The Ultimate Guide to Taking Care of Your Nice Things

New Pillowcases

I was ready to completely redo my daughter's room, until I realized that I had bedding stored away that would be perfect for her tween room. (I ordered her a dragon pillow at her request too). For my guest room, I decided to refresh with just pillowcases vs. a whole new sheet set. I adore this color palette from Anthropologie, and I'm in LOVE with all of the colorful options at Society of Wanderers.

Wallpaper

I'm in love with this Sarah Samuel Sherman Painterly Stripe Wallpaper. I looked at more affordable options, but I decided I'm going to go with what I really want if I'm going to make a permanent commitment like this. Never settle when it comes to home decor is my motto! It's going in my small bath in the hallway so I only need one roll. For more affordable ideas, check out Rebel Walls and Chasing Paper's Peel and Stick wallpapers.

Cute Table Lamp

I purchased this Etsy lamp and it instantly made my entry console feel refreshed and kind of adorable. I thought about ordering two for my bedroom side tables, but my budget only allowed for one and I'm glad I managed a little restraint. One was enough. Magnolia's Farrah Table Lamp has a similar vibe. Here's a similar and affordable one from Amazon too.

Painting Kitchen Cabinets

UK-based DeVOL kitchens are so dreamy and the perfect inspiration for a kitchen refresh. I painted my lower kitchen cabinets a dark blue five years ago and they are desperately in need of a refresh. I'm leaning toward this Benjamin Moore's Oak Grove color for an earthy look.

New Drawer Pulls

I bought my daughter's rough-around-the-edges vintage dresser a few years ago, but never got around to fixing it up. I bought these affordable wood drawer handles on Amazon and plan on sanding and staining it for a much-needed upgrade. Excited for this weekend's DIY!

Throw Pillows

I love the swoon-worthy pillows in this Soil to Studio collection. They are such an easy way to instantly upgrade your living or bedroom space without spending a ton of money. Quality vs. quantity! Greenrow also has fun cabana striped ones.

Vintage Art

Scouring thrift stores for art that you love is an affordable way to upgrade and personalize your space. Like the frame, not the art? Grab it and find affordable art on places like Etsy and Desenio for a colorful wall upgrade.

Picture Frames

Preserve your favorite 2024 photos in picture frames you can hang on the wall and leave on tabletops around the house. It's such a personal and lovely way to upgrade your space. You can DIY vintage frames or buy at places like Anthropologie and TJ Maxx.

Seat Cushions

Since my favorite desk chair suffered a puppy chewing attack, I haven't been able to find an upholsterer to mend the rope seating. Instead, I decided to buy a $50 sheepskin seat cushion and I love it! It's cozy and hides the eyesore underneath.

A Good Deep Cleaning

Sometimes a good deep cleaning can cure the nesting itch. Check out our 2025 Cleaning Guide for all the things you'll want to watch out for in your annual deep cleaning. A clean home feels like new.

Refreshed Shower Curtain and Lining

My shower lining has seen better days. I'm going to try soaking it in the tub with vinegar or tossing in the washing machine on gentle cycle with warm water and a mild detergent. I don't currently have a curtain with it, so I may opt for this affordable one from West Elm, giving my bathroom a sweet little refresh.

New and Clean Rugs

Whether you invest in a rug cleaner (I purchased this affordable one recommended by Wirecutter) or replace your old (dog-worn) rugs like I just did, there's nothing better than refreshing a clean room with a clean and/or new rug. While you're at it, upgrade your bath towels too!

Get Organized

Organizing your drawers and closets is a great way to kick off the new year. These Mustard Made containers are cute and practical for everything from kids' toys to bathroom essentials.

Sink Drains

A spritz of cleaner around the sink and faucet can be satisfying, but do you ever notice how gross a drain can get? Look out for mold and hair just under the drain cover for a truly clean sink.

Behind the Toilets

Guests will likely notice dust buildup in these spots as they reach for their TP, especially in small bathrooms. Make sure to mop or wipe with a cloth behind your toilet for a fresh, clean space. You'll get to enjoy after they leave too!

