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Let's get down to the nitty gritty and talk about how to get ready for the holidays when it comes to entertaining.  First, stock up! The last thing you want is to have your groove on and then find out you're out of 'stuff'.  Today, I'm giving you tips that fall under the homemaking category - one of my personal favorites. 

For the tips I'll be sharing with you today you're going to want to have three basic products on hand: My recommendations - Cascade Action Pacs for your dishwasher, Gain Original Fresh and Downy Unstopables for your laundry needs.  I was at Costco shopping to feed my boys, i.e., buying enough food for an army, and stopped by the cleaning section to grab these three items.  I wanted to be sure I had everything I need to keep my dishwasher running, clean dishes handy and my laundry nice and fresh throughout the holidays.   Now, let's get to my tips (p.s. this is a free printable- be sure to click here to download and keep on hand).   Also, if you scroll all the way to the bottom I have a video sharing how to fold a cloth napkin for the holidays for a formal place setting - it's the holidays and formal this time of year is good!

Let's go through the list one at a time - wash table linens, napkins, etc.  These should be washed now so that everything is clean and ready for use.  Prior to washing check for stains, small rips and tears and pre-treat and/or repair if necessary.  It's a nice touch for your family and for guests to not only freshly launder everything, I prefer Gain, and to add a scent booster, Downy Unstopables.  I like to add the scent booster to towels, bedding, throws, etc. as an added freshness bonus.  It lasts up to 12 weeks so even if I wash everything now it will still smell fresh for the holidays.Once laundered iron napkins and tablecloths.  Store loosely folded to avoid creases and wrinkles.  Add tissue paper between layers, if necessary, to maintain shape.Fold towels and throws in half lengthwise, fold in half again and then roll tightly to save space and to make a nice presentation.  

Place guest towels, soap and amenities in a basket or crate and place in guest room.Pull out your holiday dishes now and rotate your day to day dishes out of china cabinets, shelves etc.Wash all dishes first in dishwasher using Cascade Complete. Even though they've been in storage you want them clean and ready for use.  I love to use the Cascade Complete because my dishes sparkle and shine when they complete the cycle and there's no need for me to re-wash by hand or buff spots off - they are spotless!Polish silverware in advance. I like to pull out my antique (thrift store) silverware for special occasions.  Once it's all polished up I hand wash it and store it in flannel fabric - that helps to keep it from tarnishing again too quickly.