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Dubai UAE, December 29, 2015: With Christmas and the New Year celebrations on the horizon, it’s that magical time of the year again. And that means an influx of house guests, hearty food, and presents. Unfortunately it also spells clutter and pressure for those hosting. MPLUS+ brings you 5 top tips to make your holiday season welcoming and stress-free. Get Organized
'Making a list…and checking it twice.' And you thought that song was only about Santa! List making is a time-honoured way to get through the year's busiest season. Plan everything from when you will start cleaning to when the turkey goes in the oven, giving yourself ample time to get the house guest-ready, which not only prepares you for a smooth visit, but also makes them feel welcome. Organizing your home helps keep the house clean, and helps direct guests to items they need. Arrange foods in your pantry and toiletries in the bathroom so guests can find what they need and label them accordingly. Make sure guests also have a designated spot for their luggage and provide them with a hamper for dirty laundry. Donating to charity
It is the season of giving, and instead of throwing away presents and items you don’t require anymore, donating them would not only help those less fortunate, it is also a great way to keep your house clutter-free. Light up your world, efficiently
It is time to dust off that box of holiday lights and decorations you packed away last year and make your home the brightest one on the block. However, safety and efficiency is key to ensure a happy holiday. Remember to look around for electric wires before hanging lights outside your house. Check for broken sockets, frayed wires and loose connections and replace or repair damaged light sets, especially if you have children or pets. Keep yourself, and your ladders, tools and lights at least 10 feet away from any electric wires, and use no more than three light sets on one extension cord. If you can find energy saving lights, all the better! Turn off the lights on trees and decorations when you go to bed or leave home to keep the environment and your neighbours happy. Kitchen Prep
Your kitchen is the command central during the holidays, so make sure it’s ready for guests and helper elves. To increase storage, have a pot rack fitted to clear cooking items off countertops and ranges. As soon as pots and utensils have been used and emptied, quickly load them into a dishwasher to keep them from cluttering the sink area. Organise your fridge with clear labels and sections for different foods and courses, for quick and easy access for yourself and your guests. People tend to gather around the food during the holidays, so make sure your kitchen looks and smells nice. Placing an open can of baking soda in the fridge can keep strong odours from lingering. Don’t forget to dust the light fixtures and flush sink drains with boiling water. Tips for after the party
The food is all gone, so are all the guests. Your house is empty and quiet. And looks like a tornado has been through it. Cleaning up can be hard and demotivating. Keep these tips in mind to make the job easy and quick. A best-kept secret is to use Pepsi or Coca-Cola to remove burnt stains from pots, pans and casserole dishes. Pour in the soda, let it sit overnight and the stains will practically wipe off. Remove hard water, lipstick & coffee stains from glassware by adding a half cup of white vinegar to warm, soapy water. Soaking overnight will help loosen and remove the stains. Spills on the carpet? Act quickly! Don't let the stain set before you spring into cleaning mode. A little salt on the stain will help prevent it from setting and prevent larger problems. Club soda and commercial carpet cleaner are the most popular choices to remove large stains. Pour your cleaning solution of choice onto the stain and gently blot up as much spillage as possible. Remember, don’t rub as this will force the stain into the carpet.
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