With Christmas fast approaching, the urge to deck the halls is strong. However, Lynsey Crombie, renowned as the Queen of Clean, insists that a crucial preparatory step must come first: a thorough tidy-up. The home expert, a regular on ITV's This Morning, argues that a clean, organised space is the perfect canvas to make your festive trinkets and twinkling lights look their absolute best.
The Essential Pre-Decoration Checklist
Lynsey Crombie shared her professional strategy exclusively, emphasising that preparation is key to creating a magical winter wonderland. "Before you dive into the tinsel and fairy lights, there's one essential step that makes all the difference," she explained. Her methodical approach ensures your home feels luxurious and clutter-free throughout the festive season.
Clear the Decks and Dust Down
The first task is visualisation. Decide exactly where your tree and main displays will go, moving furniture if necessary. Pack away everyday clutter and non-festive items to give your Christmas pieces the spotlight. Next, tackle the dust. Shelves, skirting boards, window sills, and picture frames collect grime that will be glaringly obvious once illuminated by festive lights, so give them a comprehensive dust.
Safety First, Sparkle Second
Electrical safety is non-negotiable. Before stringing up any lights, check you have safe, accessible plug sockets and test all fairy lights, extension leads, and timers to ensure they are in perfect working order. Once that's done, focus on the floors. A deep vacuum and mop is essential now, as it will be nearly impossible to reach every corner once the tree and presents are in place.
Creating the Festive Glow
To maximise the magical ambiance, polish all mirrors, windows, and glass surfaces. This allows candlelight and fairy lights to reflect beautifully around the room, amplifying the sparkle. Simultaneously, plan for storage. As Christmas decorations emerge, everyday items need a temporary home. Having a designated spot for them prevents clutter and lets your festive decor stand out.
Finally, add the finishing touch: scent. Once the cleaning is complete, light a seasonal candle or use a diffuser with fragrances like cinnamon, pine, or orange and clove to instantly signal that Christmas has arrived. Lynsey's ultimate advice is that a calm, clean, and clutter-free home is the ideal backdrop for festive magic, making the effort beforehand well worth it for a more enjoyable December.
Lynsey Crombie, the UK's number one home expert, is the author of the best-selling book 'The 15 Minute Clean', available on Amazon.
