Contessa (costumegoddess777@
This post is sponsored by SC Johnson. All comments and opinions are my own.
Thinking about the holidays and the memories of the previous years just makes me smile. It’s often those things that don’t go as planned that make the day the most special. Let’s face it…if the day went by without a hitch, it would be a boring day! Those little hiccups and blunders are what make the day the most fun!
I am sure like many of you, I work very hard to get my house just perfect before my guests arrive. I clean for days and threaten my children with loss of limb if they dare mess up all my work–tee hee. But why?
I always pull out the Windex® and wipe down both sides of the glass on my front door to ensure it’s shiny and clean only to have my family completely destroy it as soon as they arrive!
I have a doorbell, but you know someone will tap on the glass instead of pushing that doorbell button. Then of course my mom will start kissing the glass when she comes up to the door and sees the boys…you know because she can’t wait two seconds to get in and actually kiss their faces. That’s all in addition to all the lovely fingerprints that the kids will leave because at my house children under 10 just don’t believe in using napkins!
But like every year before, I will pull out the Windex® and clean both sides of that door again this year in preparation for my family. Then I’ll smile as I get the chance to wipe away all those sweet, sticky memories once they leave again!
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Getting your gift card is very simple. All it takes it three easy steps!
- Purchase $20 in participating products at Publix.
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Entry is simple! You just need to complete the task below. The random winner will be selected on Friday 11/18 at 11 pm EST. View the Giveaway & Sweepstakes Rules.
REQUIRED ENTRY:
- Share some things that you do to start to do to prepare for the holiday or for holiday guests.
Valid on qualifying purchased from 10/30/16 to 11/23/16; terms and conditions apply. All valid receipts must be uploaded by 11/29/16. Void where prohibited. Offer available while supplies of gift cards last. Limit one (1) gift card reward per household address. Full Terms and Conditions & Privacy Policy can be found at happythanksgatheringpublix.com
If I am having guests over for a holiday meal, I make sure my guest bathroom is spotless!
start little by little to make guest bedroom warm and inviting
I start deep cleaning the house, a little every day
Clean/organize a little every day and be sure the essentials (bathroom, guest room, gathering area) are spotless & inviting!
clean the bathroom and wash the doors
in start a month ahead by buying veggies and canned goods. i believe in a menu plan to help everything get stared right.
Aready started by deep cleaning little every day. 🙂
Buy some turkeys to freeze for the next few months and pack up the car for holiday trip!!
Cleaning everything everywhere and lots of baking ahead of time!
It’s my annual clear all the piled up junk off the guest beds
Cleaning an d organize the house; planning menus and get ready for all our family and guests that are coming over for the Holidays.
Cleaning an d organize the house; planning menus and get ready for all our family and guests that are coming over for the Holidays.
I prepare by making lists for everything. Getting the menu and recipes in order. Then a list for other supplies needed. Then start cleaning and oragnizing kitchen and family room. Especially the two weeks before, then the week of, do some baking and food prep.
I clean the house a room per day and clear out all the old items we no longer use to donate, then decorate a nice clean house.
Declutter and clean up
I start by gathering coupons, creating lists of what to buy and slowly buying over the next few weeks and not a mad rush all at one time.
i buy fresh sheets
I don’t usually have to worry about this since we live far enough away that we don’t get many holiday guests but I clean the house, it’s pretty simple.
“Fall” Cleaning….my house 6 month check up!
I stock-up on Ziplock containers so guests can take leftovers home.
THE KEY IS TO PACE YOURSELF…DO ALITTLE AT A TIME SO YOU ARENT DOING EVERYTHING AT ONCE
Replace the wax tarts in the warmers.
Put up the Thanksgiving decorations and make and freeze cookies.
Start by decluttering and then clean one room a day. I also make sure that my Glade products are filled and ready for the season.
CLEAN and wipe down all surfaces. Plan menu AND make sure to include a holiday specialty breakfast.
I don’t always have time for major cleaning because Thanksgiving coincides with a huge busy time at work, so if I am short on time I at least use Windex and clean all of the mirrors, pictures and any other surfaces thbat need to look clean and shiny. Then I hope no one notices the rest!
