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Effortless Holiday Hosting: Three Ways to Keep Your Home Guest-Ready + DIY Sparkly Leaf Garland

The holiday season is a magical time of year, filled with warmth, family, and gratitude. As Thanksgiving rapidly approaches, the excitement builds, but so does the anticipation of hosting loved ones. This year is particularly special in our home, as my son Dylan celebrates his 14th birthday right on Thanksgiving Day! This means we’re not just preparing for a traditional feast; we’re gearing up for a combined Thanksgiving dinner and birthday party, all rolled into one memorable day. And if that wasn’t enough to keep me on my toes, I’m also pregnant, adding another layer of joyful chaos to the mix!

The thought of extensive shopping, meticulous planning, delicious cooking, and festive decorating might seem daunting, but with a few smart strategies and the right tools, I’m confident we can create a welcoming atmosphere without feeling overwhelmed. My secret to maintaining a beautifully clean and guest-ready home, even during the busiest times, involves a consistent cleaning routine and reliable products like Scrubbing Bubbles® and Windex®, which I conveniently pick up at Walmart. These essentials help me ensure our home is always just 15 minutes away from being perfectly presentable.

Whether you’re hosting a grand Thanksgiving dinner, a cozy family gathering, or just preparing for unexpected drop-ins, having a guest-ready home can alleviate stress and allow you to truly enjoy the season. A guest-ready home isn’t about perfection; it’s about comfort, cleanliness, and a welcoming ambiance. It means knowing that your most frequented spaces are tidy, fresh, and inviting, leaving you more time to focus on what truly matters: making memories with your loved ones.

To help you navigate the busy holiday season with ease, I’m sharing my top three actionable tips for keeping the most important rooms in your house in tip-top shape. Additionally, I’ve included a step-by-step tutorial for a simple yet stunning DIY sparkly leaf garland, perfect for adding a touch of festive fall charm to your doors, mirrors, or mantles. Let’s get your home sparkling!

Three Ways to Keep Your Home Effortlessly Guest-Ready This Holiday Season

1. The Kitchen: The Heart of Holiday Hosting

The kitchen truly is the heart of any home, especially during the holidays. It’s where delicious meals are prepared, where family and friends gather to chat, and often where the most significant messes are made! For a large family like mine, keeping the kitchen pristine feels like a daily, never-ending endeavor. However, staying on top of a few key tasks can make all the difference, transforming a potential disaster zone into a welcoming hub.

Tackle Dishes Immediately: This is perhaps the golden rule of kitchen cleanliness. Letting dishes pile up can quickly make the entire space feel overwhelming and unhygienic. Whether you’re hand-washing or loading a dishwasher, making this a habit after every meal (or even after snack time!) will drastically improve your kitchen’s overall tidiness.
Wipe Down Surfaces Regularly: Countertops, stovetops, and sinks are high-traffic areas prone to spills and crumbs. A quick wipe-down with a damp cloth or a versatile cleaning spray after cooking or eating prevents grime from building up. This routine keeps surfaces looking clean and ready for impromptu food prep or casual conversations.
Maintain Sparkling Floors: With all the activity in the kitchen, floors can quickly accumulate dirt and crumbs. A daily sweep or quick vacuum, followed by a spot clean for any spills, will ensure your kitchen always looks its best. This is particularly important for guest safety and overall hygiene.
Quick Appliance Checks: Don’t forget the exterior of your appliances! A swift wipe of the refrigerator, microwave, and oven handles can remove fingerprints and smudges, contributing to an overall polished look.

By focusing on these regular, quick tasks, your kitchen will always be inviting, whether you’re serving a grand holiday feast or simply enjoying a quiet morning coffee.

2. The Bathroom: A Fresh Retreat for Every Guest

The bathroom is one of the most important rooms to keep sparkling, especially when guests are visiting. While I typically give my bathrooms a deep clean once a month, the busy holiday season calls for more frequent attention to ensure every guest feels comfortable and refreshed. My secret weapon for maintaining a pristine bathroom with minimal effort is Scrubbing Bubbles® Toilet Cleaning Gel. It’s incredibly easy to use and leaves behind an amazing, refreshing scent that instantly elevates the space.

