You know the feeling.
Thanksgiving is on the calendar. The holiday invitations are going out. You're mentally planning the menu, pulling out the good dishes and wondering where you're going to put everyone’s coats.
And then you look around your house.
Wait. When did the foyer get so dingy?
Why does the dining room suddenly look so…blah?
Were those fingerprints always on the family room wall?
And that kitchen cabinet? Let's just say it has seen some things.
Then comes the thought every homeowner has before holiday entertaining:
“Everyone is going to notice.” If not everyone, at least your mother-in-law.
Enter Jeff Plotkin, owner of That 1 Painter Essex.
Jeff has built his business around helping homeowners transform their spaces without turning the process into a headache. Since starting That 1 Painter Essex in 2023, Jeff has combined his entrepreneurial spirit, love of real estate and appreciation for the very visible payoff of a good painting project.
“Painting is a fun home improvement project,” Jeff says. “People are excited to paint. They can see the value.”
And with the holidays approaching, there may be no better time to see that value.
The Holiday Home Refresh
The beauty of paint is that it can deliver a dramatic change without requiring a dramatic renovation.
You don't necessarily need a new kitchen. You may not need new furniture. You probably don't need to knock down a wall.
Sometimes, your home simply needs a refresh.
For homeowners getting ready to entertain, Jeff suggests starting with the spaces guests are most likely to see: the foyer, dining room, family room, kitchen and guest rooms.
And don't forget the outside. Your guests see the front door, shutters, trim, siding and brick before they ever ring the doorbell.
“Curb appeal” takes on a whole new meaning when you've got a driveway full of cars coming for Thanksgiving.
Be the Best House Guest Ever
Of course, painting your house is only fun if the people doing the painting aren't driving you crazy.
That's one of Jeff's priorities.
That 1 Painter's philosophy is simple: be the homeowner's “best house guest ever.”
That means being easy to work with, communicating clearly, showing up when promised, respecting the home and leaving the workspace clean. The company offers free ON LINE project estimates and professional crews, with an emphasis on making the process as smooth as possible.
Because if you're preparing for the holidays, the last thing you need is another source of stress.
A Little Drama Is a Good Thing
While classic paint colors will always have their place, Jeff and his team also offer techniques that can turn an ordinary room into a showpiece.
Take limewashing, for example. The finish creates a soft, textured look with an Old World feel and can be used on both interior and exterior surfaces. It's a way to add character and dimension without completely changing the architecture of a space.
Then there's color drenching—and this is where things get fun.
Instead of painting only the walls, color drenching uses one color across multiple elements of a room, including walls, trim, doors and sometimes the ceiling. Jeff recently completed a dramatic dining room project using the technique, creating a space that feels rich, cohesive and intentionally designed.
Which, let's face it, is exactly what you want when you're setting the table for Thanksgiving.
The Kitchen: Where Everyone Ends Up Anyway
No matter how beautifully you decorate your dining room, there's one universal holiday rule:
Everyone ends up in the kitchen.
That's why kitchen cabinet painting has become such a popular option.
Rather than replacing perfectly functional cabinets, homeowners can give them an entirely new look with professional cabinet painting. Jeff's team can complete the work safely and cleanly in the home, creating a transformation without the cost and disruption of a full kitchen renovation.
It's one of those projects where guests may not be able to put their finger on what's different—but they'll definitely notice that the kitchen looks better.
Classic Never Goes Out of Style
Jeff also believes there is something to be said for timeless.
Classic whites and neutrals can give homeowners more mileage from a paint job, providing a versatile backdrop that works with changing furniture, artwork and décor.
For homeowners who don't want to repaint every few years, choosing a color with staying power can be a smart investment.
But if you're ready to make a statement? Jeff can help with that, too.
So…What Should You Paint Before Thanksgiving?
If your holiday to-do list is already a mile long, don't panic.
Start with the room your guests see first. Freshen up the foyer.
Move to the room where you'll gather. Give the dining room a fresh coat—or make a statement with color drenching.
Look at the kitchen. Especially those cabinets.
Don't forget the family room. This is where everyone will eventually end up after dinner.
Give your guests a welcoming place to sleep. A freshly painted guest room can make a big difference.
And finally, step outside and look back at your house. Would a fresh coat on the front door, shutters, trim, siding or brick give your home the holiday-ready curb appeal you're looking for?
The good news is that you don't have to renovate your entire house before the relatives arrive.
You just have to know where to start.
Because the holidays are about gathering, celebrating and making memories—not obsessing over every imperfection in your home. Let's give your mother-in-law something beautiful to notice.