Holidays means using Magic eraser in the walls!
*on the walls, not in the walls. 🙂
scrubbing bubbles is my favorite to clean my bathroom and easy to use
I am cleaning out the guest rooms of clutter and starting to decorate.
Starting to unpack holiday decorations and cleaning family room out.
Definitely clean all glass and wood, scrub toilets and showers, and make the kitchen spotless
I try to clean slowly but end up delaying and then panicking and rushing, then finally settle for the best I can at the last minute – not good, but an honest answer!
I start to cook and clean ahead as much as possible!
I start cleaning each room some every day so I don’t have to clean all at once.
I prepare my making sure my guest bathroom is nice and clean.
I’ve been tackling a deep cleaning project weekly leading up to Thanksgiving to prevent burn out. Lots of cooking will be done in preparations for my guest 🙂
I have to work all week so on the weekends I try and get as much pre-cooking and freezing done as I can, the cleaning is a last minute effort as my boys are real slobs, plus two dogs don’t help matters much.
I make sure to have all the fixings for the “BIG” dinner and worry about cleaning the house about three days before everyone gets here.
I like to take one room at a time and do a complete top to bottom cleaning. We usually all chip in on the cooking chores.
I clean everything.
Get the pumpkin roasted, ready for pie.
I’ve got it made………I go to my parents”””””””””
Clean the house a little at a time and make sure the house smell good
I start be deep cleaning the whole house a little bit each day. Then put out Christmas Decorations. It just feels good to have a really good clean house first.
I like to plan meals, schedule cleaning projects, prepare my shopping lists-get everything ready way in advance, so I can enjoy being with my guests.
Cleaning the messes
I start baking all the favorite holiday cookies and freezing them for when the guests come.
I make a list of everything that needs to be done with the most important at the top of the list and going down to the least important. I then proceed to get it done crossing off items that have been accomplished as I go. I find I feel more accomplished this way as I see my list getting smaller as the weeks go by!!
I start to make a list of rooms to tackle -tidying & cleaning – one at a time!
Try and to keep things tidy so it’s not a rush to get thing together for when company comes over and stock up on grocery and household necessities and start baking more:)
Some things that I do to start to do to prepare for the holiday or for holiday guests is deep clean and stock up on necessities.
I go through my pantry to ensure I have everything needed so there’s no mad dash to the store for forgotten items needed. I typically forget cranberry sauce. Somehow, that’s the one that doesn’t make the list.
My mother hosts 35 for Thanksgiving lunch. I live out of town but always end up taking time off to head home and help her prepare. We clean from top to bottom and I mean deep clean. Then oddly we put up her tree, she likes to have it up and then as we serve dessert we serve on Christmas plates and open up to show off the tree. Bonus is that we don’t have to decorate after Thanksgiving, we’re ready for Christmas shopping!
I oay extra attention to the guest bedroom and bathroom. I also spray and clean all the windows. That makes a big difference in the house looking nice,
I start shopping early so everything is at home when I am ready to cook.
I try to dust those hidden corners, get the cobwebs, and spruce up each room a few weeks early instead of at the last minute.
I big on doing as much cleaning and kitchen prep as possible – early on the game so that I can relax and enjoy my guests when they arrive
I’M THANKFUL THAT TIDYING UP THE HOUSE FOR GUESTS IS EASIER THAN IT USED TO BE. SPRAY CLEANERS, WAXES AND EVEN PRODUCTS TO MAKE THE HOUSE SMELL INVITING ARE A REAL HELP. I USE THOSE. ADD A TURKEY, EASY STUFFING AND READY-MADE CRANBERRY SAUCE, AND THANKSGIVING IS A JOYFUL “NO BRAINER” – EVEN FOR US GEEZERS…
Clean the windows.
Trying to prepare some foods ahead of time to reduce the stress of timing to get everything to the table together.
My daughters are coming home. I MUST dust my house.. It is a mess.!
Clean the windows!
Carrot cake from Publix is our older daughter’s birthday ritual. She started at age 1 and will be 27!
Clean summers worth of fingerprints off sliding glass doors!
