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The holidays are nearly upon us, which leaves many families scrambling to finish everything on their to-do list.  From shopping for friends and family to decorating your home and preparing for guests, this time of year can feel particularly overwhelming.  The following are some simple tips to make getting your home ready for the holidays easier than ever.

Declutter before decorating.  Adding holiday decorations to an already overflowing home can put any homeowner over the edge.  Before even tackling the task of decorating, consider putting away some of the clutter.  This can be as simple as a clean-up of the home or boxing up some bric-a-brac until after the holidays.

Focus on the main living area.  When decorating, many festive homeowners make the mistake of assuming that every nook and cranny needs to have holiday cheer.  Focus your efforts on the main living areas of the home, including the living room, entry way and front porch, to get the most out of your décor.

Prepare for houseguests.  If you are expecting overnight guests, a little effort can go a long way.  Tidy up the guest room, adding some festive décor.  You can also add a little more warmth by adding throw pillows, blankets, an abundance of towels and fresh toiletries.

Don’t underestimate a cozy fire.  Whether you are entertaining guests or just setting the ambiance for your own family, having a crackling fire in the fireplace can relax everyone.  Add warm blankets and cocktails or cider with some holiday music to really set the mood.

Seasonal scents.  A home that smells like the holidays is sure to delight everyone.  From scented candles to warmers, this is a great way to welcome guests for holiday entertaining.

Put some thought into the table setting.  When entertaining guests or sitting down to a holiday meal, everyone will notice the table setting.  Festive dishes and a tablecloth, combined with a carefully thought out tablescape will go a long way to set the mood.

This time of year can be more enjoyable by focusing on what is important.  Don’t feel like everything in your home has to be perfect for the holidays, instead focus your efforts on what will give you the biggest results.