House & Holidays Plan Week 13: Entry Space Week
November 21-27, 2021
With the season nearly here, it's time to organize the foyer or entryway. Open the door to an organized Christmas this week, in the House & Holidays Plan.
America gives thanks this week, as Thanksgiving Day kicks off the holiday season. In the House and Holidays Plan, we'll clean, declutter and prepare the entryway for Thanksgiving guests.
In holiday prep, we'll celebrate Thanksgiving, shop Black Friday bargains, and begin holiday decorating.
It's time to open the door to the holiday season!
This Week's Focus: Entry Space
Open the door to a beautiful home this week, as we clean, declutter and organize the entry area and coat closets. Our clean and organized entryway will make a dazzling impression on Thanksgiving guests!
In holiday prep, we'll give thanks as we enter the fullness of the season. After Thursday's celebration, we'll focus on a few holiday prep items and turn the corner toward Christmas.
Mailing party invitations early ensures that your event won't be lost in crowded calendars, and Black Friday bargains beckon. For many families, the weekend kicks off holiday decorating.
Ready? It's here!
This Week's Household Checklist
- Clean and declutter the entryway.. Front porch or foyer, apartment door or entryway, this week's focus is on the entry area of the home. Remove clutter, clean and organize the portal to your household this week. Check the front door, cleaning and polishing knob, knocker and any windows. What's the condition of the welcome mat; is it time for cleaning or replacement? Assess outdoor lighting; clean fixtures and replace any burned-out bulbs.
- Prepare the entryway for guests. When guests arrive, will you be ready? Declutter doorway storage areas so outdoor shoes, umbrellas or keys find an efficient, attractive home. Make sure there's extra space in the coat closet, and add spare hangers for holiday guests' use. Be ready to open the door to a wonderful holiday season!
This Week's Holiday Prep Checklist
- Set the table ahead. Set the Thanksgiving table a day or two before. You'll have time to spot (and fix) tarnished silver or stains on the tablecloth. Use sticky notes to mark serving dishes with the food they'll contain, so it's easy for guests to help.
- Double up on freezer-friendly dishes. Cooking for the Thanksgiving feast, plan to double or triple amounts for any freezer-friendly dishes, and tuck the extras into the freezer for later use. Candidates include unbaked pies, homemade cranberry sauce, unbaked stuffing and--surprise!--garlic mashed potatoes. Use the reserved side dishes for Christmas dinner or New Year's Day.
- Celebrate American Thanksgiving. (Canadian and UK friends? Enjoy the day off!)
- Shop Black Friday sales! Use your game plan to get the best deals quickly.
- Inspect and inventory decorations. As seasonal decorations come out of storage, make a quick review of what you have. Add any needed items to the shopping list.
- Begin holiday decorating. As the weekend winds down, begin the transition from Thanksgiving decor to Advent or Christmas decorations.
- Send party invitations. Holding a holiday party this year? Send invitations early. Social calendars fill up quickly in December.
- Arrange for baby-sitters. Be quick to call for help as holiday invitations arrive; child-care providers are busy in December, too.
