A Week Before Thanksgiving: How to Prep your Home

A Week Before Thanksgiving: How to Prep Your Home with Stress-Free Cleaning & Simple Seasonal Décor

The week before Thanksgiving always arrives faster than we expect. One minute we’re enjoying fall leaves… the next we’re suddenly counting chairs, checking guest lists, and wondering if the guest room still has that pile of “I’ll deal with it later” laundry.
If you’re hosting this year, don’t panic — with a little strategy, you can get your home holiday-ready without losing your sanity (or your weekend).

Here’s your simple, do-able plan for prepping your home with cleaning and cozy décor the week before Thanksgiving.

1. Start With a Quick Declutter (15 Minutes Per Room)

Before any deep cleaning or decorating, get rid of the visual noise.
You don’t need to organize every drawer — just clear countertops, coffee tables, and common areas.

Focus on:

• Entryway

• Living room

• Kitchen counters

• Guest bath

• Dining table

Grab a basket, toss in out-of-place items, and deal with them later. A clean visual field instantly makes your home feel calmer and more welcoming.

2. Tackle the High-Impact Cleaning Zones

Five areas make the biggest difference for guests. Focus here first:

✔ Kitchen surfaces

Wipe counters, clean the sink, and make space in the fridge for incoming groceries and leftovers.

✔ Bathrooms

Scrub sinks and toilets, replace towels with fresh ones, and set out extra soap and toilet paper.

✔ Floors

Vacuum, sweep, or do a quick mop — especially in high-traffic zones.

✔ Guest spaces

Fresh bedding, cleared surfaces, and a quick dusting make a huge difference.

✔ Entryway

This is your home’s first impression. Sweep, shake rugs, and put shoes or jackets where they belong.

This approach keeps cleaning manageable — no need for a full spring-clean.

3. Add Warm, Subtle Thanksgiving Décor

You don’t need to turn your home into a craft-store explosion. A few intentional touches go a long way.

Natural elements

• Mini pumpkins

• Eucalyptus or pine greenery

• A bowl of seasonal fruit (pears, apples, pomegranates)

🕯 Cozy lighting

Warm candles or soft lamps instantly set the mood.
Stick to scents like vanilla, cedar, or pumpkin spice for fall vibes without overpowering food aromas.

Textures that feel like fall

• Knit throws

• Neutral or earthy-toned pillows

• A simple fall runner on the dining table

Keep the vibe autumnal, not Halloween

Swap out spooky décor for warm, simple, harvest-inspired pieces.

4. Prep the Dining Area

Whether you're hosting two people or twenty, a little early prep helps.

• Lay out dishes ahead of time

• Check that you have enough chairs

• Pre-set the centerpiece (anything low so guests can chat over it!)

• Create a simple drink station to reduce kitchen traffic

If you don’t have fancy China — don’t stress. Clean plates and real cloth napkins elevate even the simplest table.

5. Don’t Forget the Smells!

Your home’s scent is part of the experience.
A few easy options:

• Simmer pot: orange slices + cinnamon sticks + cloves

• Plug-in oils on a low setting

• Bake-ahead pumpkin bread or cookies (no one complains about this)

Smells cozy and intentional without overwhelming the meal on the big day.

6. Make Space for Coats, Bags & Chaos

Guests will come with all the things, and having a plan helps:

• Clear a section of the closet

• Add extra hooks

• Place a basket near the door for shoes or small items

• Designate a spot for kids’ stuff

A little organization goes a long way.

7. Finally… Do a Host Prep for YOU

Hosting is more fun when you're not frazzled.

• Prep your outfit ahead of time

• Make a grocery list you’ll follow, not fear

• Plan one “cheat dish” — store-bought is allowed

• Give yourself one corner of the house that stays peaceful

A calm host = a memorable Thanksgiving.

READY FOR THE HOLIDAY!

A week is more than enough time to prepare your home with ease — just focus on what guests actually notice: cleanliness, comfort, warmth, and a welcoming atmosphere. 

Jennifer Delisle

Luxe Living Real Estate