Brace yourself!  In just a few weeks, Aunt Margaret will come through the door lugging her photo album of pictures from her trip to Greece this summer.  Joe and Betsy will arrive in their new BMW.  Cathy will bring yet another unsuitable date.  Chad will be wearing holey jeans and a band T-shirt.  The twins, Cody and Cassie, will not stop singing the alphabet song the whole day.  And Mom will just be Mom. (Dad will find a quiet place to watch the game on TV.)

In spite of the stress of the holidays, you'll probably enjoy it anyway, though.  And you'll enjoy it more if you feel your home looks its best and you're ready to entertain.  So, this week, we've got a Pre-Holiday Spruce Up check list for you.  Don't wait until the last minute to get everything in order; instead, relax and enjoy the fun for once.

Even if you think the parties are going to be at other people's homes, you could be surprised when one has to be moved due to circumstances beyond everyone's control.  Go into the holidays with confidence, knowing you've got all the bases covered.

We're here to help as needed, and we hope to see you soon.

Jim Nixon,
The Cleaners

Spruce Up and Save Coupon

'T was the night before Thanksgiving and in the utility room, you were slaving and ironing the napkins and tablecloth....  It doesn't have to be that way.  Let us take care of it and take a load off your mind.  We'll launder and professionally press your table linens and take $5 off the order as our wish for your happy holiday meal.  
(Include the first page of this e-mail with your order. Offer expires Nov. 15, 2003.  Cannot be combined with other offers.)

Pre-Holiday Spruce Up Check List

The beginning of November is the best time to look over your home from top to bottom and make any adjustments for guest comfort and appeal.  Use our handy check list to get you started.

Outside:

• How's the landscaping look?  Need a trim? Do it yourself or call a yard work company.

•  How about some nice seasonal decorations around the door? If you already have decorations there, check them to be sure they look fresh and appealing, not left over from last year.
• • Ideas for Fall decorations
  • Ideas for Thanksgiving decorations
  • Ideas for Christmas decorations
  • Hanukkah decorations
  • Kwanzaa decorations

•  Everything safe and non-obstructive for guests?

• Take care of any visible home care items that need to be done -- or hire someone to do it for you.

Main Rooms:

• A fresh coat of paint does wonders for any room.  If your paint needs a "touch up" consider putting on an entire new coat so the "repairs" won't show.
  • Bob Vila on choosing paint colors
  • Lowe's computer program lets you try out colors before you ever get out a brush.
  • Decorative faux finishes -- you CAN do it.
  • Wall paper ideas -- from standard paper to wall murals.
  • DID YOU NOTICE the photo above? That's not a fireplace.  It's a wallpaper mural!  Just an idea, if you don't have logs toasting on the hearth.

• Think about the guests you will be entertaining.  Older and younger guests (either of which may not be steady on their feet) need unobstructed pathways from the door to the table.

• If you have knick-knacks, decide if you want to put them away for the holidays and replace with seasonal ones.  Also, keep in mind that little hands (or even just the press of an enthusiastic crowd) can lead to accidents. Put breakables out of reach, or replace with non-breakable items.

• Child-proofing is something you may not have had to think about in a while.  Electrical sockets, top-heavy items, and other hazards should be evaluated and dealt with.
  • Tips for childproofing your home. An interactive drawing of a home with potential hazards, and links to how to make them safer for children.

• How does the furniture look?  If it's seen better days and you aren't planning to replace it right now, consider having it professionally cleaned or get slip-covers.  Changing the colors of the furniture with pillows, blanket throws or slip-covers can change the look of your whole house.
  • Benefits of Slip Covers, and links for comparison shopping.

• What about the drapes? Every scent, cooking odor, dust grain and pollen cloud that passes through your home has the opportunity to take up housekeeping in your drapes.  If it's been a while, get them down and get them cleaned.

• Look up!  How's the ceiling look?  Need some paint?  Do light bulbs need replacing?
  • Energy-saving tips on lighting and other things from the Sierra Club.

• Look down!  How's the carpet?  Consider getting it cleaned, and don't skimp on the stain repellant.  If areas are worn or permanently stained, how about an area rug over it?

• Use your common "scents".  To make a warm, inviting atmosphere, get some candles in scents like vanilla or pumpkin spice or other cozy smells.  Put them up out of reach of curious little hands, and away from guests so they won't cause problems.

Bathrooms:

• Look over your guest towels and select the seasonal ones you plan to use.  Wash and hang them.

• People are afraid to use those pretty soaps!  Some decorative soaps are SO decorative that they never get used. If you display them, also have a pump bottle with liquid soap at the bowl, so guest have a choice.

• Provide a pump bottle of hand lotion, since winter is a dry time.

• Consider a gently-scented candle or plug-in scent dispenser for the bathroom.

• If the "guest bathroom" is not one you use often, check out the operation of the plumbing so a guest won't be embarrassed and have to tell you about a close encounter of the plumbing kind in the midst of your festive party.

Guest rooms:

• If guest are coming from far away and you don't have room to put them up, offer to book hotel rooms for them that are nearby.  Ask them the price range they are comfortable with, and draw up clear maps between the hotel to your home.
• Orbitz.com
• Expedia.com
• Travelocity.com
• Hotels.com
   
• If guest are staying in your home, you want them to be comfortable.  Sleep for a night in the "guest" accommodations yourself, and make note of everything you had to leave the room to get, in order to sleep well.  Then add those items to the room. (Clock radio, extra pillows, good lighting for reading, facial tissue, etc.)
   
• If guests are staying more than one night, check over the book case or other reading materials you have on display.  Do you have something you know they would be interested in that you can pull out and make available?  They'll appreciate your thoughtfulness.
• Need books? No problem.  Order from Amazon or another website and have them delivered to your door.
   
• Even if the bed has not been slept in since the last guest, remove the blankets, quilts and linens.  Wash and dry the linens, and air the blankets and pillows just prior to the arrival of guests so they are fresh and comfortable.
   
• Have extra blankets and pillows available for guest comfort.
   
• Leave a cheery note in the guest room telling your guests you're so glad they're with you.  Often people feel awkward staying in someone else's home.  Your little note can put them at ease.

Surely you noticed there is nothing on the list pertaining to the turkey, the activities of the party day, or other items you first consider when you plan a gathering.  That's exactly the point.  These are the things you may not think of until it's too late.  Doing these ahead of time leaves you free to focus on the actual event and food preparation, and enjoy the day and the compliments sure to come your way.

Once the guests have gone and the table has been cleared, just bundle up the table linens and we'll make them beautiful again -- ready for the next party.