It's the most overwhelming time of the year. Hosting seemed like a good idea when it came up in September, yet many of us find ourselves scrambling to tidy up and prepare for the influx of family and friends. With all the hustle and bustle, don't forget to focus on your housekeeping strategies this holiday season. From decluttering tactics to smart cleaning hacks, we connected with Brian Petranick, Group President, Neighborly Repair Brands to help homeowners narrow down the most necessary chores.

• Get out the glass cleaner. A clean home starts with sparkling glass surfaces (believe me, they'll only notice if it's *not* clean). Windows, glass doors, and mirrors that are free from smudges and streaks can brighten up any room. Use a high-quality, streak-free glass cleaner so these surfaces look their best. Don’t forget to clean both the inside and outside of your windows as well as the screens, at least the ones you can reach. This allows more natural light to filter in during the shorter winter days, creating a warmer and more inviting atmosphere.
• Improve your kitchen storage. The holidays are a time of gathering and feasting, so an organized kitchen can make entertaining stress-free. Consider installing custom glide-out shelves in your cabinets to maximize storage space. These shelves make it easy to access holiday dinnerware, cookware, and serving dishes without rummaging through cluttered spaces. Take the time to organize your pantry too, sorting spices, baking supplies, and ingredients.
• Finish up your lawn care routine. Before winter settles in, give your lawn some final attention. Rake up fallen leaves to prevent them from smothering the grass or fostering mold growth. A final mow will keep your lawn looking neat for holiday gatherings. These simple steps not only improve curb appeal but also promote the health of your grass as it goes dormant for the season.
• Prepare your yard for festive lighting. Holiday lights can transform your home’s exterior into a magical, welcoming space. For safety and convenience, consider hiring professionals to install your holiday lights. They can handle the complexities of hanging lights securely so your home is beautifully lit for the season while eliminating risks associated with ladders and electrical work.

• Clean those drains! Holiday cooking and entertaining can put a strain on your plumbing. To avoid clogged drains or a garbage disposal mishap during a holiday gathering, schedule a professional drain cleaning. On septic? Have the tank emptied if it's been a few years. This proactive step helps protect your plumbing system when it's forced to handle the extra load. While you're at it, make sure the bathroom sinks have soap and fresh towels, and clear off the junk from your bathroom counters.
• Winterize your outdoor plumbing. Protecting outdoor faucets and hoses from freezing temperatures is essential. Disconnect and store hoses, and install insulated covers on outdoor faucets to prevent costly pipe bursts. Proper winterization now can save you from expensive repairs later.
• Clean your dryer vents. With extra laundry during the holidays, make sure your dryer operates safely and efficiently. Cleaning the dryer vents reduces drying time and eliminates the risk of a fire caused by lint buildup.
• Get your HVAC serviced. A cozy home is a must for holiday gatherings. Schedule an HVAC service so your heating system runs efficiently. Replacing air filters improves indoor air quality, keeping your guests comfortable and your home warm throughout the festivities.
• Clean the dishwasher. Your dishwasher will work overtime during the holidays. A thorough cleaning—paying attention to the filter, spray arms, and seals—helps it to operate at peak efficiency, handle the extra load, and prevent unpleasant odors from dampening the holiday spirit.

How can I keep my home smelling fresh during holiday gatherings?

Aside from deep cleaning areas prone to odors, setting up air fresheners a week ahead of time goes a long way. We've been using Azuna, a low-concentrate tea tree oil gel made in Buffalo, NY (Go Bills); I was gifted it, but I would also recommend it.

My other wintertime go-to is to simmer a pot of water with cinnamon sticks, cloves, and a few orange and lemon peels for a natural holiday scent.

Scented garbage bags also go a long way when you're trying to keep things fresh, especially if you don't routinely need to empty garbage every day.

Important Upgrades: 20+ Tips For Creating a Welcoming Guest Room

AKA how to win Host of the Year.

Read More

What’s the best way to prepare guest rooms for overnight visitors?

• Wash linens, fluff pillows, and vacuum the space.
• Provide fresh towels, toiletries, and extra blankets.
• Put new soaps and shampoo in the shower. For the holidays, take note of special scents. Native always has a great holiday collection with scents like Candy Cane and Holiday Cookie. Don’t steal back from your sister if it ends up packed in her luggage, it’s not worth the battle.
• Add small touches like a basket of snacks, a charging station, and some holiday decorations to make the space feel intentionally welcoming.

How can I avoid running out of the main supplies during holiday gatherings?

Take inventory of items like toilet paper, paper towels, dish soap, and trash bags, and stock up well ahead of time. Check the pantry for staples like flour, sugar, and spices used in holiday dishes. Having extras prevents last-minute trips to the store.