Setting the Stage!

Tonight's 15: If possible, set the table tonight.

Tonight's 15: While you're in the crafting mood, let's do place cards tonight! It's fun to mix up company and have people sit next to someone they might not have chosen. What a great opportunity to get the family closer! Whether you purchase place cards or make them yourself (much more fun!), get them ready ahead of time and keep them with your linens. Here's a couple of great ideas from Real Simple.


http://www.realsimple.com/holidays-entertaining/holidays/thanksgiving/thanksgiving-place-cards-00100000068245/index.html

Centerpiece!

Tonight's 15: Let's work on the centerpiece tonight (unless, of course, you are using fresh fruits!). If you decided to make your own, start tonight. This way you have time to actually enjoy the craft! If you are undecided, look in a magazine or the internet for ideas. Keeping it simple? Pull out the candlesticks or what have you and clean them up. If you need candles, put them on the shopping list. This is definitely something the kids can help with, too! And have fun!!!

Recipes!

Tonight's 15: Recipes ready to roll! I've had quite a few clients that keep their recipes in bags, boxes, drawers, etc. Only problem is, it takes a bit of time to find the ones they need. So let's spend tonight pulling those recipes out for the big day. If they are organized in a book or on your computer (yay!), take a look at them tonight, too. Once you have them in hand, double check that you have all of the ingredients in your kitchen or on your shopping list. If you don't, you know the drill...

Linens!

Tonight's 15: Linens! Check for rips, stains, etc. Do they need to be pressed? Is it worth your time and money to send them out? If you're using paper (they have fancy ones now!), decide how many you need for cocktails, dinner and dessert. Do you need to make a special trip to a novelty store? If so, make a list of all the items you will need from there.

Silver lining...

Tonight's 15: Get out the silver and start polishing! I know a lot of my clients leave this for the last minute and they're always sorry. It may take longer than 15 so you can break it up into two nights or even better recruit some help. Older kids can help (let them pick the music tonight!). If no polishing is necessary, make sure you have enough serving utensils, turkey baster in good shape, carving knife sharpened,...?

Checking the Cupboards!

Tonight's 15: Let's check the dishes, platters and silverware. Do you have enough? (While you're in there, do you have too many??) Everything in great shape? If not, don't put it back - consider letting go. (REMINDER: You want to USE, need and love everything in your home.) If you don't have enough, consider borrowing from a friend or relative who isn't hosting the big day instead of purchasing (and storing!) more. Using your fancy stuff? Pull out that silverware for tomorrow's 15!

Ready or Not!!

Starting your Holiday shopping list? Think experiences! Movie passes, a baking date, visit to the spa? Maybe something you can do together like a cooking class. Maybe it's time to share that secret recipe...you get the idea. As for the kids, they want your TIME- be creative! A picnic with mom? An afternoon video game marathon with dad? How many times have you asked what they want to hear "I don't know"? We all have enough stuff that we don't need or even use. Have a family meeting now and let everyone decide what "gifts" you can swap this year. 

Decorations!!!

Who doesn't LOVE decorations?? I know I do!!! I know I have had too many decorations in the past. I've also had sentimental items that weren't quite right for my decor but I still couldn't let go...so I kept them in the box and stored them year after year. 
And then I stopped. I gave myself a limit for each holiday. How many crates seem reasonable to you? And be reasonable. ; ) I then went through every single decoration one at a time and asked myself do I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it? AND would I buy it again? Downsizing was so easy to do with these two questions. 
If possible, have a friend join you in the process. My sister was right by my side, checking out every item. Did she just gasp at those skeleton tongs?? Here you go!!! So fun and easy to give away something when someone you love really wants it...She also snagged a very large, very funny chick candle. When she couldn't stop laughing, I couldn't hand it over fast enough!
Also, when you are checking out each piece one by one - you really see it. You see the chips, scratches, bad paint jobs, etc. Sometimes you find your not crazy about it anymore but it's what you've always hung on the door (without really thinking about it!). Let it go if it doesn't make you smile or make you feel great. Isn't that why we decorate? 
I had a ton of sentimental pieces that I photographed, scanned and then said goodbye to. You can put those pictures in an album that's displayed every holiday so that those sentimental pieces can be shared and enjoyed. Then tuck the album away with the decorations- it takes up a lot less space, doesn't it? 
I also think it's a lot more fun to decorate and un-decorate when there is less to do. It doesn't seem like such a chore and it's actually fun! Give it a whirl and let us know how you do!
Here, I'll start you off...Happy Holidays!!!

Relax!! or....

Happy Fourth!! A great day to relax and celebrate!!! Of course, a day off is always a great day to declutter!!! Just sayin'....; )