Home Prep Tips from Debbie Travis

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  Start your holiday shopping early and take a list. With some focus and time, you'll be able to keep an eye out for great deals and avoid the crush of last minute shoppers.
  
  

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  Start your holiday cleaning early and tackle one job at a time. Spot clean carpets, rugs and upholstery. Don't miss cleaning the ceiling, bathroom corners, and crevices under sofas and tables.

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  Plan ahead for meals and minimize stress and last minute scrambling. If you have a house full of family, put together a menu that's manageable and fun to prepare. Recruit kitchen helpers and delegate tasks to keep on schedule.

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  Add decorations to your lights outside. Fabric ornaments, bows and garlands are excellent weatherproof options to add to trees and bushes.

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  Start your holiday baking before holiday activities reach a fevered pitch. Make a list of the treats you want to make, assemble the ingredients, bake and then freeze the goodies until you need them.

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  Have a trimming party to get your house outfitted for the holidays. Provide refreshments, crank up the carols, and have family and friends pitch in to decorate the house and trim the tree.

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  Keep a stash of emergency gifts for unexpected guests. Extra ornaments, chocolates, candles and other small items can be grouped together for a charming, impromptu gift.
  
  

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