Tips on Organizing for New Years and other Family Get-Togethers

If your last family get-together didn't look like you had it together, you might want to consider doing some things differently especially the ones that resulted in negative feedback.

1.  Be sure to invite only those who you really want to be at your home or gathering. (Note: you might want to meet relatives elsewhere, so you don't have to cook, clean, host, etc.)

2.  Prepare family related items to share such as:  photographs or video taken during the last event and any other news that is positive. (Avoid the gossip.  You don't want unflattering comments spreading like wildfire!)

3.  List everything you need to do.  Sometimes people plan events and don't remember to do the following into the last minute while worrying themselves and others:

• Enlist help. (Many happy hosts end up being tired, sad hosts by the end of the event because they don't bother to ask for assistance.)
• Meal selection that accomodates a variety of taste buds including those who don't eat meat.
• A grocery list that includes a variety of drinks, appetizers, and much needed items to help with meal preparation ie.) milk, eggs, butter, sugar, etc.
• Cleanliness of one's home especially kitchen and bathroom areas.
• Table set up to accomodate guests and place setting arrangement.
• Decorations.
• A timeframe at which the gathering starts and ends.  (If there is no time limit, people just might stay overnight!)
• Activities for children and adults.  (Remember, kids get bored and some adults don't like sitting around the whole time--have things for them to do).

If you are hosting the event at home, stick with edible items that everyone knows about rather than presenting something new or different especially if you heard through the grapevine that some foods didn't go over too well.

Nicholl McGuire

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5 Tips on Organizing Tasks that Require Much Time Over the Internet

What more do you need to do online today?  Do you have online shopping to complete?  Maybe a business that hasn't been tended to in a few days?  Whatever your online organizing need, consider tips that will help you get some things done today and not tomorrow!

One of the keys to good organizing both on and off the Internet is people find the time to center themselves despite many distractions.  Taking the time to create folders grouping important documents, list what needs to be done, and other things will ensure that you are able to tend to whatever is hanging out there and even if you don't get some things done today, you can refer to your incomplete list tomorrow, because you kept track of all that needed to be done.

1.  List tasks and include deadlines. Items that are less of a priority, place at the bottom of the list.  When you have tasks that you don't want to spend too much time on, set an online timer.

2.  If your task(s) involve other people, be sure that they are aware of the schedule and agree to it.  Clearly define their roles and include any resources that will help them reach goals.

3.  Keep a daily log of any online contact with individuals and businesses and include what was discussed, promised, time and dates.

4.  Note any websites that need to be visited, already visited and include results.

5.  Use online servers for storage and other tools that might make your online organizing more efficient.  Excel spreadsheets work wonders when you need to track things daily,weekly or monthly.  You can find online organizer freebies on various sites when you conduct searches specific to your needs.

When organizing your tasks, be sure that the environment around your computer is organized as well.  Although everything might seem like it is important to leave out at the time, stacking it neatly with the most important items on top looks much nicer and the feelings of being overwhelmed begin to subside.  Remove any items from around your work area that may distract you.

Nicholl McGuire

For more assistance on organizing, see suggested blog entries below.  Get goals accomplished today!