Tips from Tonia November 2024

Hope everyone had a great fall break! We were able to see the twins for some of it. Now that break is over, we can start thinking about getting our lives in order for the holidays. Personally, I have been dreading getting my house in order because it reminded me of how FAST time has flown by since the girls left for college. I am thankful they will be coming home, but even organizers need time to get organized in the home. I often feel like the cobbler’s kids with NO shoes, LOL. No really, in all reality, I am looking forward to hosting Thanksgiving as we always do, but I MUST get organized and start taking inventory of what I have and what is needed. So, this month I am going to give you some of “Tonia’s Tips” to get organized for holiday entertaining!

  1. Make a master list of things that need to get done and assign a date to it. I know this helps me when I use a paper calendar of all the things I’ve scheduled and when it’s going to happen. Use a calendar like this one. If you are more of an electronic person, use THINGS.
    • Home Services. If you are hosting like most, start scheduling your home service needs so your home is spick and span! Helpful people to book for your home service needs:

These are just a few of the ones that come to mind when getting ready to entertain for the holidays.

  1. Stock up! Make a list of things you need for your guests. Drinks, toiletries & specialty foods. Especially if you have guests who are dairy-free/gluten-free. Also, favorite snack foods for guests. Some of our favorite snacks are, Simple Mills banana nut bars, granola bars, and Thrive Veggie Sticks.
  2. Get your outdoor entertainment area ready for guest. I noticed over the summer, my pillows were looking a bit faded, and I needed to replace a few outdoor blankets. I love Crate and Barrel for those easy quick items I can pick up. I also am in the middle of getting ready to pull down our outdoor heater since just THIS week it started getting chilly. It’s hooked up to our outdoor gas line, so it’s nice to just flip a switch. Consider refreshing your outdoor cooking tools too is helpful if you cook a lot. I like these ones from Crate & Barrel.
  3. Make your menu early – I use this one. I also purchased my turkey early from Organic Prairie. I’m so happy I got an early start, so I don’t have to stress about finding an organic turkey. It was a small task to find them!
  4. Last, but not least, take inventory of your baking dishes and place settings. Purchase any linens that need replaced early, so you aren’t scrambling at the last minute.

Have fun this holiday season and try to live in the moment. If every detail isn’t perfect, that’s ok. I suffer from a bit of perfectionism (hence probably why I started Sorted Out 20 years ago) so try and let the little things go. I know it’s easier said than done, but I promise what you’re doing is going to be PERFECT for you and your family. Most won’t even notice. Now, go and enjoy making your list of things to do and remember we are here if you are in a pinch and need some help getting Sorted Out. 😊

Tonia

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