12 Days to Organize the Holidays - pt3

      As a slight piggyback from yesterday's post, today I want to talk about your home. The catalyst for this post is specifically preparing for a party that you are hosting, but the bones of these principles can really be applied throughout the year!

      I love a good party, but I rarely host them. I would love to have a get-together where all of my close friends just dropped by, I magically whipped up trays of delicious food in 30 seconds and all of my guests felt loved and welcomed because my friends and family love me 'as is'.

     Well, that doesn't happen! It's really a personal issue. As a professional organizer, being Type A can sometimes be a hindrance. It's true! I can drive my poor, sweet husband batty with all of the details. He is totally a Type A personality himself, but with a strange Type B streak that I just don't understand. I make lists upon lists for weeks leading up to the event. I try to balance a menu with healthy options and options that are allergy free. I think about what kids can eat as well as what would fit in my budget. What can I say...my parents owned a restaurant so I grew up with a great education on catering events!

     So between my early education in professional kitchens and catering halls to my skills as a professional organizer, allow me to pass on a few tips for hosting a successful party.


#1 - Make a list and check it twice!

     With our busy schedules, there is no way anyone could remember everything between menus and guests lists, written lists are a life saver. A little early number crunching will help to know how much food to buy, space for seating and ensure no one is unintentionally left out in the cold without an invitation. Begin with broad lists; Menu, Guests and maybe a rough list of decorations, all on separate sheets of paper. Then each list can be expanded upon and referred to to make your planning streamlined. Refer to the Menu list for grocery items and be sure to double check that with your Guest list for anyone you know that may have a food allergy.

     As a side tip, this week I was asked about the difference between heavy hors d'oeuvres and light appetizers on invitations. The simplest answer I can give is that an appetizer is a small bite of food that precedes a meal. If the invitation says "Heavy hors d'oeuvres" then there will be no meal served, but there will simply be more finger foods than if someone was doing "light appetizers." Something to consider when planning your invitations to your guests!

#2 - Pace yourself.

     Much of the party prep can be done in advance, especially if you choose items for your menu that will hold in the fridge or freezer. Pasta salads, rolls, cookies, pies and cold sides like cranberry sauce are good for this. Do deeper cleaning 24-48 hours in advance of the party like bathrooms and living rooms. That way the day of the party you can just do a 30 second wipe down and maybe light vacuuming.

#3 - Recruit help!

     I always say, "Behind every successful woman is a great team!" Superwoman is a myth and there ain't no shame in asking for help! (My husband is looking at me funny on this one. Perhaps I should practice this preaching a tiny bit more.) But seriously, let older kids clean mirrors while littles help dust with a cleaning wand. The house will shine in no time! And do not feel guilty about picking up party trays and letting KFC or Pizza Hut do the cooking!

#4- Remember the goal.

     "I'm so happy my loved ones had a great time and I am so glad I was stuck in the kitchen cooking and cleaning all night!"said no host ever! Set yourself up for success with a little preplanning and keeping in mind what is important...spending time with family and friends and enjoying their company.

     Add to these tips in the comments! What is your helpful hint to keep your holiday parties balanced?


To learn more about organizing your home, and if you are located in the greater Atlanta area, contact us today to see how we can deliver calm and confidence to your home!

12 Days to Organize the Holidays - Part 1

The holidays can be such a time of fun, food and family...but they can also be a time of stress.  This short series will address some tips for overcoming the stress of the holidays, and even for getting a jump start on your New Year!  Follow these simple tips to cut down on holiday stress and clutter.

Out With The Old, In With The New!

It is always important to begin at the beginning. The first step to becoming (and staying!) organized is to declutter. Making a home for items that no longer work for you or are honored doesn't make practical sense. By decluttering, we are weeding out those items that simply take up space without adding value to your life. When we declutter, we are able to take stock of the items we currently own (hello, 4 sets of measuring cups when you never bake!)

         * Begin by taking stock of items in your home that can be donated or may need disposed of if they are damaged. Making donations of gently used item to Goodwill, Salvation Army or other charities can often be a boost to your wallet in the form of a tax deduction. This will also make space for those gifts that Santa brings!

         * Make a list and check it twice! It's no secret that making written lists can help you stay organized. Lists help you gain perspective and focus. By taking stock of what you already have, you can make your Christmas wish lists knowing that you won't be duplicating items you already own. This will save unnecessary items from coming in to your space. Making lists of those gifts that you want to give is also very helpful. By making a list of who to buy for and exactly what you would like to gift, you will avoid making extra purchases. This will help to keep you on budget and feeling like the Grinch when your credit card bills arrive in January.

         * Be generous to others, without breaking the bank. Have Grandma's china taking up valuable cabinet space and you never use it? Pass it along to a family member who may have been eyeing it for awhile! Did Aunt Sally give you another set of fuzzy slippers? Perhaps a women's shelter is in need. Don't feel guilty for  regifting passing gifts on to a better home. Consider it spreading holiday cheer!

These tips should get you off to the right start organizing start this holiday season. If you would like our help in organizing your home, contact us today to see how we can help!


From our home to yours, Merry Christmas!