If you’re planning a festive holiday celebration with out-of-town visitors, a little thoughtful preparation can help you get every detail right. There’s a lot to remember, from gift shopping, to cooking — but little things like getting your best table linens to the dry cleaners can make all the difference. Check the following list for a few reminders of things around the house to clean before your event.

Holiday Party Cleaning Checklist

1. Bedding

If you are having overnight guests or adult children are returning home for the holidays, pull out extra bedding such as down comforters, heirloom quilts, and sheets. Launder washable items so they smell fresh and feel soft. Take larger things, down pillows and blankets, and finely textured items, such as a silk comforter, to the dry cleaner.

2. Towels

You will want extra bath towels and guest towels for the night of the party. Launder holiday-themed towels that have been in storage, or if you are buying new, make sure to wash them before setting out for use so they are soft and don’t smell like their plastic packaging.

3. Table Linens

Unpack seasonal linens and inspect for stains, mold, or any musty smell. Fine or heirloom quality tablecloths and napkins should typically be dry cleaned, and washable tablecloths may be hard to iron or press, so it may be easier to have them professionally cleaned, too. The goal is to set the table with something festive, free of stains from last year’s gravy or wine.

4. Special Occasion Clothes

Are you throwing a fancy event that requires a tux and your best gown, or are the kids in those adorable children’s outfits that only get worn once a year? Professional cleaning and pressing is the easiest way preserve fragile fabrics while getting out stains and spots. After all your planning, you want to look as cheerful as you feel.

5. Drapes & Slipcovers

A party is an excellent excuse to take down heavy drapes for dry cleaning. Cleaning removes dust and pet hair, and restores a fresh, pressed look of new fabric. Dry clean any furniture slipcovers so they’re fresh and clean for the party.

If you need a reliable dry cleaner to help prepare for your holiday gatherings, choose Tenax Town Cleaners in Canandaigua, NY. They have been Ontario county’s go-to dry cleaning service since 1962. They provide professional dry cleaning, laundry service, and minor repairs or alterations. Call (585) 394-9885 to inquire about services or visit the website to learn more.