I start the deep cleaning at least a month before. Like the ceiling fans, cabinets and baseboards
Clean floors thoroughly and dust before holiday decorations go up.
A deep cleaning before guests arrive is a priority, but I also enjoy plugging in a festive, seasonal Glade Plug Ins scent. In Florida, it doesn’t always feel wintery enough for winter holidays, but it can still smell like them with the help of Glade!
I have family come from all parts of Florida so I always make sure to have a clean house which I might add is a task because I have 4 kids! But the special thing I like to do is have the kids make Thanksgiving crafts such as handprint turkeys and thankful feathers for all our family to see. Our kids are the youngest in the family and don’t get to see Grandma’s and Grandpa’s as much as we would all like so I think it’s nice for them to see their decorations! Plus, I let them take some home. They love it as much as we love making them! And I always use windex to wipe our table off after our craft time! Works like magic!
I shop for Christmas all year long and then hit the sales during black Friday.
I make sure that I fix at least one favorite dish for each guest. Having plenty of things to nibble on in case I cook on a different schedule than they are used to.
We have a dog and a cat in addition to 2 kids so I always steam clean the carpet before hosting something. I just like knowing that it is clean before people come over.
I use your site to plan my holiday meals and stockpiles! I couldn’t afford the feasts that we have without your help.
I start planning my menu early so I can get the best deals and have more money for Christmas gifts.
I do an extra deep clean and start preparing my lists and keeping an eye out for sales on the items I need.
I start stocking my freezer and pantry early with turkey, homemade rolls, baking supplies bought on sale, etc…and save the cleaning for last minute. I have six kids, so our house is clean for six seconds, so I put off washing windows, and mirrors until right before guest arrive !;)
I have started my huge cleaning binge, in near the end of October, clean the doors of each room down with fantastic and a scrub brush. Just do deep cleaning and then I can relax the week of Christmas which we host for a houseful!
Decorate,Decorate, Decorate. Merry Christmas
I get everyone involved making sure we all work and get everything done so we can enjoy the season. And hope for SNOW!!!!!
I get all tableclothes out and iron out the wrinkles before putting on tables. I clean the house right before putting up holiday decorations. I make a list of all the things I will need for holiday baking and cooking.
I start decorating early so I have more time for cleaning later.
We always go to our families houses and they prepare and feed us! But if any relatives come from out of town, I help my mom clean her house because we usually go there. Now that I have my own house for the first year, we may change things up a bit!!
I prepare the menu ahead of time. Let it snow!
I buy a bunch of stuff I likely won’t even need but somehow convince myself I need.
I start by checking out recipes that we’ll be making. Then with my family we decide who will be making what. I decorate my house with Thanksgiving decor. I’ll have my granddaughters over to make Thanksgiving cookies. A house full on Thanksgiving is truly a blessing!
Try out new recipes!
I clean, clean, clean now so I can relax and enjoy the season.
I let ever thing be made by my parents. Who really know how to cook.
I grocery shop at Publix!!! 🙂 My absolute fave store… I save money by making a list and using coupons, as well as shopping the sales! I start way in advance buying canned goods.
Right after Thanksgiving, I get out the Christmas decorations and in the first week of December put up the wreaths and garlands.
I make sure to vacuum, clean the coffee table, mop the kitchen floor, and clean the kitchen table. I then do an inventory of the pantry and buy what I need using sales and coupons-mostly at Publix!
I start by making my Thanksgiving list, get my coupons ready to shop. I also do a deep cleaning preparing for company. Good thing we have this pledge sale!
I complete all of me decorating early and thoroughly clean my house when guests are coming. I also try to complete as much of my cooking as possible so that I am able to spend more time with my guests.
I start deep cleaning the house after Thanksgiving. That way, I know there is one less thing to worry about as Christmas draws closer.
When company is coming to stay, I wash all the rugs and other linens in the house. I make sure all the sheets and towels are clean and fresh. Mirrors and windows get a good cleaning too. Every surface needs attention to shine and sparkle for my guests.
We prepare and clean as much as possible in advance of the big day so that all we have to do is set up everything right before the guests get here.
