Welcome to Tidy Thursday! Here at VolunteerSpot, we’re committed to simplifying the busy lives of parents, teachers and active volunteers. Along that theme, we’re pleased to present organization expert April Welch, The Mental Clutter Coach! Today, April shares ideas for streamlining your holiday parties. Thanks, April!
* * *
With the holidays fast approaching I thought I would take the time this week to inspire you to think a little about what lies ahead in the coming months and just how are you going to handle it.
My age old advice is always to start with what you know:
* Are you hosting any parties?
* What are the dates?
* Have you looked at your calendar and compared it with other commitments?
* Are you still in the "penciling in" phase?
* When will you let others know they are invited?
Here's the deal, life is crazy & chaotic every other month of the year ~ if you want to put on a successful shindig you'll need to plan at least a little. Consider the following steps as a starting point:
Step 1:
Whether you're a list maker or not, you'll need to determine your style of tracking tasks that need to be done and what's left to do. Consider using an app on your phone, a pad of paper or even hiring an assistant {like your teenager or the neighbor}.
Step 2:
Outline the benchmarks. Start with the date of the party and work your way backward determining when things need to be completed by. When does food need to be ordered by? When do invitations need to be in the mail or emailed by? What days will certain house cleaning chores be completed?
Step 3:
Determine your invitation list. Then evaluate it. Would any of the attendees be helpful in lending a hand to party plans? I have one friend who loves to clean {yes, I know, we've determined it's a sickness} and another who works full time and can pick things up on her way home for me. Every year I use their offer to help out.
Step 4:
Consider allergies. Will your home be a welcome environment for someone who has allergies to food, pets or environmental items? We have a couple of friends who are allergic to cats, the 24 hours before our big holiday party we give the party area a deep clean and then keep the cat out of the space until after the festivities.
Step 5:
Have fun! Remember, the whole reason you had this idea in the first place was to have a good time with your party goers, so do just that! Relax, laugh and enjoy the surroundings!
Next week I'm spilling the beans on The Brown Bag Organizing System for your Turkey Dinner, stay tuned!
Keepin' it Tidy,
April
* * *
April Welch is a Mental Clutter Expert | Mom of 2 boys | Wife to 1 Fireman | Horrible Cook | Loyal Friend | National Public Speaker who gives you permission to be imperfect
