10 Things to Think About When Hosting Holiday Event this Season

Children will cry about not wanting this, needing that, and will make you feel at times that you are losing your mind.  How do you intend to manage breakfast, lunch and dinner for the holidays?  Where will you be going?  Who will be coming to your home?  What will you do about the toys that children will not want to be separated from?  You can make your lives easier if you are prepared for at least some of the issues that might arise that day.


1.  List what your hopes are for the holiday.  By writing them down, you will stay focused and motivated when challenging moments come.


2.  Note what is your main priority and list other duties on a to-do list.  For instance, if you haven't completed Christmas shopping, then this would be the most important.  Other things would include: decorating, meal planning, house cleaning, and gift wrapping and labeling.  You will also need to keep in mind that children will get hungry, so will you be making breakfast or asking others to help that day or make their own.


3.  When children become emotional due to being overwhelmed with so much activity that day.  Would it make sense to tote little ones around, when it could be easier to keep them at home?  If you must leave, will they be taking a nap before they arrive at a relative's home?


4.  Toy opening.  Is it necessary to open all toys at once on that day?  If there are some that you know will be their favorites, would it be better to hold off opening those until after the children return from a relative's home?  Children like to keep their favorite toys close to them.  They may not want to share with other children on that day.  Understandably so, they waited all year for the things!


5.  Night before gift wrapping.  This is never a good idea since there are other things that might need to be tended to.  But if you have to, consider putting children in bed earlier or getting your mate or someone else in the family to start wrapping while you are making dinner for the following day.


6.  Meal preparation.  Some things to keep in mind when it comes to planning meals:  have some idea of how many guests are coming, make most things prior to the holiday, check in with your guests to be sure they are bringing requested items, ask that children don't bring toys with sound and be sure your own children aren't breaking the rules.  These things can be upsetting to the mood especially while guests are eating.


7.  House-cleaning.  Be sure your atmosphere is clean and comfortable for your guests.  Cover precious furniture and remove cherished items to prevent them from being ruined due to accidents.  If you are going to someone else's home, keep in mind that if children didn't get certain things they wanted for the holidays, they might fight about a toy or break it. 


8.  Delegate some responsibility to others who don't mind taking part in the following: videography, photography, house cleaning, organizing, decorations, meal planning, cooking, meal serving, beverages, entertaining children, kitchen cleaning and service after event is over. 


9.  Check over your grocery list again days before.  Try to stick to the time you plan to serve meals.  The longer it takes to wait to eat, the more likely people will get anxious.  People just aren't themselves when they are hungry.  If you and your family are picky eaters, be sure to bring things that you as well as others might like.  In addition, meal preparers will need to be sure they make enough items for visitors.


10.  Be sure the theme of your holiday celebration is well-represented as well as the things you hope to accomplish.  Is there someone there that should be honored?  Did someone recently wed?  Is there a pregnancy announcement?  Maybe someone would simply like prayer.  Whatever the achievement or the issue, be sure that it is addressed and good comes from it. 


Events and related things become challenging for hosts and their guests, when they allow their tiredness and impatience with others to show.  Watch how you talk to your helpers, parents and their children.  Some guests will not have the same appetite they might have at home.  They might not eat all their vegetables and meat, drink all their beverages, etc., rather than make negative comments or shame people, keep personal opinions to self.  If responsibilities become a bit much, remove yourself from the scene.  Take a nap, walk outdoors, or sit in your car and read a good book until you can get back into the right mood.


Nicholl McGuire maintains another blog for people who are easily bored.  See here.

Garage & Workshop Storage Solutions

Tool Cabinet Organization Ideas - Workshop Organization Ideas

Nursery Closet Organization: How to organize a baby's closet

Organizing Around Appliances, Unsightly Equipment, and Other Things that Ruin Decor

After spending time thinking about a cluttered basement, a family room, and a kitchen area with all sorts of appliances, piping, wiring, and other odd shaped things, I thought of how to best cover up some of these items.  When you know you are not in a position to remove needed items, you have to be creative.  Take a moment to think of the theme you are trying to create and the colors you would like to see.


Remove all items that are not being used or are no longer useful.  Do away with rusted, broken or outdated tools and furniture.  Update old shelves and cabinets if necessary since they make the best use of space.  Be sure the items you select will match well with existing items.  Arrange the appliances, equipment and other items that will give you the most room to maneuver. 


1.  Overhead pipes can be covered up with drop-ceiling tiles but if you don't have the money or time, think of making them a part of your design.  Think of restaurants, cafes, and other businesses that have exposed overhead piping.  Consider what they did to make their ceiling areas more artsy.  For creative tips, purchase a book about how to finish ceilings.


2.  Wiring can be tucked away neatly behind or in something.  Look at your atmosphere and consider placing the items behind an appliance, shelf, or purchase decorative cord covers found in most stores' home improvement departments.


3.  Create a wall to store unsightly items.  You can section off an area and place most unsightly items behind a decorative curtain wall or drywall.  You can also use your better looking items to create a wall.  For instance, tall shelf units with backings make great walls.  You can place items you don't want exposed behind them.


4. Compartmentalize small items.  Notice the many lose items that don't have a home yet.  What do you have that is already taking up space that you rarely use?  Get rid of that and use containers to put smaller things in and store on shelves or in cabinets.  Be sure the containers you select capture the style you are trying to create.  There are decorative boxes, old luggage, open bins, small stackable shelves, and other things that make the atmosphere less cluttered and more appealing.  Use the top of existing appliances to stack small shelf units; therefore giving you additional space to store items.


5.  A sink area is usually left open but if you must hide it, then you can use a wood plank and a cloth draped over it.  This area can double as a shelf or workspace if the plank is nicely designed.  You can place pretty items on top.  If you don't want to cover it, you might use it like a planter and keep your beautiful flowers in it while guests are over.  However, if the sink is used to catch the water from a washing machine and you plan on washing, hold off on that idea until your laundry is done.


6.  A refrigerator or freezer can be enhanced by adding hooks with magnets that can hold useful items.  They can be decorated with photos that sit behind magnet frames and other art making them less boring to view.  Cover the appliances up for special occasions with festive table cloths or gift wrap them making them appear like giant gifts.  Of course you will have to design them in such a way that you can open them.


7.  Washing machines and dryers are usually tucked away in their own room, but if you can't do this, try covering them up when not in use with colors that match your atmosphere. 


8.  When a stove isn't in use, burner covers add appeal to it.  Small appliance covers with modern designs look nice as well.  Rather than walking into a kitchen area viewing various gadgets, a person will see artwork.  Don't over do it and do try to make the colors fit together.


9.  Cabinets can also be decorated as well.  But don't use any harsh tape or glue or else the finish will come off.


10.  Ugly floors can be covered with carpeting or throw rugs.


With so many items and possibly so little time, do keep your best items in view and hide the unattractive ones or remove them altogether.  Take some time and view videos that will inspire you to enhance the look of your environment.  There are plenty on this site.  Also, walk the home organization sections of stores to see what the latest inventions are that can help you.  Check out art and craft stores.  Lastly, read books/magazines on home design to enhance your creativity.


Nicholl McGuire