Holiday parties are upon us - our house included! You know how much I love to entertain and this season our home will be filled with friends and family once again. We will kick off the Holidays with a party for 80 this week. This may sound crazy, but I just can’t wait! Every room is in order (or will be by tonight), is as decorated as it can be for now, the caterer’s and servers are lined up and most of the shopping is done. I’m down to my favorite part…the details. These are really the most fun for me and I think I’ve bought whatever I could find in red, pink and silver combo. Nate Berkhus and I have one huge thing in common. We shop anywhere and I did! It’s just about time to add the flowers, light the candles, bring in the music, add the Holiday spirit and we’re ready.

If you are entertaining, the most important thing to keep your sanity is to also keep daily lists going. This will help you stay organized and on track to enjoy the day of your event. List books are great and Holiday Organizers - even better. Remember to have fun yourself and to make it great for your date, spouse or partner. Have that cute little cocktail dress ready, with shoes and bag at it’s side. It’s definetely the time of the year for something fun to put in your hair.

Holiday Entertaining Tips:

Be sure that you check your list twice for party tubs, where you will hang those extra coats and wraps (garment racks do the trick!), are there guest towels or napkins in the bathrooms and do you have enough glasses? I chose acrylic martini glasses for our Signature Lemon Drops we’ll serve at this year’s party. Everyone loved them at the last soiree.

Happy Entertaining!

Mrs. O

This year has been a blast! Terry and I celebrated our 1st Anniversary on Labor Day weekend and I have had my dream job in Marketing for almost as long. I really am a lucky gal and have a lot to be thankfull for. I’m counting my blessings twice this year.

Speaking of giving thanks, are you on the road to ready yet? Only 17 more days until Thanksgiving. Before we start talking turkey, let’s talk getting organized, the table and decorating.

The Steps To A GREAT Thanksgiving?

- Make your lists! You may want to take a look at our List Books and Holiday Planners to get you started on the right track.

- Take check of your Thanksgiving Tools. We’ve together an easy list of must haves.

- The Guest List. Whether you are having a sit down dinner for 12 or a buffet for 50, if you haven’t already, extend your invitations and take count of the number of guests that will be around your table.

- Plan your dinner menu. I typically have three lists. The first is my Costco list, that includes everything that I can buy there in advance. The second are items that I can purchase ahead of time at my local supermarket and the last includes all the fresh items that I need to buy just a day or so before the Holiday.

- Organize your shopping list. Keep this stored on your computer so that you can save and add to it. Print and hang on your refridgerator so that it’s available in the kitchen as you run out of or remember items, too. One of the best items I found so far, is the SmartShopper Electronic Organizer. It’s voice activated, prints your lists. It doesn’t get much easier than that. I found them at Frontgate.com and Sur la Table. Great gift idea too!

- Give thought to your linens, charger plates and serving pieces. Are the linens pressed, would you like a new fall color in tablecloths and napkins to adorn the dining room this year and are the guest bathrooms and bedrooms in order?

- Decorate! Candles will light up any room and make them feel warm and cozy. Check your inventory for tapers, votives and maybe add a new lantern or two to freshen your decor. There are some really fun ones on the market right now. Hang your wreaths, be sure you have the the right floral containers, and if you are thinking about making placecards or one of your favorite crafty items for Thanksgiving - head to the craft stores early to get your material and get started!

Oh and don’t forget…get a brand new bag for all those trips to the grocery store and help the enviroment at the same time!

Happy Organizing!

-Mrs. Organized