There’s no denying that Christmas is one of my all-time favorite holidays.  Cozied up with loved ones in cabin socks next to the Christmas tree, sipping mulled wine while watching Home Alone?  That’s my definition of an “entertaining” holiday season.  

But along with that cozy picture I just painted comes a lot of additional holiday hosting duties.  And the truth is, hosting during this time of year can quickly become a little chaotic and even quite stressful. In the Rye household, it usually consists of a few holiday dinner parties, several out-of-town houseguests and a kitchen full of dirty dishes after Christmas morning brunch.  And all that chaos, while lovely, can leave my home in need of a little refresh. Think full guest bedrooms (and bathrooms), the smell of holiday recipes lingering for hours after we’re full, and wine stains on just about every surface…you get the picture.  

So long before guests arrive, and long after they’ve left, I prepare by festively spritzing the heck out of my home.  As you’ve seen on Snapchat, Addy loves to lounge on our designer pillows and just about every bed in the house, so those of course all need a quick spray before guests arrive.  And since we always have an artificial tree, we miss the smell that comes along with having a real one.  Needless to say, I did a little happy dance when I found Febreze’s Jolly Pine Air Effects spray to get us that whiff of pine I love so much.  I also find the Cranberry Cheer to be helpful in the kitchen when all I want to do is join everyone on the sofa after dinner (the dishes may or may not wait until the morning…). And without question, I make sure to have the original spray and plug-ins in those high-traffic areas.  A little spritz here, a little spritz there…and the entire place feels clean, yet festive.  When preparing for houseguests, these thoughtful details that are sure to keep everyone comfy and me sane this season.   Truly, MKR

P.S.  Our friends at Febreze take holiday entertaining sans smells seriously just like us. And for all of you fellow Glee fans, Jane Lynch and Matthew Morrison put it quite perfectly in a nice little parody on the truths of having holiday houseguests and the 12 stinks of Christmas…a vid that will sure make you smile.  And we’re giving away a prize pack full of goodies to keep the 12 stinks away!  Head over to Facebook to enter.  Happy holiday houseguesting Loves!