How is it that the holiday season seems to sneak up on us every year?  Do you find yourself wondering how could it be Thanksgiving already?  In the rush to get your house ready for the holidays it’s easy to end up feeling pretty overwhelmed. The trick is to get your home ready for guests without getting too stressed or breaking the bank.  We hope you enjoy these expert tips to get ready for another great holiday season.

Spruce up your decor

Perhaps you had grand plans to remodel a room this past summer but it just never happened.  One shortcut is to paint or wallpaper just one wall in a bold new color to add a fresh look.  If that’s still seems like too big a project then consider updating the room with new curtains, bedspreads, accent pillows, rugs, artwork or lighting and lampshades.  You will be surprised at the difference a new piece of decor can make for very little effort.  And the experts recommend that you choose colors that you already like by looking at your wardrobe for ideas.

Get organized

Toys can be a truly challenging item to corral this time of year especially when new toys add to the volume.  Get the kids involved by providing them each with a personalized storage bin or box of their own.  Enlist their help to pick up and store their toys each evening at bedtime. Designate a specific closet or area of their rooms as toy storage. With any luck this habit will make it easier to get ready for both planned and unexpected guests.  Now is also a good time to clean out and organize your entryway or coat closet.  Take out any items that could be stored elsewhere and set up a bin for winter boots to keep them out of the way too.

Be safe when you decorate

Holiday lights, candles, decorations and a fire in the fireplace bring a warm and welcoming feeling to any home.  Be sure to check all your lights and electric cords for signs of wear or fraying before you use them.  If it’s too long for you to remember when you bought a light string it’s best to replace it.  You might love candles but are concerned about safety of pets or small children.  One safer alternative is the wide variety of battery operated candles that have a beautiful natural flicker and glow.  And please take time to replace the batteries in your smoke or fire detectors.  It’s a small price to pay for your family’s safety. Ready? Set? Holidays!  Take time to enjoy the season and your family traditions. But most importantly stay safe and stress free this holiday season.