Be a Green, Clean, Non-Grinchy Holiday Machine

He’s making a list and checking it twice… and that’s why Santa is our MVP every December! We love a man that appreciates a good list and who is committed to the details, especially during the busiest, craziest, and happiest time of the year!   

Channelling those Santa vibes means that we want the best of both worlds come the holiday season: a beautiful home that is guest ready with minimal stress.

We admit, sometimes it feels like an impossible goal – but with things starting to open back up again and socializing back on the table, we’re committed to helping you make it happen!

Let’s go over a few tips to make sure your holidays are merry and bright instead of grisly and Grinch-like.

Channel Your Inner Santa – and Prepare!

The holidays are a yearlong event up at the North Pole… and while we don’t recommend taking it that far, there is something to be said about how pre-planning can make life a lot easier.

If you have guests arriving on a particular date, space the cleaning and cooking out so it takes place over a few days instead of trying to pack it in the day (or hours) before.

When it comes to meals, try to prepare what you can ahead of time. Many side dishes, casseroles, and desserts can be made in advance and placed in the freezer or fridge till the big day arrives. Save yourself the time and the frazzle of trying to balance entertaining guests with also preparing a six-course meal. Having guests bring dishes always sounds helpful, just be sure you account for any time they might need to re-heat their item – if you prefer being the only cook in the kitchen, that might not be your best option.

Don’t be afraid to ask for exactly what you need to keep your stress level low!

The same goes with cleaning. When you start, take it slow.

Prioritize cleaning the rooms that will have the most traffic, such as the living room, kitchen, and bathrooms. This way, if you run out of time (which may happen given you don’t have hundreds of elves to help you out) you’ll still have the most important areas ready to go and you can just close a few doors to hide the rest.

Once you’ve picked a room to start with, put on the holiday tunes and get ready to dig in. Check out the Best Christmas Playlist Ever on Spotify for an interesting mix of genres and some of the most famous artists of all time.

If you’re unsure of where to start, one of our favourite things to do when it comes to cleaning and tidying up is moving from left to right around the room. This gives you a set starting and ending point, and it’s so satisfying to know that everything behind you as you move on is now clean!

Make Your Home Smell Tree-Mendous

We don’t know about you, but we’re pretty sure that a home that smells festive feels more festive by default. And, as an added bonus, notching up the ‘aroma’ factor in your home is easy to do!

There are plenty of sprays, air fresheners, and deodorizers on the market that can give your home an added boost and most of them can be found at your local grocery store or your favourite home goods spot.

However, if you’re looking for a cheaper (and healthier) option that is just as good and can be made in the comfort of your own home, we have you covered.

For an at-home linen spray, fill a spray bottle with 15-20 drops of your favourite essential oil (we like peppermint, pine, or ginger for the holidays), 1 tsp. vodka, and 2 cups water. Finely mist your towels, curtains, drapes, tablecloth, shower curtains… or any fabric material that could use a festive spritz!

If you’re looking for an easy way to deodorize carpets, rugs, and indoor mats, grind up 1 tbsp. of chamomile, orange peel, and lavender with 1 cup of baking soda in your food processor (you can also use a coffee grinder or a blender in loo if you don’t have one). Sprinkle it on your carpets, let it sit overnight, and vacuum the next day for floors that will smell as good as they look!

Pro tip: Make sure any essential oils and scents you use are pet-safe if you have furry family members!

Enlist the Elves!

While the real elves are up at the North Pole helping the jolliest man we know get ready, you can create a little holiday magic of your own by enlisting your favorite people to help out around the holidays.

It may feel like there’s a lot of pressure to be a holiday Jedi and do everything on your own – but trust us, most people want to help! And you deserve some time to mingle and enjoy being with your loved ones too!

So ask people to do what they already love doing. Do you have a talented mom who excels at baking? Ask her to make dessert. How about a bestie who loves to decorate? Ask them to arrive a little early to help you set up the kitchen table.

As cliché as it sounds, many hands make for easier work – so don’t be afraid to ask for what you need.

Need An Extra Pair of Hands? Let Us Help!  

The holidays only come around once a year and, as much fun and joy as they bring, we know that a packed schedule can cause stress for even the most organized planner. We want you to have fun and keep the memories… not the mess!

Whether you need something a little extra added to your regular clean to impress your guests, or just want someone to help you out before your next holiday party, we’ve got you covered.

Remember: We love cleaning so you don’t have to!

~Your friend, Anna