Here’s my simple, stress-free bathroom refresh routine:

Weekly Toilet Freshness: Once a week, I grab my Scrubbing Bubbles® Toilet Cleaning Gel from Walmart’s cleaning aisle. I inject it discreetly into the sides of the toilet bowl. This continuous cleaning action helps prevent stains and keeps the bowl fresh between deeper cleans, ensuring no embarrassing surprises for guests.
Quick Surface Wipe-Downs: In just a few moments, I wipe down the counters, sink, and faucet. This removes water spots, toothpaste splatters, and general grime, instantly making the bathroom feel cleaner.
Mirror Sparkle: Don’t forget the mirror! A quick spray and wipe with Windex® can make a huge difference in the perceived cleanliness of the room.
Empty the Trash: A full trash can is an instant turn-off. Regularly emptying the bathroom trash ensures a fresh and tidy environment.
Stock the Essentials: Always make sure there’s enough toilet paper readily available. Consider a basket with extra towels, hand soap, and perhaps a small air freshener or reed diffuser to add a luxurious touch.

By following this routine, I can relax, knowing that if anyone decides to pop in unexpectedly, our bathrooms will be impeccably clean and inviting.

3. The Living Room: Your Welcoming Sanctuary

The living room is often the first space guests see and where much of the holiday mingling occurs. For me, it’s a particularly tricky room because it doubles as my workspace and where my younger son, Joseph, spends a lot of his time, which means it can quickly become a hub of activity and, inevitably, clutter. My strategy for keeping this high-traffic area guest-ready focuses on three main elements: simple seasonal decor, dust-free surfaces, and spotless reflective areas.

Minimalist Seasonal Decor: Instead of elaborate setups, I opt for simple, elegant seasonal decorations, like the DIY garland we’ll create below. These additions add warmth and festive cheer without adding to the clutter. Think cozy throw blankets, decorative pillows, and perhaps a few candles.
Conquer the Dust: Dust can accumulate quickly, especially on electronics and furniture. A regular dusting routine is key. I find that Windex® Original Glass Wipes, which I also stock up on at Walmart, are incredibly versatile. They’re perfect not just for mirrors and windows, but also for quickly wiping down my TV stand, picture frames, and glass tables. They leave a streak-free shine in less than 30 seconds, making quick clean-ups incredibly efficient. I keep a pack readily accessible in both the kitchen and living room for instant touch-ups.
Sparkling Mirrors and Glass: Mirrors and glass surfaces reflect light and make a room feel larger and brighter. Ensuring they are spotless is crucial. With Windex® wipes, it’s effortless to achieve a streak-free shine, instantly elevating the appearance of your living room.
Tidy Up Clutter: Before guests arrive, take a few minutes to gather stray items – remotes, magazines, toys – and place them in designated baskets or bins. A clear surface instantly makes a room feel calmer and more organized.
Freshen the Air: A pleasant aroma can significantly enhance a guest’s experience. Consider a subtle room spray or diffuser with a welcoming scent like cinnamon or vanilla.

By focusing on these areas, you can ensure your living room is a comfortable, inviting space where everyone can relax and enjoy the holiday festivities. Remember, a clean and clutter-free living room creates a sense of calm for both you and your guests.

Special Offer Alert! From now until November 1st, you can save $1 on any two Windex® products or any two Scrubbing Bubbles® products. Follow Windex® and Scrubbing Bubbles® on Facebook to stay informed about new products, exclusive savings, and holiday cleaning tips!

DIY Sparkly Leaf Garland: Adding Autumnal Charm to Your Home

Beyond cleaning, a touch of personal, festive decor can truly make your home feel special and guest-ready. This DIY sparkly leaf garland is a beautiful and simple project that brings the vibrant colors of autumn indoors. It’s perfect for Thanksgiving decor, adding a subtle sparkle and natural elegance to any space.

