Thanksgiving in Los Angeles is a special experience. With the warm fall sunshine, palm trees draped in twinkling lights, and families gathering from across the city, the holiday is as much about ambiance as it is about turkey. If you’re hosting Thanksgiving this year—whether it’s a formal sit-down meal or a backyard buffet—it pays to have your home in top shape.
And while everyone knows to clean the kitchen and set the table, true guest-ready prep goes a little deeper. Here are smart, realistic cleaning tips to make sure your guests feel comfortable, impressed, and welcomed the moment they arrive.
Start with Strategy, Not Stress
Thanksgiving hosting in a place like LA can mean different things—coastal patios in Venice, hillside homes in Silver Lake, or apartments in West Hollywood. No matter the square footage, having a cleaning plan keeps things manageable.
Plan cleaning zones: Break your home into sections—kitchen, bathroom, living room, guest area, and entry.
Prioritize visibility: Clean the spaces guests will use most. That dusty guest bedroom closet? Save it for another day.
Assign days: Don’t leave it all for the night before. Spread tasks over the week leading up to the holiday.
Entryway First Impressions
The first few seconds when a guest enters your home matter. Whether you’ve got a gated front entrance or a modest apartment hallway, here’s how to make it sparkle:
Sweep or hose off the porch or walkway.
Clean your doormat or get a festive one.
Wipe down the front door and handle.
Clear away spiderwebs from porch corners.
A little outdoor TLC makes your place feel welcoming even before the door opens.
Guest Bathroom Basics
This room is one of the most visited during Thanksgiving, so make sure it’s not overlooked.
Clean the toilet thoroughly, including the base.
Restock toilet paper, soap, and clean hand towels.
Remove visible dust from shelves, lights, and floor corners.
Add a subtle air freshener or candle.
If space allows, a tiny vase with eucalyptus or fresh flowers can create a boutique hotel vibe—without much effort.
Kitchen Clean-Up That Makes Cooking Easier
Your kitchen will be the heart of Thanksgiving—whether you’re cooking from scratch or reheating delivery from Jon & Vinny’s.
Declutter countertops: Only leave out essentials like a cutting board, salt, pepper, and tools you’ll use.
Empty the dishwasher: You’ll need room to load plates post-feast.
Clean out the fridge: Make room for prepped dishes and leftovers.
Wipe down appliances: Especially your oven, stove knobs, and microwave handle.
Don’t forget the trash can—guests will inevitably use it. Give it a good scrub and line it with a fresh bag.
Living Room & Guest Spaces
Guests gather here before and after dinner, so comfort and tidiness go hand in hand.
Vacuum carpets and rugs, especially under seating areas.
Dust shelves, TV consoles, and decor.
Plump pillows and fold throws.
Make space in closets or coat racks for jackets and bags.
If kids are coming, consider a small basket of toys or games nearby. It keeps them entertained while adults mingle.
Dining Area Prep (Even if It’s a Folding Table)
You don’t need a formal dining room to make Thanksgiving dinner feel special.
Wipe down the table and chairs.
Vacuum or sweep under the dining area.
Set the table ahead of time, even if informally.
Add a simple centerpiece—a mini pumpkin, candles, or a bowl of citrus.
LA’s natural light helps during daytime meals, but for dinner, check your overhead lighting. A warm bulb or dimmable option sets the mood.
Last-Minute Touches Before Guests Arrive
The final hour before the doorbell rings? That’s when the little things matter.
Light candles or turn on a diffuser.
Empty trash cans throughout the house.
Put away personal clutter like mail and shoes.
Play soft background music to create ambiance.
Set out any appetizers and pour yourself a drink. You’re the host—but you should enjoy it too.
Hosting in LA? Use Local Support
If you’re strapped for time or energy, it might make sense to bring in professional help. Services like Marching Maids make it easy to schedule a one-time deep clean or even a quick pre-holiday refresh.
With vetted cleaners available across Los Angeles, from the Valley to the South Bay, getting your home guest-ready doesn’t have to fall entirely on your shoulders.
A regular cleaning service before big events can help you focus on food, family, and festivities—not scrubbing floors and vacuuming drapes at midnight.
Thanksgiving Memories Begin with a Clean Space
Hosting Thanksgiving is about creating memories. A clean, tidy space doesn’t just impress guests—it makes you feel more relaxed and present. And in a busy city like Los Angeles, having a peaceful, welcoming home is something your friends and family will remember far beyond the holiday.
Whether it’s your first time hosting or your tenth, a little preparation goes a long way. Happy Thanksgiving, LA-style.