Be prepared
Take the stress out of the Christmas season and start planning now for festive entertaining
If you think spring is a time for clearing out the clutter, think a little more laterally – beyond the spring cleaning and into the festive entertaining season. Take the pressure off the Christmas rush by preparing your home and garden environment for summer parties and festive family gatherings well in advance. Forward planning enables you to set a stunning scene and it frees you up so you can embrace the frenzy of gift buying, wrapping, work parties and home entertaining secure in the knowledge that your living environment will be ready to showcase as summer approaches.
Think ahead
Take a look around and decide what you would like to change. Does the garden need a makeover or a spruce up? Maybe just a few new plants, revamped outdoor lighting and some strategically placed garden furniture could truly transform your outdoor living area into a stunning entertainment zone. Take a critical look at your interior. First impressions really do count so make sure your entry is inviting. Waterblast your pathways; replace chipped, tired pots and languishing plants; paint the front steps and clean up the lobby. If you are short on ideas, bring an expert in for a consultation on what you could achieve with your resources. If you are short on time, engage professionals to tackle the work. In the lead-up to Christmas everyone is under increasing pressure to finish tasks in hand. Get in early and be sure your missions will be accomplished well before December.
Change it up
It may not be viable to buy a new dining suite or to renovate the kitchen but small changes can create a big impact. Introduce new table mats, napkins and coasters, swap that centre vase for a posy bowl with floating flowers and ditch jaded aprons, tatty table linen and tired tea towels. Get creative with trays and service platters and green your interior with some vibrant indoor plants. New cushions and throws are a simple and cost effective way to make your dining room sizzle. If your seat covers could do with replacing, choose a fabric and find an upholsterer able to place your job at the front of the queue.
Powder room pizzazz
If there is just one room you might want to consider redecorating before Christmas, make it the smallest room in the house. Pretty powder rooms are big right now and it’s not difficult to make a little loo pack the biggest punch in your home. Line the walls with bold paper; there is a huge selection of florals, geometric patterns and luxe embossed wallpapers available. Light up the room with out-of-the-box lamps and globes and introduce mirrors, candles, soaps and towels in a range of colours and shapes to complement the space.
Don’t let a lack of time stifle your creative flair. Plan ahead and be prepared to party and play in a home environment that makes you proud this Christmas.
0800 500 123 | mikepero.com
Mike Pero Real Estate Ltd Licensed REAA (2008)
