Between shopping, decorating, and hosting get-togethers, the holidays can be stressful.

This year, jump-start your holiday plans by getting your home in tip-top shape. You’ll have less stress and a home that you’ll be proud to entertain in.

Marks or scratches on your walls or wood can detract from your beautifully decorated home. However, that doesn’t mean repainting your entire room as quick touch-ups can do the trick.

No matter how carefully holiday decorations are packed, something gets broken, especially delicate ornaments.To be sure that your tree trimming is a joyous affair, check and repair your tree decorations ahead of time. Be sure to have extra ornament hangers to replace any that got lost.

Before visitors arrive, make sure your guest room is in top shape to make them feel welcome.

To start, change the linens and make sure to have extra towels available.

Next, check that all light bulbs are working.

When replacing bulbs, you may want to swap incandescent bulbs for more energy-efficient compact-fluorescent bulbs.

Finally, make sure that you clean closet or drawer space so that your guests have a place to keep their things.

When the holiday parties finally arrive and your home is in tip-top shape, be sure that you continue your polished image with your serving ware.

After a year in storage, your silver platters or teakettles may be tarnished. Cleaning the unsightly tarnish is simple with easy-to-use metal cleaners, but they often have a very potent smell. So, be sure to clean your silver well before the guests arrive.

The holidays can be a busy and stressful time, but with a bit of preparation your holiday will be a lot merrier.

This story provided by North American Precis Syndicate, Inc.