Kirsty’s Home Hints: how to get your home ready for Christmas

The festive season is upon us, and it’s time to transform our homes into winter wonderlands. Christmas is one of the busiest times of the year, but with a bit of planning and preparation, it can be easy as pie – mince pies, of course! But remember, it’s all about enjoying the process, not stressing about perfection. So, if you need a bit of help getting your home ready for Christmas, look no further.

Come along to our Christmas Open House

Are you looking for inspiration to make your space shine this year? Don’t miss our Christmas Open House event at Whistle Bell Court, Skelmanthorpe, HD8 9BA on Saturday 7th December. From 11am to 3pm, you’re invited to explore our available plots and show home. Enjoy complimentary mince pies and mulled wine refreshments, get some décor inspo and tour our stunning properties. Plus, there’ll be fun for all the family with a show home elf hunt, festive activities and presents for the kids.

Declutter your home

Before diving into decorating, take some time to declutter. A clean and organised home not only looks better, but also makes your festive decorations stand ot. That said, don’t feel the need to make everything perfect – we all know Christmas can be chaotic, and sometimes the best memories are made when things aren’t absolutely flawless.

Focus on key areas where you’ll host guests, such as the living room, kitchen and guest bedrooms and make sure to clear unnecessary items from surfaces to make room for your festive decorations. Don’t forget the fridge – if it’s full of past-their-prime condiments (we all have that one random chutney we’ve used once and forgotten about, right?), now is a good time to clear and clean it, ready for all your delicious festive food.

If you keep on top of tidying throughout December, you won’t have the well-known rush to clean all the bedrooms and living spaces right before the big day. And don’t worry about making everything pristine – your loved ones won’t care if it’s not perfectly spotless! It can be useful to create a schedule to clean one room per day in the lead up to Christmas – I suggest you leave the kitchen until last, so it’s mess-free for when the chef of your house comes to cook the all-important Christmas dinner!

Deck the halls

The best (and most fun) way to get prepped for Christmas is by decorating your home. It’s your chance to bring Christmas magic to every corner. Don’t let social media stress you out though, your house does not have to be picture perfect! Making it as festive as you want it is what matters, not what the current trends are!

When decorating your Christmas tree, start with the lights by wrapping them evenly from top to bottom, and then add garlands or ribbon (I would personally love to see tinsel make a comeback!) Layer baubles and ornaments by balancing colours and sizes for harmony, placing larger decorations deeper inside the tree and smaller ones on the tips. Finish with a topper and a skirt – are you team angel or team star?

Your décor doesn’t have to stop at the tree. Placing garlands or stockings on the mantelpieces, hanging a wreath on the front door and dressing your dining table with seasonal centrepieces can turn your home into a Christmas grotto. Poinsettias, known for their vibrant red leaves, are a lovely natural choice for adding a Christmassy feel to your space.

Adding subtle touches can make all the difference, and it can be as simple as swapping out everyday cushions and throws for festive ones. Choosing rich colours like red, green or gold can instantly add a Christmassy touch. If you want to go the extra mile, remember to change your doormat to a seasonal one or placing a festive runner on your dining table.

If you’re after more inspiration, visit our Christmas Open House event at Whistle Bell Court. We have decorated our show home especially for the occasion!

Embrace festive aromas

Christmas isn’t just about what you see – it’s about what you smell too. Scents have the power to evoke festive memories and create a welcoming atmosphere.

Baking is a great way to fill your home with seasonal aromas – gingerbread or mince pies are always a crowd-pleaser and a firm favourite in my house. If time is tight, because let’s be honest, it often is at this time of year, there’s no need to stress – shop bought ones are just as delicious!

You don’t need to spend hours making everything from scratch, but if you want a quick fragrance fix, I like to simmer a festive stovetop Potpourri using cranberries, oranges, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and rosemary in a pot of apple juice on the hob.

Festive-scented candles are another way to bring warmth to your home. Nothing makes me feel more festive than sitting down in my freshly decluttered and decorated house and lighting a Christmassy candle. It’s the little things in life!

Set the scene for guests

Christmas is often a time for hosting, whether it’s friends popping round for a drink or family staying for Christmas day. It’s always nice for your home to feel welcoming and warm, so your guests feel right at home. But remember, Christmas is about spending time with loved ones, not about how festive your house is!

In the living room, soft lighting, candles and a cosy throw on the sofa can instantly make the space inviting. Add small festive touches, such as a bowl of baubles or a decorative tray with candles.

On the dining table, use a tablecloth or runner as a base, add place settings with napkins tied in ribbon and complete the look with a gorgeous centrepiece.

Remember to stock up on seasonal essentials like mulled wine, mince pies or chocolates to treat your guests. The homes at Vivly Living are designed with hosting in mind, featuring open plan kitchen/diners, spacious layouts and modern touches to make entertaining easy.

Prepare for relaxation

During all the Christmas preparation, it’s important to take time to relax. Don’t spend the whole time just worrying about your guests having fun, you deserve to reap the rewards of your efforts too! Your home should be a retreat where you can unwind and recharge.

Create a cosy nook in your living room or bedroom with a comfy chair, a soft blanket and a good book. Pair this with a mug of hot chocolate for the ultimate cosy winter evening. Remember, Christmas is about enjoying the little moments too!

Vivly Living homes offer the perfect balance between spaces for entertaining and peaceful privacy, making them ideal for a stress-free festive season.

Don’t miss the open house at Whistle Bell Court

The Christmas Open House event at Whistle Bell Court, Skelmanthorpe, HD8 9BA on Saturday 7th December is your chance to see how Vivly Living homes can be dressed for Christmas. Step inside our show home, enjoy complimentary mulled wine and mince pies and get in the festive spirit! Who knows, you might be putting a Vivly Living home on your Christmas list by the time you leave!

Whether you’re looking for a new home, new ideas or simply want to experience the magic of Christmas time, this event is not to be missed. RSVP here!

Join us between 11am and 3pm and discover why Vivly Living homes are perfect for both the festive season and beyond.

Make this Christmas unforgettable

With these tips, your home will become a magical space filled with festive cheer this Christmas. From stylish décor to creating a welcoming atmosphere for guests, a little bit of preparation goes a long way – but don’t forget, the main thing is that you enjoy the Christmas period, take some time to relax and make memories with your loved ones.

No one will remember if you cleaned the dust off the top of your utility room cupboards or if all the food is freshly baked, but they will remember your generosity and hospitality for years to come!

Speaking of generosity, we’d like to a highlight an incredible initiative near our The Willows development, the HD8 Community Pantry. This discount grocery shop supports those facing financial concerns, offering affordable food and drink items from donations. It’s a wonderful way to bring a little bit of extra kindness to the community this season. If you’re able to help, please consider donating to the HD8 Community Pantry. Even small contributions can make a big difference to families this Christmas.

Don’t forget to visit our Christmas Open House event at Whistle Bell Court for even more inspiration. To find out more about Vivly Living, head to our website. Let’s make this Christmas one to remember!