Thanksgiving is Thursday, November 26, and the rest of the holidays follow quickly. If you are hosting family or friends, this is the perfect week to start, while there is still plenty of time.
In Southern California, we get to enjoy a long stretch of warm weather. But once the evenings finally cool off, we spend more time indoors, cooking and gathering. These indoor tasks will help your home feel ready and keep your guests comfortable and safe.
Take Inventory of the Linen Closet
Start with what you already have. Pull everything out and check:
- How many sheet sets do you have for each bed?
- Are there enough clean towels, including hand towels and washcloths?
- Do you have extra pillows and blankets?
- Is anything stained, thin, or worn out?
Wash what needs it, and make a short list of anything to replace. Ordering early beats a last-minute store run.
Spruce Up the Guest Room
Walk into the guest room as if you were the guest.
- Dust the ceiling fan, window sills, and corners
- Wash or replace the bedding
- Clear a drawer and some closet space
- Check the lamp works, and replace the bulb if it does not
- Make sure a phone charger and outlet are within reach
- Check that the window coverings open and close, and that the windows lock
Test the room’s A/C or fan, and check that the heating works too. Southern California nights can surprise you, and many of us have not turned on the heater since last winter.
Get the Oven Ready for More Cozy Meals
If you plan to bake and roast more over the holidays, give your oven a quick safety check first. Our kitchen cleaning checklist covers the rest of the kitchen.
- Wipe up spills and grease buildup, which can smoke or catch fire when the oven heats up
- Follow the manufacturer’s directions if you use a self-cleaning cycle
- Look at the door gasket (seal) for cracks or gaps
- Make sure all the burners or heating elements heat up
- Check that oven racks slide smoothly and sit securely
- Keep a fire extinguisher where you can reach it, and know how to use it
If you ever smell gas, do not light anything or flip switches. Leave the home and call your gas company or emergency services from outside.
Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms
More cooking and more people in the house is a good reason to test every smoke and carbon monoxide alarm. Replace batteries if needed, and replace any alarm that is past its expiration date. We covered a similar check in our Halloween decoration safety checklist.
Do a Quick Bathroom Check
Run the guest bathroom faucet, shower, and toilet. A slow drain, a running toilet, or a dripping faucet is easier to fix now than when the house is full. Stock extra toilet paper, soap, and towels.
Make Space for the Crowd
Check the dining chairs for wobbly legs, and make sure the table can handle extra leaves or seats. Clear out some fridge and freezer space for holiday leftovers.
Why November Is a Good Time to Get Ready for Guests in Southern California
November weather here is mild enough to make the to-do list easy. Days are still comfortable for running errands, ordering supplies, and scheduling a repair, while the cooler evenings mean your oven, your heater, and your guest room are about to get a lot more use. Checking them now, while nobody is waiting on them, beats finding a problem the night before Thanksgiving.
When Should You Call a Professional?
Call a professional if your oven does not heat properly, you smell gas, your heating system does not turn on, or you notice slow drains or leaks you cannot solve. A licensed appliance or HVAC technician can diagnose issues safely.
Prices vary by home and by problem, so ask for a written estimate.
Final Thoughts
A little preparation now can make hosting much easier. Count your linens, freshen the guest room, check the oven, and test your alarms. For more seasonal reminders, see our home maintenance tips.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get my guest room ready for holiday guests?
Wash or replace the bedding, dust the room, clear a drawer and closet space, check the lamp and a phone charging spot, and test the A/C, fan, and heating.
What should I check on my oven before the holidays?
Wipe up spills and grease, follow the manufacturer’s directions for self-cleaning, inspect the door gasket, make sure the burners or heating elements heat up, and keep a fire extinguisher nearby.
What should I do if I smell gas?
Do not light anything or flip switches. Leave the home and call your gas company or emergency services from outside.
When should I start preparing my home for holiday guests?
Early November is a good time to begin, since it gives you time to order supplies, make repairs, and spread the tasks out.
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