Easy home updates for the holidays

While the holidays bring joy, greeting them unprepared will also lead to a bit of stress. So before the family comes to gather around the table for a Thanksgiving feast, and before you open the doors to friends for a Christmas open house, prepare yourself.

First, ensure you have what it takes to handle your guests. This might mean stocking up on fresh linens or towels, purchasing an inexpensive table for a buffet (a card table will do, covered by a pretty tablecloth), or ensuring you have enough dinner plates for the crowds.

When it comes to tackling gift-giving season, find a quiet corner of the home, hopefully near a TV, and designate it “wrapping central.” Still overwhelmed? Our best advice is to write everything down you’ll need for the holidays, be it the ingredients for a Thanksgiving meal, or a list of gifts you must purchase for your loved ones.

Update your home a bit, and you’re sure to take some stress out of the holidays:

Card table: 

Whether you use it to seat guests, or to lay out items for a buffet, this sturdy card table is worth its weight in gold. Cover it with a pretty tablecloth, and nobody will know it’s a simple table that can be tucked in the basement when not in use. 37 inch Square Granite Folding Card Table, $81.99 (plus Cash Back), Overstock.com

Holiday organization:

Stocking up on paper, ribbons and tags is all well and good, but keeping it all organized is essential. This Hanging Wrapping Paper Organizer will do the trick. Hanging Wrapping Paper Organizer, $21.49 (plus Cash Back), Overstock.com

Tree stand:

If the Christmas tree stand you’ve been using for years has seen better days, be sure you’re prepared for that evergreen this year. This Metal Rotating Tree Stand is actually equipped with power sockets to support hundreds of twinkling lights. Metal Rotating Tree Stand, $59.98 (plus Cash Back), Lowes.com

Dinnerware:

Short on place settings? Consider the elegant American Atelier Mehndi 16 Piece Dinnerware Set. Its neutral tones will blend in with the sets you already own American Atelier Mehndi 16 Piece Dinnerware Set, $59.68 (plus Cash Back), Homeclick.com

End tables:

Expecting guests? Many small guest bedrooms lack a bureau, but consider this small three-drawer end table, which will serve as a place for guests to tuck a book near a lamp, and space to store clothing. 3 Drawer End Table in Buttermilk, $126 (plus Cash Back), Homeclick.com

Linens:

While you’re prepping the guest room for guests, why not make a very small investment in some warm, festive sheets, like these flannel beauties from Mainstay. Mainstay Flannel Bedding Sheet Set, $14.96-$19.96 (plus Cash Back), Walmart.com

Hand towels:

Get that guest bathroom ready for the holiday crowds with festive hand towels. The Miles Kimball collection from Walmart won’t put much of a dent in your wallet. Miles Kimball Christmas Hand Towels Set Of 4, $9.99 (plus Cash Back), Walmart.com