Setting the Stage!

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

Casseroles

Tonight's 15: Go ahead and make your casseroles this weekend. They'll freeze great and spare you some time later on in the week. 

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...

Be Our Guest!

Tonight's 15: Having overnight guests? Where are they sleeping? Do you have enough sheets, blankets, pillows and towels? Tonight, do an inventory of what you have and what you need. Again, consider borrowing instead of buying. Then stock up the guest bedroom and bathroom - get it done and forget about it! Make room in the closet and a drawer. If they're staying for the weekend, what activities are in your area? Have some ideas ready to entertain everyone so you can enjoy their visit, too!

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!!!

Happy 4th of July!!!!

Happy 4th of July!! Heading to the beach this weekend?? Loading the car and realize your kids don't want last year's beach toys? Don't put them back in the garage- donate them now! Make room for what your family does use, love, want!!!! And don't forget the sunscreen!!!