Your Entryway

It can be easy to get lost in cleaning the main part of your house that you forget the most important part! Make a good first impression with a tidy and organized entryway. Hide to mail, dust and clean, and add fresh flowers or a candle to make it more inviting.

Ceiling Fans and Light Fixtures

Ever look up and find yourself horrified by the black dust building up on your white fan? Ditto. Grab a chair or ladder and dust the blades to keep dust from spreading all around the room.

Door Handles and Knobs

Given it's flu and Covid season, this is also a respectful and hygienic choice.

Inside and Outside Your Fridge

This is a good time to use up food that's about to expire and reduce clutter in the fridge. But don't forget the outside too. Smudges and old reminders can be an eyesore.

Under Couch Cushions

Crumbs or debris can show up as soon as a guest sits down. As you vacuum the floor, give your cushions a quick clean up too. You may even find some change or items you've been missing.

Front of Kitchen Cabinets

Grease and fingerprints can make cabinets look dirty. We often overlook cleaning these and shelves, but having guests over is a good reminder!

Inside Your Microwave

Guests warming food may be grossed out by splatters and stains inside the microwave. Don't forget to clean the inside and outside!

Windowsills

Dust and dead insects often gather here, especially in warmer months. If you haven't cleaned them since summer, now is a good time to vacuum them up and wipe them down.

Trash Cans (Inside and Out)

Even with a liner, odors can linger in trash cans. Hose them down or clean them in the sink to refresh your bins.

Remote Controls and Electronics

These are high-touch items that guests may use, so a quick disinfecting wipe is a good idea this flu season!

Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl — On Netflix Now

Wallace and Gromit are finally back! This new movie sees Wallace invent a "smart" gnome...and its slow takeover. When Gromit realizes the gnome is becoming too smart, he has to battle some seriously sinister forces to save the day.

Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl is on Netflix and stars Ben Whitehead, Peter Kay, Lauren Patel, Reece Shearsmith, Diane Morgan, Adjoa Andoh, Muzz Khan, and Lenny Henry.

Better Man — In Theaters Now

This isn't your average biopic. The movie tells the story of British popstar Robbie Williams and the highs and lows of fame with his boyband Take That...presenting Robbie as a monkey.

Better Man is in theaters and stars Robbie Williams, Jonno Davies, Steve Pemberton, Damon Herriman, Raechelle Banno, Alison Steadman, Kate Mulvaney, Frazer Hadfield, Tom Budge, and Anthony Hayes.

The Last Showgirl — In Theaters Now

When showgirl Shelly's show closes suddenly after 30 years, she has to figure out what her future — and her present — looks like. Not only does it feature an insanely talented cast, but it also has new music from Miley Cyrus!

The Last Showgirl is in theaters and stars Jamie Lee Curtis, Dave Bautista, Brenda Song, Kiernan Shipka, and Billie Lourd.

Wolf Man — In Theaters January 17, 2025

We might be getting closer to Valentine's Day, but it's always scary movie season. When a mysterious animal attacks Blake, Charlotte, and their daughter Ginger, they take refuge in a farmhouse. But the animal left its mark — and it doesn't take long for the family to realize they're in a whole new kind of danger.

Wolf Man is in theaters and stars Christopher Abbott, Julia Garner and Sam Jaeger, Matilda Firth, Benedict Hardie, Ben Prendergast, Zac Chandler, Beatriz Romilly, and Milo Cawthorne.

One of Them Days — In Theaters January 24, 2025

This new 2025 movie is the BFF comedy you've been waiting for! Dreux and Alyssa learn Alyssa's BF has spent all their rent money and have to do everything they can to keep their landlord from evicting them. TLDR; I hope this BF becomes an ex by the end of the film.

One of Them Days premieres January 24 and stars Keke Palmer, SZA, Maude Apatow, and Janelle James.

