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Hello December!
The month of cosiness, hygge, family and giving.
We know it’s not the same this year but we think it’s important to make the most of what we can do, here are some ideas:
Decorate your living room with fairy lights, warm white ones are extra cosy. We like to put them along our mantle piece
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Candles are such an easy way to create hygge, they are relaxing too, even if it’s just a couple of tea lights
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Plan when and where you can see family
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Write a list of who you need to buy presents for and what they might like and plan when and where you can purchase these
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Go for a winter’s walk, wrap up, get your wellies on and go for a stroll, even if it’s just 10 minutes
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Sort out your wardrobe, divide it into sections, if you haven’t worn something in the last year take it to the charity shop or to someone collecting for the homeless if it’s suitable
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Start buying food and drink you need for Christmas, buying bits each week and having a “Christmas cupboard” is so much easier than panicking the day before
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Meet a friend in a park for a cuppa and a chat
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Have a good clean and sort out before you put your tree up, open the windows and air the house out for a bit
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Make some mince pies with the kids
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Have a movie day, get some nibbles and a nice blanket and relax
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Buy and write some beautiful Christmas cards for family and friends
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Burn your favourite essential oil, smells affect how we feel, bring back memories, relax us or energise us - We love bergamot and frankincense
Do let us know if you have any cleaning rituals or cleaning tips you for December.
Maybe you have a "Christmas clean" or do you wait until afterwards and have a "New year clean"? We love a New year clean, a good sort out and freshen up for a brand new year!
We share the top social media cleaning trends that are taking the UK by storm and how you can use them to keep your home sparkling clean.
The festive season is upon us, and as we all know, Christmas is a time for family, feasting, and fun! But beyond the food and decorations, one element of the holiday season often goes unnoticed: the table setting. If you want to make your Christmas meal even more special this year, consider adding a personal touch with beautifully folded napkins. Napkin folding is an art that can elevate your holiday table and impress your guests with its elegance and creativity. In this blog, we’ll explore a few stunning Christmas napkin folding designs that will leave your guests in awe and bring extra cheer to your festive celebrations. 1. The Christmas Tree Napkin Fold: A Classic Holiday Delight What better way to celebrate Christmas than with a napkin folded to resemble a Christmas tree? This easy yet impressive design adds a fun and festive touch to your table setting. Simply fold your napkin into a triangle shape, then layer smaller triangles on top to create the tree shape. Finish off with a star or small ornament at the top to complete the look. This design works well with both cloth napkins and paper napkins, making it suitable for any type of gathering. 2. The Poinsettia Napkin Fold: Elegance in Bloom The poinsettia is one of the most iconic symbols of Christmas, and incorporating it into your table decor is a wonderful way to capture the beauty of the season. To create this design, fold your napkin into a square, and then carefully fold the edges to form the petals of a poinsettia. You can use vibrant red or gold napkins to bring this design to life. A small decorative gold or silver button in the centre will serve as the perfect finishing touch. 3. The Santa Hat Napkin Fold: Fun and Whimsical If you’re looking to add a bit of whimsy to your Christmas table, the Santa hat napkin fold is an absolute crowd-pleaser. This playful design is perfect for family gatherings, particularly with children. To create the Santa hat design, fold the napkin into a triangle, then fold the long side over itself to form a hat shape. A small cotton ball or white pom-pom at the tip of the hat adds an adorable finishing touch. 4. The Wreath Napkin Fold: Symbolising Unity and Peace A Christmas wreath is a symbol of unity, peace, and joy — the perfect theme for your holiday table. To create a napkin wreath, fold the napkin in half and then into a circular shape. Use a green napkin for the wreath base, and add small decorations such as berries or a ribbon to complete the look. The wreath napkin fold can also be used as a napkin ring if you want to keep things even simpler but still elegant. 5. The Angel Napkin Fold: Heavenly Charm for Your Christmas Table Angels are a beloved part of the Christmas story, and their graceful design can be brought to life with napkins! The angel napkin fold requires a bit more effort, but the results are absolutely worth it. To create an angel, fold your napkin into a triangle, then layer the folds to form the body, arms, and wings. Add a delicate ribbon or a small bow to enhance the angel’s charm. 6. The Reindeer Napkin Fold: A Festive and Cute Design This adorable napkin fold will add a touch of cuteness to your holiday table. The reindeer napkin fold involves folding your napkin into a rectangle and rolling it into a cylindrical shape. Then, create the reindeer’s antlers by placing two forked folds on either side, and finish the design with two small red pom-poms for the nose (or even a small red button for a more polished look). Tips for Perfecting Your Napkin Folds To make your napkin folding even easier, here are a few helpful tips: Choose quality napkins: Whether you use fabric or paper, a thicker napkin will hold folds better and create a more polished finish. If you're using cloth napkins, ensure they are freshly pressed for crisp edges. Use a template: For intricate designs, consider using a printable napkin folding template or a napkin ring to help guide the folds. Get creative with colours: While traditional Christmas colours like red, green, and gold are always festive, don’t be afraid to experiment with other seasonal shades such as silver, white, or even icy blues. Practice ahead of time: Some folds are trickier than others, so try folding the napkins the day before your event to perfect your technique and avoid stress on the big day. Conclusion: Set the Scene for a Memorable Christmas Dinner Napkin folding is a simple yet effective way to elevate your Christmas dinner. Whether you choose an elegant poinsettia fold, a playful Santa hat, or a traditional Christmas tree design, these festive napkin folds will help create a memorable dining experience for your guests. With just a little creativity and effort, you can transform your table into a stunning holiday setting that will leave everyone in awe. At Cleaning Queen, we understand the importance of a clean, tidy, and beautifully set table, especially during the festive season. If you need help with keeping your home spotless in time for your holiday gatherings, don’t hesitate to contact us for professional cleaning services.
