But it's also where coats are strewn about, shoes are kicked off and winter gear is hung out to dry. Declutter the space with a row of hooks to hang your items and a bench to sit down and pull on boots. Donate coats you're no longer wearing; and temporarily store garments that aren't used as often in a vacuum sealed bag to make additional space for visitors' belongings. Or, simply buy an inexpensive coat rack that can be placed near the front door so visitors have a place to hang their outerwear when they arrive.
Gorgeous Guest Bathroom
2. The powder room and guest bath are perhaps the most heavily trafficked areas of the home during the holiday season. Before visitors arrive, make sure your space is both functional and stylish. An easy way to make a statement is by updating the bathroom faucet. Choosing one with a variety of configurations, like Moen's Wynford™ faucet, will allow a new piece to blend seamlessly with existing décor. It also features a high-arc design for easy hand washing. Plus, the faucets are kind to the environment as they conserve water with a reduced flow rate. Using less water is also good for your wallet, and who wouldn't want to save a little this time of year? To give overnight guests a truly spa-like experience, install a rainshower showerhead for exceptional water coverage.
3. Did your guests forget shampoo? No room for conditioner in their carry-on? Simply fill a glass container with essentials, such as travel-size bottles of shampoo, conditioner or lotion for visitors to easily grab and use. The Wynford suite from Moen also includes accessories like a shower basket that perfectly match the faucets and offer a stylish solution for organizing toiletries in the shower.
Hotel Hospitality
4. Be sure to thoroughly clean your guest room, especially in areas you might not pay attention to on a regular basis. Dust baseboards, drapes and window blinds and don't forget the headboard and footboard. A simple way to freshen up carpeting and rugs is sprinkling baking soda over the area. Wait 15 minutes and then vacuum. Homeowners can also make stale smells disappear with potpourri; make your own by placing holiday scents, such as cinnamon sticks or nutmeg in a bowl. Or, eliminate this step by hiring a professional cleaning crew -- think of it as an early holiday gift to yourself!
5. Ensure your guests get the VIP treatment by prepping bedrooms with crisp linens, cozy blankets and a plush mattress topper. Make it easy for them to acclimate to the unfamiliar space by adding a night light. Not only is it an easy way to keep visitors from falling in the middle of night, it also provides extra comfort for young ones who may not travel often. To make guests truly feel at home, provide a small basket of packaged treats, like granola bars and bottled water, at the bedside.
Having a plan will help make your holidays stress-free. Focus on improving these areas now, and you'll be able to enjoy the entertaining season just as much as your guests.
*According to a 2014 travel forecast by AAA