Your home isn't the only thing you need to take care of before the big holiday gathering. Your yard needs to be looked after too. What your guests see when they first arrive at your home will make just as big of an impression as what they see when they come inside. There are several things you can do to keep your yard presentable during the holidays and throughout the year.
Mow and trim your lawn one last time. If you do it two or three days before the event, it gives the grass time to recover so that mow lines and tire marks are less visible. Use a mulcher or bag on your lawn mower so you don't have to spend hours raking up and removing the grass clippings. Keeping the lawn well trimmed makes a home look stylish and well kept.
Clear Away Any Debris
Walk the fence line and the major areas of the lawn and remove any twigs, sticks or other types of lawn debris that may be laying around. Rake up any dead grass or leaves that have blown against the fence or sides of the home. Go over landscaped areas carefully removing any dead leaves, branches or other items that may have accumulated there over time.
Make Any Repairs
Replace any light bulbs that have burned out and carefully go over fences and patio furnishings. Making minor repairs not only improves the way the property looks, it can prevent injuries as well. While this should be a task that is performed throughout the year, it is absolutely necessary before having a family gathering where a large group of people will be wandering around the property. A loose nail or broken chair can result in an injury that could eventually become rather costly.
Decorate the Patio, Deck or Porch
Take the time to decorate the patio, deck or porch. It doesn't have to be anything elaborate. The main idea is to add a little color or something that represents the holidays. Bows or wreaths hanging on the doors are a nice touch. You can also use colored light bulbs in one or two of the outside fixtures. Small touches, like a woodland centerpiece on a patio table can make a big difference in the personality of the area.
Remove Any Obstacles Along Pathways and Sidewalks
Always make sure that nothing obstructs sidewalks and pathways. Childrens toys and bicycles are often left lying next to or on the sidewalks as children hurry inside. Before your guests begin to arrive make sure any toys, bicycles or lawn tools are picked up and put away. If you have a storage shed or corner of the garage, put them up so they are not visible. Keeping them out of sight prevents children from seeing them and taking them back out into the yard while your guests are still there. It's always a good idea to check walk ways before your guests begin to leave in case something did get brought out or left in the way.
Check Your Lights
If you have outdoor lighting, make sure each one is working properly. It might be a good idea to install a security or motion activated light system. This is an excellent idea if you plan on your party lasting until after dark. Adding an outside light prevents your guests from having to find their way to their vehicles in the dark. Small, solar powered lights can be placed along sidewalks, patios and swimming pools to prevent people from tripping or wandering off the beaten path.
