The Holidays are upon us! Creating a fun and cozy experience for your family and guests takes time and effort. Wouldn’t you like to fully enjoy them too? A little pre-planning and organizing can help lighten the work load and free up your time to relax when the holiday arrives.

Create a Schedule

Each holiday can involve a lot of work. Break it down into smaller, specific tasks and slot them into a rough schedule to avoid last minute overwhelm.

Take Stock Before You Stockpile

Take stock of what you already have before you go shopping:

• Tableware
• Holiday decor
• Guest linens
• Kitchen staples

If you have items that are damaged, outdated, or no longer align with your holiday style, consider donating or discarding them.

Tackle the Guest Bedroom

If you are hosting guests overnight, ensure the room they will be staying in is functional, clutter-free and cozy for your visitors. Set aside what you’ll need to provide, do it early to get it off your to-do list.

Ready the Kitchen

Now is a good time to clear out expired pantry items, spices, and condiments. Make space for holiday cooking and baking supplies. Organize your serving dishes and tools to make meal preparation and hosting easier.

That should be enough to get you started! Next time we’ll talk about decluttering for the holidays in more detail.