You know that exhausting moment on December 19^th when you crawl in from work after sitting in Christmas shopping mall traffic? And what to your wondering eyes should appear, but your neighbors, your husband’s golf buddy and your cousin Suzy–with six kids in tow! It’s the holidays–so spread some instant cheer with these tips to keep your home and kitchen holiday guest-ready at a moment’s notice.

 

In order to make it through the holidays without spending every day planning and preparing for guests, do these few things starting December 1^st. Yes, a little forethought and pre-planning will make the next 31 days much easier, I promise:

 

1. TIDY IN A SNAP

Keep the house clear of those pesky tree needles and stray mistletoe balls and invest in a cordless vacuum that you can keep charged and ready to pick up minor messes at a moment’s notice. Even the kids can manage it and help! 

 

2. INSTANT AMBIANCE WITH HOLIDAY SCENTS

Buy five candles in varying holiday scents at the start of the season; Something Fir Tree, something Winter Snow, something Cranberry, and scatter them in your common area rooms. Keep lighters close by and accessible so as soon as the doorbell rings unexpectedly, you can light and create a festive and non-smelly atmosphere right away! 

 

3. COOKIES ON DEMAND

If you are really ahead of the game: make cookies and freeze the dough in ready-made balls to quickly pop in the oven. Or, make sure you buy three or four rolls of pre-made dough in your favorite holiday flavor–peanut butter, sugar or gingerbread–to slice and bake with no muss or fuss! 

 

4. PUNCH UP YOUR DRINK GAME

Speaking of pre-planning: Keep on hand cans of frozen orange and lemon concentrate and brew up some tea by the gallon. This, too, can be kept frozen. Guests coming? Mix all that and add some fresh cranberries or sprigs of basil for color to make a fabulous Tea Punch! This is also a great mixer for champagne or vodka if you need to pligh your guests with holiday “spirits.” It’s also a good idea, especially if you know you will entertain throughout the holidays or will have a party or two to attend yourself, to just go ahead and buy a case of wine. Mix red, white and champagne and you are ready to serve or take a bottle as a hostess gift at any moment!

 

5. GIFTS ON THE FLY

Speaking of hostess gifts: Buy five to ten unique ornaments and get small gift bags, tissue paper and cards. Wrap them in advance and have them ready in the closet. Co-worker got you something, and you never even considered getting her a gift? Voila–there you go! 

 

 

6. PARTYWARE AT THE READY

Buy holiday or festive cocktail napkins, plates and cups and keep them tucked away for that moment when you haven’t run the dishwasher in over a week. If you are lucky enough to have crystal or glass wine glasses, go ahead and pull that stuff out! And maybe think about polishing the silver at the beginning of November. Those trays and serving pieces can come in handy –and make you uber Martha Stewart looking– for at least four months before they need to be polished again!

 

7. THE ULTIMATE CHEESE TRAY HACK

And lastly, and really a year-round trick of the trade of hostessing: Buy mixed nuts, multi-packs of crackers and keep hard cheeses and/or brie or specialty cheese on hand at all times. Add some olives, grapes, jam or other favorite crudité and presto! You’ll have a ready-made and seemingly fancy and well-thought-out party tray. Especially if you serve it on a silver platter!

 

So, as the holiday whirlwind sweeps through your home, remember that a little preparation goes a long way in keeping the chaos merry and bright. With these quick tricks and thoughtful touches, you’ll not only survive the season but dazzle your guests with ease. When the doorbell rings and unexpected visitors step inside, you’ll be ready—with cookies in the oven, a drink in their hand, and a festive glow all around. Cheers to making holiday magic happen with less stress and more joy!