Flight Risk — In Theaters January 24, 2025

A U.S. Marshall has been tasked with bringing a witness to court, but their flight takes a turn for the dangerous when she realizes their pilot is a hitman with a single target: her charge. This is Michelle Dockery and Mark Wahlberg like you've never seen them.

Flight Risk premieres January 24 and stars Michelle Dockery, Mark Wahlberg, and Topher Grace.

Inheritance — In Theaters January 24, 2025

Maya finds herself in the middle of an international conspiracy after she learns her father used to be a spy. With danger at every time and enough questions to last her a lifetime, Maya sets out on a quest to find out the truth.

Inheritance premieres January 24 and stars Phoebe Dynevor and Rhys Ifans.

Despite planning the perfect destination wedding for her sister, one woman's plans are turned on their head when the venue double books them with a young woman's wedding. With a cast led by Reese Witherspoon and Will Ferrell, this is one new movie you will never forget!

You're Cordially Invited premieres January 30 and stars Will Ferrell, Reese Witherspoon, Geraldine Viswanathan, Meredith Hagner, Jimmy Tatro, Stony Blyden, Leanne Morgan, Rory Scovel, Keyla Monterroso Mejia, Ramona Young, Jack McBrayer, and Celia Weston.

As an Expendable, Mickey Barnes goes on life-ending mission after mission thanks to his clones. Everything goes according to plan...until two Mickeys survive at the same time.

Mickey 17 premieres January 31 and stars Robert Pattinson, Naomi Ackie, Steven Yeun, Toni Collette, and Mark Ruffalo.

Kinda Pregnant — On Netflix February 5, 2025

When Lainy's best friend announces she's pregnant, Lainy announces hers too! It's perfect! Except for the fact that Lainy's lying to everyone in her life...including a very handsome stranger.

Kinda Pregnant premieres February 5 and stars Amy Schumer, Jillian Bell, Will Forte, Damon Wayans Jr., Brianne Howey, Alex Moffat, Joel David Moore, Lizze Broadway, Urzila Carlson, Francis Benhamou.

Love Hurts — In Theaters February 7, 2025

Ex-criminal Marvin Gable's new life as a Wisconsin realtor gets interrupted when his ex-partner Rose ropes him back into danger.

Love Hurts hits theaters February 7 and stars Ke Huy Quan, Ariana DeBose, Daniel Wu, Sean Astin, Mustafa Shakir, Lio Tipton, Rhys Darby, Marshawn Lynch, and André Eriksen.

Heart Eyes — In Theaters February 7, 2025

Ally and her date have to go on the run when a serial killer called Heart Eyes goes after them as his next victims. According to the synopsis, no couple is safe, so beware if you want to take your SO to the theater.

Heart Eyes premieres February 7 and stars Olivia Holt, Mason Gooding, Gigi Zumbado, Michaela Watkins, Devon Sawa, and Jordana Brewster.

Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy — On Peacock February 13, 2025

Newly single Bridget is navigating love, life, and motherhood in the wake of Mark's death. And as she heals, she finds herself drawn to the young and handsome Roxster as she also keeps having awkward run-ins into Mr. Wallaker.

Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy drops on February 13 and stars Renée Zellweger, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Leo Woodall, Emma Thompson, Jim Broadbent, Isla Fisher, and Gemma Jones.

Superhero fatiguebe gone! This new movie is totally taking us back to the Captain America: Winter Soldier vibes and I'm here for it. Sam Wilson is still getting used to being Captain America when a global incident threatens to turn into a global crisis.

Captain America: Brave New World premieres February 14 and stars Anthony Mackie, Danny Ramirez, Harrison Ford, and Liv Tyler.

Old Guy — In Theaters February 21, 2025

An older hitman is tasked with training a young recruit to take his place, but their tension becomes hesitant teamwork when they learn their employer set them up.

Old Guy premieres February 21 and stars Christoph Waltz, Cooper Hoffman, Lucy Liu, Ryan McParland, Ann Akinjirin, Jason Done, Tony Hirst, Kate Katzman, Conor Mullen, and Rory Mullen.