I take advantage of all the great BOGO sales at Publix leading up to the holidays and stock my pantry and get everything I need to deep clean my bathrooms for guests. Then I try to just enjoy it all! Thanks!
I start preparing menus for the 4 days that everyone is here. Everyone sends in their food requests. I can’t wait to have everyone at home together!!
I stock the pantry with baking and cooking staples.
i stock the pantry!
Other than cleaning my house ahead of time, I prepare my sweet potato casserole and freeze it so I have one less item to prepare on Thanksgiving day.
Start cooking early!
Clean the windows
I deep clean my house about 3 to 4 weeks prior to having guest. Then clean as needed. I make a list of all the foods I plan to serve and try and stock up at Publix ahead of time. I have a friend that loves to decorate for the holidays so she is volunteering. I’ll also make sure I have plenty of snacks. I also like to take some time to relax before everyone arrives.
Start by making a list (s)!!
I purchase and plant mums in pots on my front entryway. Then decorate.
We make sure we have a list with what we need to get to still maintain a healthy life style and decorate for fall. 🙂
I clean house top to bottom. I decorate, grocery shop and make lots of list not to forget anything but most important thing is to spend quality with family.
I clean, clean, clean and make up the menu, then watch for good deals on the pantry items.
Start deep cleaning now. That way, I don’t have so much to do when the holidays get here.
I clean homes for a living! I love my windex, scrubbing bubbles and pledge.
For the holidays, not only am I preparing my with windows with Windex for open curtains, I’m refreshing my blinds with Pledge multisurface. Everything I do in my own home, I’m doing in my clients homes. I love how the Scrubbing Bubbles Soap Scum Remover literally melts the stuff away! I clean the ovens to ensure a better cooking experience for my clients and guests.
When I walk into a home, smell is the first thing I notice. SC Johnson cleaning products leave my home and my clients homes smelling fresh!
Nothing gets me into the holiday spirit like the smells of pine, sugar cookies and cinnamon.
We prefer Glade plug ins and automatic room sprays compared to candles, due to having 3 boys under the age of 9. In the bathroom where we keep the litter box has the Pet Care timed sprayer. When our catsts grace us with their “presents”, noone is the wiser that we even have cats!
After all my guests are full of food and I have left overs, I make to go containers with the different sized Ziploc Containers. We live by those things!
I love my cleaning products and I can always use more!
Happy Holidays and enjoy the ease of cleaning and making ur home smell warm and inviting with SC Johnson products!
Start putting up the lights and holiday decorations. Prepare my shopping list/coupons for Thanksgiving & Christmas dinner and my wonderful Christmas cookies!!
Mop floors, dust and decorate for fall.
I start looking at holiday recipes to get ideas for new foods to make to change things up each year. We keep the traditional things on the table but I love to add some new twits to the mix too!
Plan to stop up on the Ziploc bags, hopefully there will be some holiday bags available, as we use these for “goodie bags” for holiday guests. Also, I love the toilet gel tabs .
Clean my house… oh lord does it need it!
We try to do the harder stuff early, like pressure wash the sidewalks. Then as it gets closer, break out the Windex!
I will start CLEANING this week and then start on my shopping.
I thoroughly clean my house prior to having my guests. I make a list of all the foods I plan to serve and try and stock up at Publix. I’ll also make sure I have plenty of snacks and beverages. I also like to take some time to watch some football as well.
I clean out the kids’ closets and donate old games/toys to Goodwill in preparation for Christmas gifts
Stock up on baking supplies as the go on sale.
I deep clean the house for the Holidays and guests starting now up until Mid December. This weeks projects are cleaning the grout lines on all floor tiles, wiping all baseboards and cleaning all bedroom carpets.
Planning on using my gift card to help with holiday meals. Thank you
Clean the windows in November, the weather is still nice and not too cold. Plus clean and organize all the cabinets in the kitchen and bathrooms.
Clean my house, change the front porch decorations, make sure I have fresh candles. Thank you!!
This isnt how I personally prepare for guests during the holidays, but we were staying with close friends one year and she pre ordered sub trays, fruit and veggie trays, popcorn chicken all from publix online ordering. All we had to do was send someone out to publix and voila- lunch was served.
