10 Things to do NOW to Create a Stress Free Holiday Season

I know, I know, it’s only October but everybody gets so stressed out during the holiday season! Wouldn’t you like to be able to just enjoy the holidays this year? That’s always my plan, get ahead of the game and enjoy a stress-free Christmas. That’s not to say it always goes as planned, but here’s to trying! Here are ten things that you can do in the upcoming weeks so that you’re ready for the holiday season when it comes. Come December you’ll be able to sit back and relax with your family. Heck, you might even be able to watch a Hallmark movie or two with a nice cup of hot chocolate!

1. Family Photo
Have your family (or kids) photo done now. Here’s mine from last year. We took it in October.
Chances are you’re less busy now. And photographers are less busy now too.
Plus, fall is a great time for an outdoor photo shoot.
Then you can have them made into Christmas cards so you’ll be ready to send them after Thanksgiving.

2. Stock your freezer
Make a few dishes now and freeze them. It’ll cut down on your cooking load when the holidays are here.
You can freeze cookies, pies, mashed potatoes and so much more. Having a few appetizers in the freezer is also a great idea, in case you have unexpected guests drop by. I love to have a few dips ready in the freezer. When I’m making one for a Sunday football game, I make double and put half in the freezer. You can also make little mini quiches. They’re super simple and they freeze really well. I always make Christmas cookies well in advance. My family is such cookie fanatics that I’d never be able to make all of them fresh for Christmas. I start weeks in advance and freeze them.

3. Make your list
Sit down and make your holiday gift list. That way you’ll be ready for #4
It never hurts to get organized. I keep mine right on my cell phone in the Notes app. That way I know I always have it with me.

4. Buy gifts as you see them
When you’re out and about, if you see something that reminds you of someone on your gift list, pick it up now. Making your list shorter is always a good idea. You won’t be rushing around later trying to find a gift.

5. Declutter now before holiday decorating
We’ve had the Declutter Challenge before (if you need it it’s on the website – https://www.detailsfullserviceinteriors.com/interior-design-tip-sheets) You can do it anytime. Keeping your home decluttered will ensure that it’s all ready when it’s time for holiday decorating. You never want to be adding holiday decor to clutter because it’ll end up looking messy and you won’t be able to enjoy your holiday decorations. Plus, you need to make room for all of those fabulous gifts you’re going to receive, right?

6. Make sure you have enough seating
You want to be sure that you have enough seating for holiday meals, but also for gatherings and parties. Does your family room have enough seating for guests? Are there small side tables within reach so that people can put their drinks down? Think about how many people you’ll have over and assess the space. Do you need a new dining room table or more dining room chairs? You know you never liked sitting at the kids table! So make sure you’re not making anybody else do that. Invite them all to the grown up table! But, make sure it’s big enough. If you need a new one call me. I’ll get it ordered ASAP.

7. Arrange conversation areas
Make sure your seating is in conversation areas. Be sure people can comfortably talk to each other when seated. You may need to pull furniture in. You don’t want your furniture all up against the walls (or like we like to say “under arrest”) or create two seating areas in a large room. You want people to be able to be comfortably seated and still be able to have a conversation without yelling to each other.

8. Choose a color theme for your holiday decor
Whether you’re doing green and red or silver and gold, choose a color them for your holiday decorating. That way you can pick up items to refresh your current decorations as you see them in stores. Thinking of that, why don’t you choose a holiday decor theme that goes with your home’s decor? If your home is all neutrals and blue then adding in red and green is probably not going to work. Why not think about doing blues and silver?

9. Clean your carpets and upholstery
Book your carpet and upholstery cleaning now. You’ll feel less anxious about having guests over if you know your home is clean and ready. And upholstery cleaners are less busy in the fall.

10. Book your Consult with Details 🙂
There is still time to book a Consultation (Design Work Session) with us. We can chat about what each room in your home needs to freshen it up before the holiday season. Maybe you need a full room makeover. Maybe you just need a few accessories. Maybe you need something in between. Let’s Book Now so we can have your home Holiday Ready.
For more info check out the Services page on the Details website.