The holidays have a way of sneaking up on us. Between shopping, cooking and corralling the kids for that perfect family photo, it’s easy to let the small but important details slip through the cracks.

Preparing your home for holiday gatherings isn’t just about sprucing things up, but rather making sure you’ve covered the bases so you can enjoy the season with less stress and more good cheer.

Start with your decor. Before you go full-on Clark Griswold with the lights, take stock of what you already have. Pull out all the bins, untangle the light strands and give everything a once-over. Toss or donate anything that’s broken or past its prime, and make a shopping list before you head out. A quick refresh on linens and a holiday playlist can go a long way toward setting the right mood, and

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