Welcome to this months blog from Cleaning Queen. We hope it's helpful, if you have any subjects you'd like help with and for us to cover in the future feel free to get in touch with us! As the festive season approaches, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the endless to-do lists and the pressure to create a warm, inviting home for family and friends. As a professional cleaning company owners we understand the challenges of balancing a busy schedule with the desire to have a beautiful home for Christmas. Here are Cleaning Queen's top tips to help you get your home Christmas-ready, even when time is tight. 1. Prioritise Your Tasks Make list of everything that needs to be done. Focus on the high-impact areas that will make the most difference, such as the living room, kitchen, and dining area. By prioritising this you can tackle the essentials first and save less crucial tasks for later. Remember, it’s about creating a festive atmosphere, it doesn't have to be perfect! 2. Embrace the Power of Decluttering Before diving into deep cleaning, take a moment to declutter. This step not only makes your home look more organised but makes it easier to clean. Set a timer for 15 minutes and tackle one area at a time—like the coffee table or kitchen counters. You’ll be surprised at how much you can achieve in a short period and it's less daunting. 3. Quick Cleaning Hacks When time is limited, efficiency is key. Here are some quick cleaning hacks to help you get the job done: - Multi-Surface Cleaner: Invest in a good multi-surface cleaner to save time on various surfaces. A quick wipe down can make a huge difference. - Vacuum Strategically: Focus on high-traffic areas first. A quick once-over in the living room and hallway can make your space feel fresh. - Dust with Ease: Use microfiber cloths to dust surfaces quickly. They trap dust and dirt effectively, making your job easier. 4. Set Up a Festive Atmosphere Creating a warm and inviting atmosphere doesn’t have to take hours. Here are a few simple ways to get into the Christmas spirit: - Lighting: Soft lighting can transform a room. Use fairy lights or candles to create a cosy ambiance. - Seasonal Scents: Simmer some cinnamon sticks and orange peels on the stove or light a festive candle. - Quick Decorations: Hang up a wreath on your front door, and add a few festive touches around the house, like throw pillows or a table centrepiece. 5. Delegate and Seek Help Don’t hesitate to ask for help! Share the tasks with the kids or other half. Additionally, consider hiring a professional cleaning service for a thorough clean before the festivities begin. This way, you can enjoy your holiday preparations without the added stress. We offer a one off cleaning service by the hour so you can set your budget. 6. Prepare for Guests If you’re hosting, make sure to have a plan for guest areas: - Guest Bathroom: Stock up on essentials like toilet paper, soap, and clean towels. A quick scrub of the toilet and sink can elevate the space. - Refresh the Guest Room: If you have overnight visitors, ensure the guest room is clean and welcoming. Fresh linens and a tidy space go a long way in making guests feel at home. 7. Plan Ahead for Christmas Day Finally, don’t leave everything until the last minute! Create a timeline for Christmas Day, including meal prep and cleaning. This will help you stay organised and enjoy the festivities without feeling rushed. Getting your home Christmas-ready doesn’t have to be a daunting task, even when time is short. By prioritising, decluttering, and using efficient cleaning methods, you can create a festive atmosphere in no time. Remember, Christmas is about spending time with loved ones—so take a deep breath, enjoy the process, and embrace the joy of the season. For more cleaning tips or to book a professional service, don’t hesitate to reach out! Cleaning Queen Ltd