simplify holiday entertaining

The Holiday season usually means lots of guests and lots of food. Here are a few ways to simplify your entertaining efforts this Holiday season…

clear clutter before guests arrive:
Prepare in advance, but only worry about areas that guests will see. For example, clear just enough space in the front hall closet for company's coats. Scoop up anything left around and place it on your bed. If you put it in a bag in a closet, you'll forget about it; if you put it on your bed, you'll have to deal with it (or sleep somewhere else) that night. Don't underestimate the power of clever disguises — a floor-length tablecloth or bottomless gift-wrapped box can hide a myriad of clutter sins.

time meals to perfection:

It's all in the planning. Create a time-line based on when you want the meal served, then work backward. If the meal is to be ready at 2pm and bread takes 10 minutes to warm, then write "1:50, bread in oven” Spare no detail. Right now you remember the gravy, but in the flurry of last-minute activity that once-obvious item might slip your mind. Better to have it all in writing and hanging on your fridge, cabinet or range hood.

prepare for overnight guests:
Make visitors feel welcome by gathering all your sample-size toiletries and placing them in a decorative basket with a sign for guests to help themselves. Leave magazines and books on the nightstand with a note inviting guests to take them if they're not finished by the time they leave.

For more Holiday organizing ideas, visit my website: www.andreadekker.com