The 7-Day Spruce Up: Get Ready for the Holidays

Welcome to the 7-Day Spruce Up: Get Ready for the Holidays!

The holiday season can be overwhelming. From hosting overnight guests to throwing holiday parties and making sure you have gifts for everyone you love, the to-do lists can start to build up.

Don’t worry, we’re here to help. With cleaning tricks for pre- and post-holiday parties, pro-approved decorating tips, and the latest holiday trends, we have everything you need to get holiday-ready.

Day 1: Start Organizing

Before any of the holiday joy gets underway, it’s a great idea to do some organizing so you know where everything is before the chaos ensues. Make sure your kitchen countertops and hallway closet are prepped and ready for cooking and visitors, and find out which products we recommend to really get things in top shape.

• 35 Styling Ideas for Organized Kitchen Counters
• 17 Tips for Organizing Your Coat Closet
• How to Organize a Living Room
• 14 Essentials Experts Need to Stay Organized During the Holidays
• The No-Fail Way to Keep Clothes From Falling to the Bottom of Your Closet 
• Maximize Your Cabinet Space With the Best Under-Sink Organizers

Day 2: Make a Clean Slate

Once you have everything organized, in its right place, and put away, it’s time to get cleaning. Tackle different rooms in stages, so things don’t get overwhelming, paying special attention to your pantry and living room. And get some tips from the pros too!

• How to Clean Your Bathroom in 5 Easy Steps
• How to Steam Clean a Couch
• Clean Out Your Pantry in 4 Simple Steps
• 7 Ways Pro Cleaners Get Ready for Guests Before the Holidays
• Considering The Switch to A Shark Vacuum? These 9 Models Are The Best
• Cleaning Up Before Guests is a Breeze With a Steam Mop
• Say Goodbye to Carpet Stain Worries: These 9 Removers Will Revive Any Rug

Day 3: Deck the Halls

Now is the time for the really fun part: decking the halls. Putting up all your holiday decorations is one of the best ways to feel ready for the holidays. Whether you prefer classic decor or are looking for new ideas inspired by the latest trends, try some of our favorite holiday decorating ideas and learn our secret sources for holiday decor.

• 60 Beautiful Thanksgiving Centerpiece Ideas to Top Off Your Table
• 7 Designer-Approved Holiday Decorating Trends to Try in Your Own Space
• How to Fluff a Christmas Tree So It Passes for a Real One
• 43 Rustic Christmas Tree Ideas That Are Full of Charm
• We Tested the Best Outdoor Christmas Lights for a Festive Glow
• Nothing Says Christmas Like a Festive Wreath on Your Front Door—Discover Our 20 Faves
• The Best Christmas Garlands To Add Holiday Cheer and Sparkle To Your Home

Day 4: Get Gifting

Gifting can be one of the most rewarding parts about the holidays, but it can also be one of the most overwhelming. Year after year, it can be difficult to know just what to get everyone on your list. So we’ve gathered some of our favorite gift baskets, board games, and even some gift ideas that go beyond small packages tied up with string.

• 13 Meaningful Gift Ideas That Go Beyond Items and Embrace Experiences
• 53 DIY Christmas Gift Ideas That Prove Homemade Gifts Are Always a Good Idea
• The 16 Best Tester-Approved Gift Baskets for Every Occasion
• 11 Kids’ Board Games Perfect for Toddlers to Teens
• Bring the Whole Family Together for Some Friendly Competition With These Family Games
• 30 Unique White Elephant Gifts That Will Delight Anyone

Day 5: Gear Up for Guests

Is your home ready for guests? We’ve gathered expert tips for faking a clean home for the impromptu guests, and the real estate secret to making your room feel festive and cozy. Hint: it’s all about using the right linens and lighting. 

• How to Fake Your Way to a Clean Home Before Guests Arrive
• 18 Tips to Make Your Guest Room Feel Like a Home
• Your Ultimate Playbook to Early Holiday Preparation, As Told by a Pro
• Snuggle Up With the 6 Best Down Comforters We’ve Tested
• Need New Sheets? We Found the Best Sets for All Kinds of Sleepers
• We’ve Tested 100+ Bath Towels—These 15 Outperformed the Rest

Day 6: Prep for Parties

Holiday parties can involve a lot of moving parts: food, decorations, gifts—but whatever your holiday party looks like, we have you covered with all the prep work. From setting the table to making sure your guests feel included, we have the tips and best expert-recommended products for you.

• 40 Christmas Tablescape Ideas for Festive Holiday Entertaining
• 13 Hanukkah Table Decor Ideas for a Festive Celebration
• 10 Thoughtful Ways to Throw an Inclusive Holiday Party, According to Experts
• The Best Cloth Napkins to Add to Your Table Spread
• The Best Flameless Candles to Add Instant Ambiance to Your Home
• Scent the Season with 20 Christmas Candles for Every Taste
• 11 Taper Candles That Will Make a Big Impression

Day 7: Clear Away the Aftermath

Once the holiday parties are over and the guests have gone, it’s time to clear away the aftermath. So roll up your sleeves, clean up after those guests, and make sure all your beloved holiday decorations are packed away safely until you do it all again next year.

• 5 Ways to Properly Store Christmas Lights
• How to Safely Store and Organize Holiday Decor
• 7 Expert-Approved Tips for Cleaning Up After Your Holiday Party
• The 14 Best Garage Storage Systems of 2023
• These 15 Vacuum Storage Bags Will Keep Your Out-of-Season Gear Totally Organized
• Keep Your Wreaths Looking Good Year After Year With This Simple Solution
• These Christmas Storage Solutions Make It So Much Easier To Deck The Halls