The holidays are a time for celebration, good food, spending time with family and friends—and, of course, a season centered around hosting. But as any good host knows, it is also a time of year that comes with party preparation, making messes, and of course, the cleanup.
I’ve rounded up some of my favorite non-toxic essentials that are sure to leave your house feeling fresh, polished, and smelling absolutely fantastic just in time for holiday hosting.
1. The Preparation
Hosting is all in the details. That is why before the holiday season even starts, I make sure to have all of my favorite sustainable and non-toxic cleaning supplies on hand so that I can focus more on hosting and less on preparation. When it comes to choosing my favorite home products, there is no one I trust more than Branch Basics. Not only are their products safe and effective, but they make my home smell amazing. I also love that they are sustainable and use refillable bottles. There is no better way to say to your guests “I love you” than by inviting them into a safe and non-toxic home.
2. The Party
When hosting, especially around the holidays, it is important to have a warm and inviting atmosphere. While a good playlist and specialty cocktail are sure to do the trick, one of my favorite ways to create a cozy ambiance is by lighting candles. While most people love candles, many don’t know how toxic conventional candles actually are. Most scented candles contain synthetic fragrances and are made of paraffin and when burned, release a multitude of other harmful toxins into our homes. A non-toxic candle brand that I love is Nette because they are clean-burning, sustainable, and very chic. My current favorite scent is "Safari".
3. The Cleanup
After hosting a holiday soirée, there is bound to be some cleanup, but what’s a good party without a little mess? While I always make sure to use non-toxic cleaning supplies, another way that I incorporate sustainable cleaning practices into my home is by avoiding conventional paper towels and opting for a reusable version. I particularly love the feelgoodz “zero paper” because it’s reusable and looks good on my kitchen counter.