Tips to Help You Get Organized for the Holidays
By Meighan Meeker
Decorating and Greeting Cards:
Keep your holiday treasures stored safely in clear plastic bins that are labeled on shelving so that you can easily find what you are looking for. Buying end of the year bargains are great if you are able to remember and locate them 12 months later. Try not to buy any new decorations unless you are certain that you need them and have a place to display them without your home looking too cluttered. Determine who you will send cards to and try to pre-address them well in advance. As you receive a card from someone you can send one back, or simply try to send a certain number of cards each night from your list. Adding a photo or personal message makes it more meaningful. Trying to do it all in one sitting can take away the joy.
Buying and Wrapping Gifts:
Shopping year round eliminates the need for last minute, stressful trips to the mall during the crowded holiday season. Gifts bought while on vacation or weekend trips can be great and helps spread out the fiscal toll on your bank account. Wrapping gifts as you buy them is the most efficient way, but remember to keep a list of what you bought and for whom. Try to limit the amount of tissue and boxes that are used in an effort to save on the recycling and trash accumulated. Designate an area of the house where you can keep your wrapping supplies and store your gifts. As you shop for the holidays, keep an eye out for clever, multi-purpose gifts that can be given in the event you are caught off guard or empty handed by a neighbor, friend or relative.
Preparing for a Party:
Send out invitations with plenty of notice for people to find baby sitters or manage other social obligations. In advance, assess that you have enough place settings and proper seating to accommodate the number of guests. Plan your menu, then make sure you have all the platters, bowls and utensils you'll need for serving each appetizer or entree. Flowers and candles make any room feel festive year round. Limit your furnishings on tabletops to allow plenty of room for guests to place their drinks and small plates. Add extra tables strategically throughout and do not forget to have enough coasters to protect your furniture. Place your garbage can in a visible spot in the kitchen so trash does not get stockpiled on countertops. Remember to charge your digital camera in advance and take photos. Organize your favorite memories in an album or archival box that is labeled and stored to easily share for many seasons to come.
Get Rid of the Clutter:
The entrance to your home is the first thing guests will see so keep it orderly and festive. Designate a nearby place for coats and potentially an area to dry off snowy shoes. The kitchen is another area of your house that will be a focal point during the holidays and should be kept tidy at all times.
Meighan Meeker is a Stapleton resident and owner of Simply Put Organizational Solutions for the Home, LLC. Gift Certificates make the perfect holiday gift. For more information: email, meighanm@aim.com , or call, 303-321-2692.
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