Yep, it's that time of year again. The holidays are coming!
And, amongst the changing seasons, gatherings with family, outings with friends, laughter and festive meals, what inevitably also arrives once more is stress. (Did it ever leave?) While we can't always eliminate holiday time intensity completely, finding a balance is certainly possible. Consider some of these tips for decorating, organizing, hosting and creating a cozy atmosphere this holiday season.
For Jamie Carnes, Owner, Special Occasions & Design Effect, early October means finally clearing out the last remnants of the summer adventures that lasted through September, and switching gears over to Halloween mode as the leaves begin to change.
"I've learned that our home needs a 'Fall Cleaning' more than a 'Spring Cleaning,'" Carnes said. "I start to look ahead at the spaces I'm going to use the most for holiday hosting—my living room and dining room—and ensure they're cleared of the 'extra' and anything that feels particularly summer-y."
Transition pieces also come in handy.
"As I start adding decor to my home for the holiday season, I try to find pieces that can transition from fall to winter," Carnes explained. "Meaning, instead of putting the traditional fall leaves in a centerpiece on my dining room table, I've been placing greens that can last, and then adding pumpkins for fall, which can be switched out for cranberries in the winter. Small adjustments focusing on transitional elements definitely lightens the load when it comes to changing your home over from fall to winter."
For creating cozy atmospheres, consider all the senses. Replace lighter weight summer linens with heavier knit materials (whether it's pillow covers, blankets, sheets or table cloths); brighten up darker corners of your home with small cordless lamps and warm-toned bulbs; have a good playlist curated for your bluetooth speaker when company arrives; choose candles or wax melts with a warm and cozy scent, etc.
Organizing your decor doesn't have to be a pain either. If space allows, consider shelving units to store bags and bins vertically. Opt for clear containers so you can keep track of what's where, or simply label non-transparent containers. Tips like wrapping string lights around a hanger to keep them from tangling and storing your items with cedar blocks to deter pests help make your life easier when it comes time to bring out your festive embellishments the following year.
Of course, don't wait to get your ducks in a row for the holiday season—especially if you're planning a large gathering or hosting.
"Plan your grocery list, when you're going to prep food and drinks, and always leave yourself more time than you think you need," Carned advised. "It always helps to find platters or bowls ahead of time and label them with what they're going to hold."
And remember, while retailers are always coming out with something shiny and new to catch your eye, it's absolutely OK to use decorations from last year or to get creative with budget items. The holiday season can still feel magical without emptying your wallet under the influence of overconsumption. If you're itching for something new, consider visiting some local second-hand establishments or asking friends and family members if they have any unwanted décor items you could repurpose. If you do find yourself wanting to do some shopping, end-of-the-season sales are where it's at (this includes storage containers).
Some of Our Recommended Albums and Spotify Playlists for your Fall Adventures:
- "90s Fall Vibes" playlist by Olivia Lauer
- "Autumn In New York" playlist by criddlezachary
- "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown" album by Vince Guaraldi Trio
- "Norah Jones Radio" playlist
- "Halloween Party" playlist by Spotify
Written by Sarah Suydam, Managing Editor for West Michigan Woman.
This article originally appeared in the Oct/Nov '24 issue of West Michigan Woman.