What You’ll Need:

Craft Leaves: Opt for high-quality artificial fall leaves. If you’re fortunate enough to have a backyard brimming with beautiful fallen leaves, I absolutely encourage you to use those! However, living in Florida, my natural leaf options aren’t always “craft-worthy,” so I rely on store-bought alternatives.
Glitter Spray Paint: Choose a color that complements your leaves and adds a festive shimmer. Gold, silver, or iridescent glitter spray paints work wonderfully.
Hole Puncher: A standard hole puncher will work perfectly for creating the attachment points for your ribbons.
Scissors: For cutting ribbons and making any necessary adjustments to your leaves.
Craft Glue: A quick-drying, strong craft glue or hot glue gun is ideal for securely layering your leaves.
Ribbons: Select thin ribbons in coordinating fall colors or natural tones. Think burlap, satin, or simple twine for a rustic touch. The length will depend on how long you want your garland to be and how many leaves you plan to hang.
Small Branches: I purchased mine at a craft store, but if you have access to a sturdy, attractive real branch, that would add an authentic touch. Ensure it’s clean and dry.

How To Create Your Sparkly Leaf Garland:

Step 1: Sparkle Up Your Leaves

Lay out all your craft leaves on a protected surface (like newspaper or a drop cloth) in a well-ventilated area, preferably outdoors. Evenly spray them with your chosen glitter spray paint. Apply a light, even coat to avoid clumping, and allow them to dry completely according to the spray paint instructions. You might want to apply a second light coat for extra sparkle, ensuring each layer dries fully.

Step 2: Punch the Hanging Holes

Once your leaves are dry and sparkling, carefully punch a single hole into the top center of each leaf. Ensure the hole is sturdy enough to hold the ribbon without tearing the leaf. Aim for consistency in placement so your garland hangs evenly.

Step 3: Attach the Ribbons

Cut your chosen ribbon into varying lengths, depending on the desired hanging effect for each leaf (some longer, some shorter, to create visual interest). Thread one end of a ribbon through the punched hole in a leaf. Bring the ends together and tie a tiny, tight knot at the back of the leaf to secure it. Trim any excess ribbon from the knot.

Step 4: Layer Your Leaves for Volume

To add depth and a fuller effect to your garland, layer smaller leaves onto larger ones. Place a small dot of craft glue just below the hole you punched on a larger leaf. Gently press a smaller, coordinating leaf on top, slightly overlapping to create a layered look. Hold in place for a few seconds until the glue sets. I typically use three layers for a beautiful, rich effect, but you can add more or fewer based on your preference.

Step 5: Assemble Your Garland

Continue to glue and layer your leaves, creating a collection of these beautiful hanging clusters. Once all your layered leaves are assembled and the glue is dry, tie the ribbons of these clusters onto your chosen branch. Space them out evenly or group them strategically for visual appeal. You can vary the ribbon lengths to create a dynamic, cascading effect. Allow the entire garland to dry completely for about 30 minutes to ensure all glued elements are secure. And just like that, you’re good to go!

Step 6: Display and Enjoy!

The sparkles on the leaves are subtle when hung up, offering a sophisticated shimmer, but up close, they are absolutely enchanting! Display your finished garland by setting the branch on top of a mirror, hanging it elegantly on your front door as a welcoming gesture, or simply adorning a blank wall. For an extra festive touch, consider lightly spraying your garland with a cinnamon or apple spice scent just before guests arrive – it will fill your home with wonderful holiday aromas.

Making Memories and Saving More This Holiday Season

Staying focused and organized is key to enjoying the holidays without the stress. With my simplified cleaning routine and this charming DIY project, I’m confident I can keep our house looking fantastic while still finding time for special moments, like capturing precious family photos. In fact, I’m planning to head to the Walmart Photo Center, where they offer $5 off when you purchase three qualifying SC Johnson products – a perfect way to save while preserving those cherished holiday memories!

Click here to read all the details on this fantastic photo offer and to learn how you can benefit from it. And don’t forget to visit ThanksGathering.com for an incredible chance to win a $1000 Rewards Card towards a trip home. Now that’s definitely something to be grateful for this Thanksgiving!

How do you keep your home ready and welcoming for the holidays? Share your best tips and tricks in the comments below!