The countdown to Christmas has definitely begun. We are making a list and checking it twice! Most of us are spending Christmas at home this year, so we thought we would compile a list to get your home looking great for the occasion. Plus, it’s always a nice feeling to move into the New Year with your home space feeling fresh.
- Get the kitchen organised. Clean the fridge, freezer, and pantry in anticipation of more leftovers and cooking supplies. More Tupperware containers can be handy. Freeze, label, and date food. Make sure food is kept at correct temperature. Check out Queensland Health’s factsheet here. As a quick guide, cooked turkey should be eaten within two days of cooking, and don’t reheat more than once. Smoked salmon should be eaten within three days of opening. Whole cooked ham can be kept in the fridge for five days, and two days if it is sliced. For more info, check out this article.
- You may also want to consider booking in a service for your fridge given the busy-ness of the kitchen this time of year.
- Clean the Barbie. From our research, the best method is to use oven cleaner and let it sit for about twenty minutes or so, (depending on the type of cleaning agent applied), before thoroughly washing off.
- Give the outside of the house a freshen up. Are you considering taking Christmas lunch outdoors this year? Then it is worthwhile considering getting your outdoor entertaining area up to scratch. It is the perfect time to attend to the jobs you’ve been putting off!
- If you’re filling the Esky, make sure you have adequate ice to keep the drinks cold!
- Service your air-conditioning system to keep it functioning well ahead of hot summer nights.
- Get medical appointments sorted, and keep medications on hand before medical practitioners close for the year.
- Check Christmas lights and tree. Make sure the lights don’t overload and trip the circuit.
- Consider having a pest professional treatment for ants and other pests.
- Think about a plan to minimise flies ahead of the big day. Make sure fly screens are intact etc.
- Ensure the car is up-to-date with servicing ahead of any road trips.
- Keep cooked bones and chocolate away from pets. Many vets can attest to chocolate poisoning in dogs this time of year.
- Clean the pool/ check the pool filter if you have one. Make sure the pool fence is secure.
- Make your home smell enticing for guests. You don’t need artisanal expensive candles to make your home inviting. A simple trick is to place home made fragrances, (think condiments, spices, even fruit) into a saucepan, cover with water and leave to simmer away. Theses natural aromas will make your home smell like Christmas! Just make sure to keep an eye on the pot and top up the water accordingly. A good Christmassy combo is orange peels, apple slices, cinnamon, and start-anise.
- Lastly, stay safe and keep your wits about you. It is a scary thought, but Christmas is a prime time for home break-ins. Make sure your home is secure to prevent break ins, (apart from Santa of course).
This year has been challenging for many of us. We think a well-deserved break with loved ones is in order! Organising the biggest date of the year is much more simple with some early planning. Whatever your plans, the team at Gutter-Vac wish you a safe and happy festive season!