Seasonal Projects: Here come the Holidays!

The leaves are falling, the nights are getting chilly…we have already had goblins at the door. You know what that means….the holidays are approaching at record pace! So how can we enjoy them more and stress out less?

Holiday Entertaining Tips:

1. Plan the menu. Plan the menu at least 3-4 weeks in advance and do all the shopping or delegating immediately. Planning your menu is paramount to success. Try not to serve any food which requires last minute preparation. Most food can be kept warm in a low oven, mashed potatoes can be kept warm in a crock pot! Enjoy your company and keep yourself out of the kitchen as much as you can!
   
   
2. Make your list. Make your list of things to do. If cleaning is on your list, clean at least the weekend before your event. Cleaning the day or two before your event will just make you tired and crabby! Now go through the list and figure out a time table for the day before, the morning of etc.
   
   
3. Set the table. Set the table the weekend before when you have time to make sure that the glasses are spotless, the silver isn’t tarnished and you have enough room for everyone. Is your dining room to small? Can you turn your table the other way and spill over into the connected room or hallway? Is your table to small? Can you use two tables and cover with a table cloth?
   

Table Decorating Ideas:

1. Start with the Table Cloth. Analyze the colors in your room, pick out a color that will compliment the decorating that is already there.
   
   
2. Use Chargers. Chargers add a lot of depth to your table. The come in a variety of styles and price ranges. On the low end Hobby Lobby has some great charges for $2 on the high end Horchow consistently has amazing styles.
   
   
3. Keep the florals out of the line of sight.Make your arrangements low enough that the guests can see each other across the table. Use fresh greenery to make a runner down the middle of the table, scatter candles and small poinsettias for a Christmas dinner. If you want to make some floral arrangements yourself¡­Sams has great flowers at wonderful prices. Walmart carries the "oasis" green foam for fresh flowers. If you don't want to spend a lot of money on containers, buy some Tupperware and wrap it in gift wrap or fabric remnants to add holiday color at budget prices.
   
   
4. Candles. Candles add that special glow to any dinner. Make sure you get unscented candles so your food doesn’t have to compete. Either buy drippless candles or wax catchers so you don’t damage your linens or table.