And that means that Thanksgiving is just around the corner.  Besides the fall home maintenance to dos, I posted a couple of weeks ago, there are lots of things to do to prepare for the holidays.  Especially if you are hosting. Being prepared for this special time of year is critical to not only making it a great time for your guests, but also making sure you have a stress-free hosting experience.

Get Organized

Start by taking an inventory of your party supplies with simple things like plates (including serving platters), utensils (including serving), glasses and seating.  Do you have enough of these things?  Are they in good condition?  If you’re like me, you’ve had some of these things for many years and it may be time to replace worn out items.  Don’t get stuck using something that you don’t like the look of because you didn’t take the time to check it out in advance of your event.  When you get closing to the time of your event, take things out of storage, make sure they’re clean and stack them in an easily accessible place so they are handy on the day of.  If you’re using table linens, wash them.  Even though they were put away clean they may not be as fresh as you like because they’ve been sitting in the linen closet for a year. And declutter.  This will help you stay organized while you’re cooking and trying to find things in your pantry.  Look at your main living space as well.  Is it free from things people might trip on and is there enough space for people to gather?  Maybe reposition some of the furniture if needed.

Décor

Decorating may mean a couple of different things when it comes to fall holiday planning.  Some of us enjoy putting out fall colored accessories this time of years like pillows, flowers, curtains, and linens.  Earth tones and darker colors are the most popular right now.  It’s nice to put out the seasonal accessories but if you’re going all out, it may mean you’re putting out your fall decorations.  I like to get those out and displayed at the beginning of November just so I can enjoy them all month long.  Decorating your mantle with artificial pumpkins, flowers/leaves, ribbon, etc. is my favorite way to create a focal point in my living room.  And its budget friendly depending on where you shop.  Consider also, matching your table center pieces with your mantle.  That will tie the room together and make it look purposeful.

Don’t Break the Bank

Or do if you want to.  But it’s not necessarily an expensive endeavor to host a party.  Given enough planning and time (this means you’ll have to start as far in advance as possible).  I have a friend who is an extreme coupon clipper, and she can do anything on a budget.  Now I’m not suggesting that you become an extreme coupon clipper but using a coupon helps and buying things when they’re on sale helps.  Plus, the bulk stores and handy when you’re having a party.  They not only sell things cheaper by bulk, but they have some great party treats that look like you spent time cooking from scratch and taste great.  Pay attention to store ads, especially with food prices being the highest they’ve been in a long time.  When something goes on sales, buy it and freeze if you can.  Make things from scratch if you’re talented enough to do so.  Making your own flower arrangements versus buying them is a way to save. Pro tip: the craft stores will put holiday items on sale just before the holidays to get them off the shelves.  You can save 50 – 70% by checking in from time to time to see when the sale starts.

Recruit Some Help

If you’re having a more formal or a business party, consider hiring some help.  It doesn’t matter if it’s from a catering business or the teens on the block.  Even if the food will be buffet style, you may want someone to replenish and clean while the party is going on so you can enjoy the party as well.  My family tends to pitch in when they’re over so I’m fortunate that way, but I like to have extra hands when it’s not a family get together.  And it’s very nice not to have to clean up a huge mess when the festivities are over.

For design ideas or for some help with your real estate needs, feel free to reach out to me, Sallie Elliott, at (402) 630-5953.