(BPT) - 'Tis the season for ugly sweater parties, merry mocktail gatherings and holiday cookie exchanges. While many enjoy playing hostess with the mostest, holiday entertaining can come with some stressors. In fact, a recent survey found that 55% of adults in the U.S. say it's important to them that their guests have a favorable opinion of their home.* Whether hosting a big family gathering or inviting friends over for a festive celebration, a little home prep work can go a long way in creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. To help you get ready for the holiday season, here are five ways to make your home cozy, inviting and ready to impress.

Deep clean and declutter before decking the halls

With the holidays close at hand, you may be getting ready to adorn your home with traditional holiday décor. But, before you drape the tinsel, give your home a thorough clean and declutter. Start by dusting surfaces, vacuuming carpets, mopping floors, polishing woodwork and cleaning the bathrooms and kitchen. You'll also want to take time to put away or get rid of items that are creating unnecessary clutter, as a tidy space will make your home feel more spacious and comfortable. In fact, the holidays are a great time to give things you no longer want to those in need. A clean and clutter-free home will make your guests feel more comfortable while also keeping the spotlight on your home's beauty and holiday cheer.

Seal around windows and doors

One of the best parts about this time of year is cuddling up and getting cozy with family and friends. The first step in making your home warm and inviting for your holiday guests is to seal around your windows and doors. Moisture and cold air can seep through the small openings and cracks of doors and windows, causing your home to feel drafty and chilly. Stay warm by replacing old caulk with a sealant like DAP's AMP All Weather Window, Siding and Door Sealant. It delivers a 100% weatherproof and waterproof seal for your windows and doors, while offering durability, mold and mildew resistance, wet surface application, paintability and crystal-clear clarity. It also has a 30-minute paint and rain/water ready time, giving you more time to prepare for your guests.

Replace old, unsightly caulk

Throughout the year, your kitchen and bathrooms are exposed to high levels of water and moisture. This can lead to mold and mildew growth, and buildup of dirt and stains on the caulk which can be eyesores. Make these areas guest-ready by removing the old caulk, thoroughly cleaning the area to remove any dirt or residue, and then re-caulking with DAP's AMP Kitchen, Bath & Plumbing Sealant. Not only does it provide a 100% waterproof seal, but it's also specifically formulated to prevent mold and mildew growth with a lifetime guarantee and is available in white and crystal clear.

Repair imperfections and paint on walls

Walls can accumulate wear and tear over time, especially in high-traffic areas of your home. To ensure your space looks its best for holiday guests, take time to repair any imperfections by filling holes and cracks with a high-quality spackling, such as DAP's DryDex^® Dry Time Indicator Spackling, that provides a smooth finished surface in a shortened amount of time. The unique dry time color indicator also verifies when the patched surface is dry and ready to be sanded and painted. Once the surface is sanded down, apply a fresh coat of paint in key areas, like the living room, bathroom and guest bedroom, to help the entire home feel clean and fresh. Or, if you're looking to impress, painting a room is an easy and inexpensive way to dramatically change the whole look of a space.

Create a welcoming entryway

Your front entrance sets the tone for your guests' experience. Add a festive wreath, some seasonal plants or a doormat to create an inviting entrance. Make sure the area is well-lit to help guests feel welcome. If your entryway tends to get cluttered with coats, shoes and bags, consider adding storage solutions like a coat rack, shoe bench, festive baskets or wall hooks. Providing a designated space for your guests to store their belongings will make them feel more comfortable and allow you to relax as well.

These quick and easy preparations will help you and your guests feel more at home, setting the stage for all to enjoy the festivities and fun of the season. Learn more about how DAP products can get your home guest-ready for the holidays at www.dap.com.

*According to a survey of 2,000 U.S. adults commissioned by Article and conducted by OnePoll.