December is a synonym of colourful fairy lights, warm drinks, gingerbread man biscuits and family get-togethers. It’s my favourite time of the year, and even though things are a bit different due to everything going on, we can still enjoy the simple things with our loved ones.
One of the things I love to do the most this month is to decorate my home with my family and get it as cosy and welcoming as possible for Christmas guests. The table might not be as full with family members as it used to be in previous Christmases, however, as the BBC recently published three households can mix during Christmas, our closest family can still get together and the other family members will join us via video chat (oh, the wonders of the internet!).
Today, I’ve partnered up with the Handy Squad, handyman service in London, who have recently published a blog post about how to prepare your home for guests this Christmas, so they are here to share some of their tips and advice.
Declutter.
Forget about Spring cleaning, December is the best time to declutter and clean. After all, you’re already getting your home ready for your guests, so go one step further and have a Christmas clear-out to get rid of things you don’t use and/or don’t need. Plus, it’s a great time to give your unwanted goods to charity!
Winterproof.
The last thing you want on Christmas eve is to feel that your radiator is cold and that there are chilly draughts of air coming from the windows. So, start winter proofing your home. Good Housekeeping recommends 12 ways to winter proof your home, including, sealing gaps and cracks in your foundation walls, investing in a modern thermostat and adding insulation to reduce draughts as well as cutting on heating costs to winter proof your home. Don’t forget to bleed your radiators, here’s how by the Handy Squad if they are feeling cold at the top and warm at the bottom.
Home security
Although it may not be the first thing that springs in to mind at this time of year, a review of your home security should be a regular Winter task. There’s always an increase in burglaries during darker months and the festive period providing even more opportunities for thieves, so home security should be taken very seriously. Ensure all valuables are always out of sight and doors and windows are fully secure. If you’re ever in doubt about the quality of your door or window locks, call a professional, local locksmith such as SF Locksmith Barnsley. They can carry out a full audit of your existing locks and upgrade with high security anti-snap locks for reassurance and peace of mind.
Refresh.
Refresh, renovate and revamp your interiors to add some Christmas spirit in your home. Add a new coat of paint to your walls and start adding your Christmas decorations for some extra cheer and joy. If you need an extra pair of hands to help you move furniture around or install home Christmas lights, the Handy Squad are happy to help.
Plan.
Make sure everyone is entertained during the holidays by planning ahead some activities, games and films to watch. Country Living shared some of the best family Christmas games to play for the holidays – what are some of your favourite ones?
great tips, that cat on the radiator is hilarious