Hosting, Toasting, And Decorating Fixes For The Holidays

    We all know that entertaining at home is really a holiday gift that should be shared with friends and family, and the best hosts are the ones who are relaxed (or seem so) and enjoying themselves. How do they do it? What holiday magic have they learned that many of us have not yet mastered? I think we all know it’s not magic, but good planning and preparation (easy for me to say). The good news is we still have time on our side, so let’s use it wisely:
    Start by doing a quick clean up.  Get rid of whatever is worn, torn, or broken and begin your “to-do” lists for gift giving and home decorating.  Make them realistic – and affordable – and evaluate the way you’ve done things in the past. Maybe it’s time to change.
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Gift giving – what if you….
• Had a family lottery to eliminate so many presents
• Purchased gift cards
• Shopped online
• Just exchanged greeting cards with personal messages
• Or, if you’re in the Fortune 500 category, hire a personal shopper and send them off to complete your list.
• If gift giving is part of your celebration, be sure you’ve wrapped a few extra presents so when unexpected guests turn up, no one will feel left out.
• What about the kids? Have you planned anything special for them to keep them happy and occupied?

Now – your home
• Don’t plan a renovation project too close to the holidays.
• A fresh coat of paint can transform a room easily (and try a new color that works)
• Use holiday decorations as seasonal additions to your home.
• More may not be better. Proper showcasing can make inexpensive objects look grand and beautiful. Try to group holiday accessories as you might any collectible. For example, your existing bookshelves may be the perfect place to display a whole Christmas village or Chanukah menorah collection rather than adding an additional table taking up needed space.  
• Make your staircase a focal point with decorative garlands and plants (if the steps are wide enough).  
• Fireplaces can look wonderful when dressed for the season with mantle covers, candles and Christmas stockings or dreidels and Chanukah cards.  
• Place your tree or giant dreidel in an area for greatest enjoyment, leaving enough space for presents and people opening them. Think about rearranging the furniture just a bit for maximum use and affect.  
• Do your decorations overwhelm your guests? Is there still room for comfortable seating or should you move things around in advance to accommodate everyone?
• If guests are staying over, make sure their quarters are prepared and user friendly (empty drawers and closet space, clean towels, fresh bed linens). Do you want to decorate that area with holiday décor? 
• Is your coat closet empty?  Are there extra hangers in it? 
• Do candle holders have candles?
• Check out the powder room.  Add fresh scents, decorative paper hand towels, and a candle or two.
    And finally, find a wine you love to serve, open a bottle now, pour a glass, make your lists and remember what the holidays are meant to be. Enjoy the anticipation of celebrating traditions with family and friends – and when the day comes, if you’ve prepared, it will become a happy memory for the future. Best wishes from everyone at Natalie Weinstein Design Associates & Uniquely Natalie!
    P.S. – For immediate furniture and accessory delivery, visit Uniquely Natalie our quality consignment shop for beautiful additions to your home affordably.