.Guest Blogger: How to Plan the Best Holiday Events with Family and Friends

Guest Blogger #259, Entry #766, November 16, 2011

Is it that time of the year already? To be honest, it feels like I was just saying that for last year’s holiday season. For a couple years it seemed to rush right by, with me missing out on the fun and beauty of it all.

There’s really no good excuse. We know Christmas is coming for 364 days, starting on December 26 of the previous year. I realized that I was procrastinating, and basically ‘winging’ it, which was unacceptable. My family, myself included, deserves a fun and healthy holiday season.

So, I thought if organization can make most things run smoother, why not Christmas?

Image via: Hoab

Getting the Home Ready and Healthy

It seems as though each season brings on a new set of allergies, or colds and flu, especially around the holidays. I’m not sure about anyone else, but I prefer a stuffed bird, over a stuffed nose anytime. Therefore, I knew I needed to give my house a deep cleaning before I even thought of getting the decorations out. Here is a list of what I try to accomplish before the tree goes up:

• Clean the air ducts
• Wash all comforters and window treatments, including the guest room
• Change the filters on the air purifiers, furnace, and vacuum
• Have the chimney swept
• Dust hard to reach areas (after air ducts are cleaned)
• Stock up on hypoallergenic products such as shampoos, conditioners, soaps, lotions
• Have all ingredients for our favorite homeopthic remedies for hay fever on hand
• Make sure we are all getting enough rest and fluids, as the flu season likes the holidays as well.

Of course this isn’t a guarantee that we won’t get sick. But, it certainly helps with fewer occasions and shorter durations when it does happen.

Lights, Camera, Action

Christmas lights, that is. Now, that the house is thoroughly cleaned and ready, it all comes out…the tree, lights, garland, and my treasured winter village for the fireplace mantle.

My family loves decorating for Christmas, because we make it fun. Each one of us has our ‘duty’ to fulfill, which helps keep the kids interested and occupied. Yes, I will admit, the idea was originally to keep them out of my hair. But, it’s now become a fun tradition.

Don’t forget the guest room if you expect overnight guests. We typically do, and I enjoy making that room a little extra special for them. I know that if I were away on Christmas, that I wouldn’t want to shut the door and feel excluded from the festive atmosphere.

I keep it simple and sophisticated, as it’s typically adults only in the room. By filling a nice glass bowl with colorful ornaments and setting that on the dresser along with a couple flameless candles, it goes a long ways to adding ambience. I also place a CD player in the room with some soft instrumental Christmas music, as well as some holiday towels.

Tip: If you have a year that you absolutely love the way your decorations turned out, take pictures. I have done this, so I can remember all the special details that made it more special.

Image via: Globally Gorgeous

Shopping and Saving for the Season

Anyone who does a lot of shopping for the holidays already knows how stressful it can be, because it can be time-consuming, as well as costly. For me, part of the joy of the season is in the giving. So, when I found it getting more and more stressful to find the joy, I came up with a game plan.

It starts well before the first Christmas commercial airs, or the first garland is hung at the mall. In fact, at times, it starts before last year’s is taken down.

You will find your best deals right after Christmas. Sure, you might not know the sizes that you will need almost a year later, or if that fad will be long gone. But, there are plenty of other items that you can save significant money on such as disposable holiday dinnerware for next year’s party, Christmas cards, games that will never go out, and stocking stuffers.

Another method I use for saving money is to surf the Internet for great buys. When I type a particular item into a search engine, quite often it will pop up into various stores that it’s available. I then search for the best price.

Just make sure if you are going to have it shipped, check the shipping cost between sites as well. It can vary quite a bit between stores. Also, pay attention to the ‘spam’ emails that come from the stores you frequent, because they often offer free shipping on certain days.
I also clip coupons every week, and check the local grocery store ads. Between the two, the savings can help with any entertaining you might be doing for the season. I have even planned my menu at times, based on the deals I find.

I have found that this all saves money, but also time, which for most people is just as valuable.

Image via: My Recipes

Food for Thought

What comes to mind when I hear that is a quote I have read by Walt Kelly, “Food for thought is no substitute for the real thing.”

I love to entertain, and realize that most social engagements typically revolve around food and beverage. The next time you are at a party, especially in someone’s home, pay attention to where people gather the most. I think you will find that it’s the kitchen.

Knowing this, I pay careful attention to the both the menu, as well as the decorating. I want to set a relaxed, yet enticing surrounding for my guests to congregate. I do this with setting the scene with soft lighting, and decorations that will gently blend in, and not take over the food layout.

Scattered flameless candles, sprigs of garland, ornaments, and holiday dinnerware make for a festive atmosphere. And, don’t forget some softly played Christmas music playing in the background.

My menu will change each year, but I always like a diverse selection so that there will be something for everyone. I typically host ‘appetizer’ parties for the larger crowds, with plenty of food out throughout the night.

I use chafing dishes, and mini crock pots to keep the hot appetizers warm, and chilled bowls for the food that needs to remain chilled, such as shrimp cocktail. This will keep the food at a temperature that is safe for consumption.

TIP: Separate foods with ingredients that are commonly known for allergies, such as seafood, or nuts, by placing them on another counter. This will help your guests to know which foods are safe for them, if they have food allergies.

Image via: The Daily Eater

In Summary

I have found that the happiest and healthiest holidays have been those when we were organized, with checklists to make sure you have everything on hand such as needed ingredients, tape, batteries, anti-bacterial wipes, and even a home remedy for allergic rhinitis.

It’s best to be prepared for anything, so you won’t have to take time out of your busy schedule to run errands in the middle of your festivities.

I hope that I have provided some helpful advice, or even just some motivation to find the Christmas spirit for the season.

Melissa Cameron is a freelance writer, living in Austin Texas with her husband and young children. She enjoys writing about, and living, a frugal and productive life. As a busy mom and writer, she saves time and money by searching deals on the Internet, and likes to share those finds with others. When she is not writing or saving, she is able to spend time with her extended family, including her parents who happen to be neighbors as well.

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