Simplify your decor. A lot of us decorate with items we’ve used since childhood, things we received our first year of marriage, and all the gifts we’ve collected from the grandchildren. This holiday season, consider decorating with only the best of the best-- The things that bring you the most joy. Don’t overwhelm the senses. Focus on finding one thing that reaches each of them. Faux fur blankets are soft to the touch, are functional, and make a living room and bedroom feel cozy. A pine or cinnamon candle or oil diffuser on each floor reaches your sense of smell and can einvoke happy memories. Instead of placlooking at figurines around each corner, consider using white lights and garlands on the door frames, mantel, and railings for a more natural aesthetic. Not only will you feel less overwhelmed in your home, there is less to set up, clean, put away, and store at the end of the season.
Clear a path. Getting things up off the floor leaves your rooms looking and feeling lighter and less cramped for your guests. Utilize hanging systems behind doors, cabinet spaces below your waist, and decorative bins to hide things like toys and shoes.
Clear the counters. Only keep the things you use daily on your countertops. My counters have the percolator, a crock for cooking utensils, and a paper towel holder. Clearing out space under your counter for things that you use less frequently can make your kitchen look more open and clean. Plus, you’ll have all that extra room to spread out while you’re prepping food for company and setting up your charcuterie and cocktails!
Clear a closet. If you have a closet in or near your front entryway, clear it out to make room for the hats, gloves, scarves, and coats that will be filtering in with your guests. Sturdy, wood hangers are my favorite for winter coats. You can put a boot mat on the floor of the closet and have labeled bins for loose articles on the shelf.
Relax! The less clutter you have to start with, the easier it is to relax and enjoy yourself when company arrives. You don’t have to worry about them opening a door to a room full of junk, and you don’t have to walk around behind them cleaning up so you have less work later. You can just be in your home and enjoy the present company.
Whatever holidays you are celebrating this season, I hope you experience real peace and joy in your homes because you and your company truly deserve it.
