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It’s that time of year where relatives and friends come gather for an overstuffed session of food, frivolity and friendship.  It’s a time for gathering together, experiencing big meals, gratitude, football, and fall foliage.  So, let’s start early in the month to get your home ready for company.

START WITH THE BATHROOMS

The bathrooms is the place where people go and instantly observe where clean and uncluttered resides.  Bathroom counters look more elegant and welcoming when they are clear with minimum appliances, soap dish or soap dispenser and some disposable hand towels.  Why disposable?  It’s a more sterile and courteous way to ensure your guests are using a fresh new towel every time.  Clean all surfaces including the mirrors for a sparkly shine.  Be sure all the light bulbs are working and that guest towels you do display are clean as a whistle.  Without saying, the toilet, sink and bath should be spotless.  Throw rugs or mats, washed and placed just right add a touch of comfort.  To warm up any bathroom décor add a bud vase with fresh flowers, orchids are lovely, or a candle ready for lighting.  Any cabinets, shelves, linens closets should be emptied and reorganized for best look and feel.

A WORD ABOUT AIR FRESHENERS

Air fresheners…they are packed with chemicals, so I always choose a natural (think essential oils) citrus air freshener.  Forget Febreeze, Glade and Airwick.  These companies use toxic chemicals and call it “fresh breeze”, or “mango munch”, or “rain shower fresh”.  Whatever names they use, the formulas can cause allergies and asthma and can be harmful to some pets.  The less you buy, the less you use, and the healthier your home environment will be.  Use essential oil diffusers, cinnamon sticks, soy or bee pollen candles, or incense as much healthier options.  Or, put a pot of water with cinnamon and cloves to simmer on the stove and your home will smell like Thanksgiving.

KITCHENS ARE THE HEARTBEAT OF THE HOME

Once you’ve got the bathrooms handled, why not give your kitchen pantry a go-through?  Find those nearly expired cans and use or donate them.  Do your big dinner shopping now, taking stock of your needs, and making room for all the fixins!  Having your pantry, your fridge/freezer and kitchen counters organized AHEAD of the holiday rush, will enable you to clean, organize, sort and shop with less pressure and less stress– and that’s good for celebrating the holidays.

DECORATE

Warm up your home with fall decorations and thanksgiving themes. Dedicate a special bin to hold these things year upon year.  I recommend clear bins with color tops and sharpie to label.  It’s definitely more fun to decorate when you have a good storage system.  Our family always went nuts with nuts…a fall harvest tradition and fun and healthy snacks for all. (We didn’t store these edible foods,) but nuts say HOLIDAY every time, around the house, kitchen, living room, and  family spaces.

Finally, you may ask yourself, “WHAT AM I GRATEFUL FOR?” This question can open you and your guests up to meaningful (and sometimes corny) conversations.  Putting you in a good frame of mind for all your guests.

This season, with the tensions easing (I hope) from the national election, let love shine through, let loved ones know they matter and let’s all be thankful for community, traditions, holidays together and our optimal health.  Health is wealth and with it, we have it all, without it, well, not so much.  BTW, I’m always thankful for new projects, helping clients overcome their design challenges, and making a house a home.  Thankful to Happy Herald for sharing my monthly columns with you, and thankful to my family & friends for their love, support and guidance.  Happy November!

Clear the Clutter…Clear the Mind ™