Glamaour Era December edition Glamaour Era december edition | Page 51
Glamaour ERA
Create a safe, cozy area for fireside chats
A
warm, roaring re is a cozy centerpiece for after-dinner storytelling and catching up with family and friends. Whether your
home is equipped with a gas or wood-burning replace, it is important to ensure the unit is in good working order. First, inspect
the area and repair any damage to key pieces, such as the bafe, damper or mantle, that may have occurred during the year.
Next, schedule a time for a thorough chimney sweeping to remove excess buildup of soot and creosote. A clean, maintained
replace not only makes for a festive environment, but can also serve as an element to heat your home, reducing seasonal stress on
your furnace.
Corral guest clutter in your main living areas
T here's nothing like visiting with old friends or reconnecting with family members you haven't seen in a while. Of course, with
the increased foot trafc in and out of your home comes the question of where to put your guests' belongings so they are out of the
way and organized. If you have a coat closet, be sure to clean it out and make room for your guests by storing your coats in
another room. You might also consider using an additional coat rack and strategically placing some festive decorative baskets
for holding shoes and purses.
Create a kid-friendly space
I f you plan on hosting friends and family members who have small children, take some time to kid-proof your home,
particularly anywhere they are likely to play. Along with putting plug covers on all of the outlets, remove any common hazards
young kids might get into. Secure electrical and window treatment cords, protect hard-edged furniture and put breakables out of
reach. Once the groundwork for a safe, kid-friendly space is cleared, add toys, games, comfy pillows and more, so they're
entertained and feel welcome.
Prepare the outdoors, too
W hen it comes to prepping for holiday guests, don't forget about high-trafc areas outside the home. Be sure to clear the
walkways of any snow and ice and replace outdoor lights with fresh bulbs to help guests safely navigate their way to your home.
These quick and easy preparations will help you and your guests feel more at home, setting the stage for all to enjoy the festivities
and fun of the season.