We just bought a house and moved. I’m trying to get guest rooms painted/furniture set up in a mad dash before all the holiday guests come over!
Wash floors.
Pressure wash sidewalks, driveway and patio/pool deck. Decorate for Fall. I also start search for at least one new or different dish to serve at Thanksgiving. Last year it was roasted brussel sprouts with pecans.
I do a deep cleaning and decluttering and then start decorating for the holidays and making my menu and baking list.
Time to do the “deep cleaning” throughout the house! And make my menus and grocery list for the menus!
Before our overnight guests come for the holiday, I always make sure the house is spic n span clean…including the windows!
I start getting a Christmas tree and stocking up my holiday supplies. I also like to give things away we don’t need anymore.
Clean the windows &start freshening up the guest room
Before I even decorate, I put out all my holiday scents – candles, plug ins, etc… starts the holidays off and sets the mood for company!
When I know guest are coming for a visit I go in total OCD mode. I clean everything from top to bottom, I clean the windows inside and out in every room, give the bathroom a deep cleaning, spot clean the carpets, dust and remove any clutter. I like to put Glade candles in every room to give it a welcoming effect.
I start cleaning up my house this week, so that when Thanksgiving comes I just have to do some light cleaning before the family arrives.
About a week before guests arrive I take one room each day and do a “deep-clean”
I decorate my house it puts me in a festive happy mood and hopefully it will put my guest in a good mood and they will over look anything that might be out of place or anything the dogs and kids news up on a daily basis. I want to enjoy the moments we have together.
I dust and clean the house thoroughly. Ceiling fans and windows are cleaned. Floors are vacuumed and steam mopped. Trim and walls are cleaned and given a fresh coat of paint if needed. House is decorated and tree is put up. I always freshen the house by lighting a candle.
I clean the windows, and make sure I have plenty of TP in the house for when family/company comes over for Thanksgiving
I start planning the menu, and test-running the new recipes and old favorites that I haven’t made in a while. Makes a lot of dishes, and means I need to clean the stove and oven.
To get ready for the holidays , I decide what my meal plan is start to get said items when on sale, and then get my cleaning supplies and start that task..And by the time the holidays are here I’m beat.
I start making space for our Christmas tree by moving toys out of the living room. I also try to keep things organized and clean throughout so it doesn’t look cluttered.
start cleaning and organizing recipes!!!!
I get the powder bath and guest bath ready to go. Thanks!
Clean and decorate the house from top to bottom.
I decide on what I will be serving to guests and make my shopping lists.
I do a lot of cooking and baking ahead of time.
I start with cleaning my house right after Halloween. A big deep clean. Then I make a list of food we want to make and what is needed for those dishes. I then go through what I have and what I need for them all. That’s now my shopping list 🙂
We clean the house and decorate a little to get ready for holiday guests 🙂
I usually power wash the deck and driveway, then hang wreaths, etc.
I decorate and bake ahead of time.
I start with a list of guests coming for Thanksgiving dinner. Then I make a menu, grocery list and start shopping early for the best deals. Deep clean the house and start cooking the day before Thanksgiving:)
I start by cleaning everything but also by getting all the comfort things my guest will need like extra blankets and pillows as well as facial tissue!
Lots of cleaning and menu planning. Snacks, breakfasts, lunches, dinner and desserts.
I make a big grocery list, and strip all the guest bedrooms beds and start washing sheets and comforters.
To start i make a list of all the people who will come share my table. Then i make a list of the things ill need to get from the stores and from which one. Clean my home from top to bottom. Anticipate my Thanksgiving day with my favorite people and to giving thanks for how very much i am blessed.
Indoor decorating and icicle lights on the lanai.
I get my list together then start buying products that I see on sale..that we will .use for the holidays..
Clean guest rooms, freshen up the house so its warm and inviting.
I start with the guest count . Then I assign a potluck list.
Laundry linens for bedroom and guest towels..set up.
Get magazines they’d like..
Fresh flowers candles.
Favorite foods, desserts, coffee, teas.
Throws
Clean, clean clean. And make sure every room smells fresh.