Stress-Free Hosting: What to Clean Before Thanksgiving Guests Arrive

Anna Michos
Nov 19
2 min read

Hosting for Thanksgiving should feel joyful, not overwhelming. When guests are on their way, the secret to stress-free hosting is simply focusing your cleaning time where they will spend the most time. Instead of trying to clean your whole home, prioritize the areas guests see, touch, and use.

Use this practical, room-by-room checklist to get your home guest-ready with less effort. Even though our team at Maid Different is fully booked for November (thank you for keeping us so busy!), we still want you to enjoy a calm and organized holiday. Use the practical checklist below to get prepared with less stress, and if you’d love help after the big day, we’re now booking post-Thanksgiving cleanups and December appointments.

🍁 Entertaining Areas Checklist: What to Clean Before Thanksgiving Guests Arrive

1. Entryway First Impressions

This is the very first thing your guests experience so make it count.

Shake out or vacuum doormats
Sweep or mop entry floors
Wipe down front door + interior door handles
Clear clutter (shoes, bags, packages)
Spot-clean walls and switch plates

2. Living Room & Guest Gathering Spaces

Most of Thanksgiving is spent right here, chatting, relaxing, and catching up.

Fluff pillows and straighten throws
Dust all surfaces (tables, shelves, entertainment centers, lamps)
Clean TV screen
Vacuum floors and upholstered furniture (especially if pets live there!)
Tidy cords, remotes, and visible clutter
Empty trash and replace liners

3. Kitchen: The Holiday Headquarters

Guests won’t judge your cooking… but they will notice your counters, appliances, and sink.

Wipe all countertops + backsplash
Clean and shine the sink and faucet
Declutter counters (keep only essentials visible)
Wipe the refrigerator door, dishwasher, oven door, and microwave handles
Empty trash and compost bins
Sweep and mop floors

4. Guest Bathroom Refresh

This space gets a lot of use during holiday gatherings.

Clean toilet, sink, and faucet
Shine the mirror
Restock hand soap
Set out fresh hand towels
Restock toilet paper
Empty trash
Add a candle or subtle room spray for a welcoming touch

5. Dining Room Prep

Whether you’re hosting a casual buffet or a full sit-down meal, this area sets the tone.

Dust table, chairs, and any serving surfaces
Spot-clean chair seats
Wipe down buffets or sideboards
Sweep or vacuum floors
Set out a simple centerpiece if desired

🦃 Fully Booked for November, but We’re Here for Your Post-Holiday Reset

While we can’t take on any more Thanksgiving-week cleanings, we can help you recover after the holiday rush. Whether your home needs a reset after guests leave or you’re preparing for December hosting, we’ve got you covered.

📲 Now booking December cleanings. Make your home feel refreshed again without lifting a finger. bit.ly/4pPh1ND