Halloween is nearly here. Before you know it, Thanksgiving and Christmas will be on your doorstep, and so will throngs of guests. Until then, get ready for their arrival by working on bits of your home each week so you won’t be slammed with preparations at the last minute.

Here’s how you can start Prepping for hosting this Holiday season.

Touch Up The Guest Bedroom

Over the holidays, you might have some visitors stay the night at your place. Take the time to peruse your guest bedroom to see if anything is missing. You want your guests to feel refreshed and relaxed in your home!

Swap out the lightweight linens of summer for warmer bedding, and keep extra blankets readily available. Additionally, set out some essentials like bottled water, floss, toothpaste, and other toiletry items in case your guests forget to pack something.

Aside from toiletries, display a few delightful treats for your guests to use and admire, such as a stack of seasonal magazines and a vase filled with fresh autumnal plants.

Ensure The Bar Is Fully Stocked

The bar tends to be a place where guests gather and mingle during parties, so you’ll definitely want to make sure you’re not running low on supplies. Your bar setup should be simple, well-organized, and cater to various tastes.

Fill your bar with fun, festive garnishes and cute Fall-themed cocktail napkins. Have a selection of clean wine glasses accessible so you don’t have to hunt them down in the middle of a party.

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Add Cozy Touches

Make your space feel warm and inviting for your guests! One way to do so is to tweak your lighting. Instead of turning on the glaring overhead lights during the party, opt for a soft lamplit glow. If you have a fireplace, get a toasty fire going.

Place plenty of throw pillows in your living room area, along with a blanket draped over the back of your couch. And if you run a no-shoes household, consider providing comfy socks or slippers for everyone.

Pick Out Fall Decor

The way you style your table is important because it will be the focal point of your home and where people will spend a lot of time sitting.

If you don’t know where to start, the foundation of a simple yet beautiful fall tablescape includes seasonal foliage, pumpkins/gourds, a festive tablecloth, and candles in traditional fall scents. They’ll add another layer of coziness to your home.

Of course, you’ll also need to incorporate the classic fall colors.

Decorating the interior of your home is a no-brainer, but sometimes, people forget about the exterior. The outside of your home is what visitors will see when they first walk up, so make sure that it gives off a good first impression.

Keep the landscape looking neat, and decorate your porch with pumpkins, potted mums, or a fall wreath hanging on your front door.

Figure Out The Menu

Eating good food is the main highlight of the holidays, so it’s crucial that the meal is planned in advance. Waiting until the last minute to choose recipes and prepare ingredients can put too much stress on you and put the meal at risk of falling flat.

Before guests arrive, do as much prepping as you can–chopping vegetables, whipping up dips, and baking desserts. In this case, make-ahead appetizers will be your best friend.

Spruce Up Your Bathroom

Your guests will most certainly be using the bathroom, so ensure that it is free from grime and smells pleasant. Stock it with a large supply of hand towels, soap, and toilet paper. Lastly, consider adding decor and candles.

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