There’s something enchanting about December—fresh greenery on the mantel, soft lights twinkling in the corner of the room, and a sense of anticipation as we open our homes to family and friends. Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner for four or filling your guest rooms with loved ones from far away, your home’s textiles play an essential role in creating a warm, inviting holiday atmosphere.
This time of year, our table linens, napkins, guest bedding, and seasonal textiles work overtime. But with a bit of planning and some expert care (thanks to LeeAnn Gentry and her talented team at Deluxe Cleaners & Alterations), your home can feel effortlessly polished and gracious—just like the classic holiday hosting we all aspire to.
In the spirit of Martha Stewart, let’s walk through how to thoughtfully prepare every textile in your home for a December full of gatherings, connection, and joy.
Start with Your Table Linens: The Centerpiece of Holiday Entertaining
A beautifully dressed table sets the tone for the entire holiday meal. Even the simplest dishes feel elevated when served on crisp, clean, perfectly pressed linens.
Take Inventory: What Needs Refreshing?
Open your linen cabinet and assess your essentials:
- Tablecloths (everyday and formal)
- Cloth napkins
- Table runners
- Seasonal napkin rings and accessories
- Placemats
- Chair covers or slipcovers (if you use them for entertaining)
Check for:
- Light stains you may not have noticed last year
- Wax drippings
- Wine spots
- Faded folds
- Wrinkles from storage
- Musty odors
- Yellowing on older linens
Seasonal textiles often sit untouched for 10–11 months of the year, so they benefit from a professional refresh before making their holiday debut.
Why Professional Cleaning Matters
Materials like linen, cotton damask, heirloom lace, embroidered cloths, and even polyester blends can react unpredictably to DIY washing, especially if stains have set over time.
At Deluxe Cleaners & Alterations, each item is inspected by hand and cleaned according to its fiber content and construction. This preserves:
- Brightness of whites
- Softness
- Crispness without stiffness
- Delicate trims
- Embroidery
- Vintage or heirloom quality
A properly pressed tablecloth—with those signature straight, elegant folds—completely transforms the dining room.
Don’t Forget the Napkins: Small Details with Big Impact
Cloth napkins often carry the brunt of holiday mealtime mishaps—cranberry sauce, gravy, lipstick, balsamic drizzle, and more. Even when they appear clean, faint stains left untreated eventually turn yellow or brown.
A professional cleaning removes stains at the fiber level and restores their original vibrancy. Deluxe also presses napkins to a beautiful restaurant-quality finish that feels luxurious to your guests.
Tip: If you’re hosting multiple meals, consider rotating napkin sets so one can be cleaned while the other is in use.
Guest Bedrooms: Create a Hotel-Level Experience at Home
If December brings out-of-town visitors, your guest rooms will get plenty of use. Preparing them thoughtfully can make guests feel cared for and welcomed—something LeeAnn has perfected in her own home and encourages clients to embrace.
Step 1: Freshen the Bedding
Gather all textiles from your guest room:
- Sheets
- Duvet covers
- Pillowcases
- Shams
- Blankets
- Comforters
- Quilts and coverlets
- Mattress pads
- Throw blankets
Even if the bedding hasn’t been used since last holiday season, it may smell stale or look slightly crushed from storage. Professional cleaning revives loft, removes dust, refreshes scent, and helps textiles look their absolute best.
Down comforters, in particular, benefit from proper care—professional cleaning restores volume and softness without damaging the filling.
Step 2: Create a Polished Bed Presentation
Once your items return freshly cleaned and pressed, make the bed with intention:
- Crisp, neatly folded sheets
- Fluffed pillows
- A wrinkle-free duvet or comforter
- Optional seasonal throw for warmth
- A small decorative pillow for charm
- A tray with toiletries or a carafe of water
Your guests may never admit it, but a beautifully made bed makes a world of difference in their comfort and mood.
Guest Bathroom Textiles Need Love, Too
Holiday hosting goes beyond the dining room and bedrooms. Bathrooms should feel clean, soft, and thoughtfully prepared.
Refresh:
- Hand towels
- Bath towels
- Washcloths
- Bath mats
- Holiday-themed decorative towels (if you use them)
- Shower curtains and fabric liners
Professional laundering brightens whites, removes hidden buildup, and restores softness, especially if your water is hard (as is common in areas of Ohio).
If your towels have become stiff over time, Deluxe’s cleaning process can dramatically improve their softness and absorbency.
Seasonal Fabrics: Throws, Pillows & Holiday Accents
Your living room, family room, and entryway textiles help set the seasonal mood. These are often overlooked but make a noticeable difference once refreshed.
Consider cleaning:
- Throw blankets
- Decorative pillows
- Holiday-themed pillow covers
- Christmas tree skirts
- Fabric stockings
- Fabric-based garlands or table runners
- Window treatments and curtains (especially if hosting large groups)
Even items that don’t appear visibly dirty can accumulate dust or dullness over time. A professional cleaning brings back their cozy charm.
Candle Wax, Wine, and Gravy: Handling Your Holiday Stain Lineup
Let’s be honest—holiday meals and gatherings are joyful but messy. Spills happen, especially with children, pets, or enthusiastic toasts.
Here’s what to do:
Candle Wax
- Let it fully harden.
- Gently lift the excess—don’t scrape aggressively.
- Bring it to Deluxe Cleaners & Alterations for proper treatment.
Red Wine
- Blot—don’t rub.
- Keep the area damp until cleaning.
- Avoid salt (a common myth that can damage fibers).
Gravy or Sauces
- Blot the surface oils.
- Do not apply dish soap or stain sticks (they can set stains).
- Bring in promptly for removal.
The sooner you bring stained linens to a professional, the higher the success rate—and Deluxe has an exceptional record with holiday stains thanks to decades of experience.
Storing Your Textiles Properly After the Holidays
Once December winds down, you’ll want to store your freshly cleaned linens so they’re ready for next year—without musty smells, yellowing, or creases you can never quite iron out.
Storage Tips
- Always store textiles clean, never “clean enough.”
- Use breathable cotton or muslin garment bags.
- Avoid storing linens in plastic tubs without ventilation.
- Keep them in a cool, dry space—not basements or attics prone to humidity.
- Insert acid-free tissue between folds to prevent permanent creases.
Deluxe’s team can help press and prepare your linens perfectly before storing them away for next season.
Why West Chester Families Trust Deluxe Cleaners & Alterations
LeeAnn Gentry has worked with textiles since she graduated high school, and her passion shows in every garment and linen that passes through her hands. As a locally owned, woman-owned, community-rooted business, Deluxe is built on craftsmanship, trust, and personal care.
With two West Chester locations plus pickup and delivery, it’s simple and convenient to keep your holiday home looking its best.
When your linens, bedding, and home textiles look beautiful, your entire home feels more welcoming—and you get to enjoy the season with confidence and ease.