Following The Little Mermaid(which I haven't been able to stop talking about), Rachel Zegler stars as the live-action Snow White, who's determined to bring justice for her kingdom when the Evil Queen takes over. I can't get enough of Rachel's new song, and the beautiful color palette. C'mon jewel tones!

Snow White hits theaters March 21 and stars Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot.

In Thunderbolts*, Yelena Belova and Bucky Barnes are just two anti-heroes who are brought together for a mission from Valentina Allegra de Fontaine. But when they realize they weren't supposed to make it out alive, they create a new group to bring her down.

Thunderbolts* hits theaters May 2 and stars Florence Pugh, Geraldine Viswanathan, Lewis Pullman, Hannah John-Kamen, Wyatt Russell, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Sebastian Stan, and David Harbour.

Tom Cruise is out for one last mission in this new movie, where his character Ethan has to find an AI program called The Entity before it falls into the wrong hands. And he's doing everything he can to keep his family safe in the process.

Mission: Impossible 8 hits theaters May 23 and stars Ving Rhames, Henry Czerny, Simon Pegg, Vanessa Kirby, Esai Morales, Hayley Atwell, Shea Whigham, Pom Klementieff, and Frederick Schmidt.

A new team is on a mission to get DNA from the three biggest creatures in the world: one from land, one from the air, and one from sea to save lives in a world that's inhospitable to dinosaurs. But everything changes when they find a shipwrecked family.

Jurassic World: Rebirth premieres July 2 and stars Scarlett Johansson, Mahershala Ali, Jonathan Bailey, Rupert Friend, and Manuel Garcia-Rulfo.

Comic book fans are going to love this brand new take on Superman (and Clark Kent, TBH, I've never seen someone transform like David does between Clark and Superman!). According to WB, the movie features "a singular blend of epic action, humor and heart, delivering a Superman who’s driven by compassion and an inherent belief in the goodness of humankind."

Superman hits theaters July 11 and stars David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan, Nicholas Hoult, Isabela Merced, Skyler Gisondo, Edi Gathegi, Anthony Carrigan, Nathan Fillion, Sara Sampaio, Pruitt Taylor Vince, María Gabriela de Faría, Wendell Pierce, Alan Tudyk, and Neva Howell.

The Fantastic Four are finally joining the MCU, but considering it looks like they're living in the 1960s (and in a different universe), this is a whole new take on the story we haven't seen yet. We also haven't gotten a trailer or teaser yet and I'm already obsessed with the way this cast loves each other.

The Fantastic 4: First Steps hits theaters July 25 and stars Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, and Vanessa Kirby.

Avatar: Fire And Ash — In Theaters December 19, 2025

After two movies highlighting earth and water, we're getting a fiery third installment. Avatar 3 will show off "a lot more Pandora that you never saw before,” director James Cameron told D23 in Anaheim, California (via Variety). “It’s an insane adventure and a feast for the eyes, but it’s also got very high emotional stakes, more than ever before.”

Avatar: Fire And Ash premieres December 19 and stars Zoe Saldaña and Sam Worthington.

Don't worry A Simple Favor fans! Director Paul Feig just confirmed the new movie isn't delayed. This sequel will see Emily getting married in a crazy destination wedding, with plenty of twists and turns along the way.

A Simple Favor 2 is coming in 2025 and stars Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick.

When an NYC matchmaker falls for a wealthy man, she realizes she can't shake her attachment to a certain actor-waiter from her past. Oh, I am so there!

Materialists is coming in 2025 and stars Dakota Johnson, Pedro Pascal, and Chris Evans.

Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery — On Netflix In 2025

This new movie involves a graveyard, a new cast of characters, and Benoit Blanc's "most dangerous case yet."

Knives Out 3 is coming in 2025 and stars Daniel Craig, Josh O’Connor, Cailee Spaeny, Glenn Close, Josh Brolin, Mila Kunis, Jeremy Renner, Kerry Washington, Andrew Scott, Daryl McCormack, and Thomas Haden Church.