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7 Simple Steps to Prepare Your Home for Christmas

The holiday season is one of the busiest times of the year but it becomes more manageable with some early planning. Today, we share useful ideas on how to prepare your home for Christmas. From tidying up rooms to bringing out your christmas decorations, we’ve come up with the best 2020 Christmas preparation checklist to help you set a beautiful scene for the season’s festivities.

living room decorated with pre-lit Christmas foliage

When Should You Start Preparing for Christmas?

The best time to prepare for Christmas is as early as July. Many retailers have mid-year sales which makes it a great opportunity to shop for holiday decorations. Balsam Hill’s Christmas in July Sale is one of the best times to buy your artificial Christmas tree and décor at discounted prices. Shopping this early means you get to enjoy good deals on product offers as well as avoid stock-outs and delivery delays.


How to Prepare Your Home for Christmas

1. Clear Out the Clutter

Before you start decking the halls, set aside a day or two to declutter your home. Check rooms, shelves, and surfaces and put away the things you no longer use or want to display. Decluttering helps create more space for Christmas home décor and makes it easier for you to visualize your decorating plans.

living room with decorated christmas tree in a corner
Photo courtesy of Bliss at Home

2. Keep an Orderly Kitchen

Christmastime usually involves a lot of cooking and baking, and an organized kitchen helps keep things running smoothly. Make sure that essential kitchen tools, utensils, and cookware are thoroughly clean and within easy reach.

kitchen with christmas foliage on window

Check that your oven, stove, microwave, food processor, and dishwasher are in good working condition, and repair or replace any faulty appliance before you need to use it. Scan your fridge and dispose of stale or expired items to make room for freezer-friendly treats that you can make ahead of time.

3. Set Up the Celebration Space

We all know that this year will be a little different than Christmases past. While this may put a damper on your usual holiday traditions, you should still make the most out of the situation by preparing for Christmas 2020.

Whether it’s the living room, dining room, or den, choose a designated space for your holiday backdrop. Assess your area and find the perfect spot for your Christmas tree. Don’t hesitate to rearrange, replace, or remove furniture to give your seasonal centerpiece the space it deserves.

christmas tree set up beside mantel with wreath and garland

The mantel is often a focal point for Christmas décor. Prior to decorating, make sure your fireplace has been properly cleared of ash and soot. While a warm glow from a fire is great for the Yuletide season, it can often be a chore to monitor the fire constantly. Consider setting up a fireplace screen for added safety and an extra touch of style.

If you’re looking for more ways to dress up your home, you’ll find many Christmas preparation ideas and stunning inspiration from these elegant Christmas decorating themes.

4. Inspect Your Christmas Tree

Decorating Christmas trees are on top of every Christmas to-do list. Whether you plan to re-use your current artificial Christmas tree or buy a new one, it’s always a good idea to inspect it a few weeks before setting it up.

decorated pre-lit artificial christmas tree
Photo courtesy of Domestically Speaking

Look for loose branches or wires and make sure all the lights are working properly. Checking early gives you time to troubleshoot or request replacement parts. Do the same for your Christmas greenery such as wreaths, garlands, or swags.

christmas tree ornament
Photo courtesy of French Country Cottage

Examine your ornaments and other decorations to make sure they are complete and intact. Depending on your decorating theme, you may want to purchase new ornaments to add to your existing collection.

5. Be Ready to Entertain

While at home on Christmas Day, preparations are needed to make your celebrations extra special. Plan ahead on what dishes to serve as well as your table decorations. Stock up on everyone’s favorite snacks and holiday drinks.

Pay attention to the details that will make your set up beautiful and unique. Make sure to use suitable plates, cutlery, glasses, and even serving stands and bowls.

6. Make it Warm and Cozy

A cozy Christmas house provides welcome relief from the hectic holiday pace. Create a relaxing atmosphere with flameless candles. Arrange them on the mantel, coffee table, or any space you want to add a warm ambience.

Photo courtesy of Zevy Joy

For texture, drape a plush throw blanket over your couch or dress up your Christmas tree with a lush tree skirt. Decorate corners and walls to spread holiday cheer throughout your home.

7. Brighten your Exteriors

Make your entryways more festive with Christmas wreaths and decorations. Christmas house lights will do wonders to brighten outdoor spaces and prepare your home for Christmas.

Flank your front door with pre-lit topiaries and arrange lanterns on your porch steps. Wrap artificial garlands around posts and railings or the door frame.

Photo courtesy of Randi Garrett Design

If it snows in your area, make it safe for the family by clearing paths and walkways of snow and debris. Place a slip-resistant mat by the door to prevent slipping on wet floors.


We hope this post gave you ideas on how to prepare for Christmas. This year, avoid the last-minute holiday scramble so you get to enjoy what matters most—spending quality time with your loved ones.

For more useful home decorating advice and ideas, visit the Balsam Hill Resource Center today.

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