Get Your Southern Home Holiday Ready Without the Stress

Get Your Home Holiday-Guest Ready Without the Stress

Well, it’s that time of year again! The leaves are falling-kinda, the air’s a little crisper, and soon enough, your front door will be swinging open to welcome holiday guests. Whether it’s your in-laws, best friends from way back, or a gaggle of cousins you only see once a year, having company over is part of what makes the holidays so special.

But let’s face it—getting the house ready for guests can be overwhelming. If you’re feeling more “WHERE DO I EVEN START?” than “Deck the halls!”, don’t worry. I’ve got some simple tips to help you get your home cozy, tidy, and ready for all those MERRY moments.

1. Start with the Spaces They’ll Use Most

This is NOT the time to deep-clean your attic or alphabetize your pantry (unless you really want to-but sipping eggnog while enjoying your tree is a MUCH better idea!). Focus on the areas your guests will actually see and use:

• The Entryway: Make sure it’s welcoming. Clear away any clutter and set out a rug or mat to catch any debris (And keep your floors cleaner!). If you’ve got a festive wreath, (If you’re Southern, you have at LEAST 3) now’s the time to hang it up.

• The Guest Room (or Space): Clean sheets, fresh towels, and a little space to unpack are the basics but Southern hospitality is all about going the extra mile! Add a touch of charm with a small basket of travel-size toiletries -like shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste and maybe even a spare toothbrush-just in case your guest forgets something. It’s the little details that say, “You’re welcome here!”

• The Bathroom: Nice scented soap, a fresh hand towel, and a scented candle can make even the smallest bathroom feel spa-like. Extra toilet paper is a must! I keep pretty bottles of shampoo, conditioner, body wash and lotion in the bathroom for overnight guests.

2. Declutter Like You’re Hosting Santa Himself

Now, don’t panic—I’m not saying you need to make your entire house look like no one lives there!. But taking 10-15 minutes a day to tackle clutter hotspots (like the kitchen counters or coffee table) can make your home feel instantly more put-together.

Pro tip: Stand in your doorway and get a glimpse of their first view of your home. Not ready…see the next pro tip!!

Pro tip: Grab a laundry basket, toss in anything that’s out of place, and stash it away in a closet until after the holidays. Nobody’s going to judge you for that—we’ve all done it!

3. Set Up a Snack Station

One thing I’ve learned? Guests love a little self-serve setup. Put together a tray or basket with community coffee pods, tea bags, hot cocoa, and a few snacks like pralines, pecans or cookies. Add a few mugs and napkins, and you’ve got yourself a cozy little corner where guests can help themselves.

4. Add a Dash of Holiday Magic

Get that wreath out of the wreath closet! You don’t need to go full-on Griswold with the decorations, but a few festive touches will make your home feel extra special. Think twinkle lights, stockings on the mantle, a wreath on the door with a monogram sash or even just a vase of fresh greenery. It’s the little things that say, “Welcome, we’re glad you’re here!”

5. Don’t Forget the Fridge

If your guests are staying overnight, stock up on breakfast basics—eggs, bread, fruit, cereal and maybe a little something sweet. And while you’re at it, make sure you’ve got their favorite drinks on hand. Nothing says “I thought of you” like a fridge stocked with Diet Coke or that eggnog your sister loves.

6. Relax and Enjoy the Moment

Here’s the most important tip of all: Don’t sweat the small stuff. Your guests are here to see YOU, not inspect your baseboards. Light a candle, put on some holiday music, and focus on making memories.

If all else fails, just remember: A warm smile and a old fashioned can cover a multitude of sins. Now go pour yourself a cup of something yummy—you’ve got this!

And if all this still feels like too much, you know where to find me. Visit www.chaosorganizing.com to learn how we can help get your home in tip-top shape, so you can spend less time stressing and more time enjoying the season.

Say Goodbye to Chaos. Step into a New Year of Order and Calm.

We have gift certificates that make great Christmas Gifts!

Martha-Carol Stewart

MC@Chaosorganizing.com

225-205-6400

Back to School Chaos to Calm

Back to School! Yes, I've said it! I know it's the phrase kids dread hearing right now. While the carefree days of summer are wonderful, there's something comforting about the routine and structure the school year brings, even if it can be a bit hectic.

With one in college and one starting his junior year, my schedule is a lot freer than it ever has been.  That being said, I remember the hustle and bustle of the mornings and evenings with younger children like it was yesterday.  It was so hard!  I like to think back to the many mornings that went off with out a hitch, but who’s kidding? So many times I ended up with someone in tears on the ride to school because by the time I said, “Get your shoes on!” for the fourteenth time, I was losing it.  Some days I was the one in tears on the way to school feeling like a terrible, chaotic mom. How could anyone have a good day if it started this way?  I have a degree in Early Childhood and Family Studies, for Pete’s Sake!  I can manage a classroom full of children, what is going wrong here?? I longed for routine and order.

The truth is we all do what we can, the best we can.  Some days this means we hit all the targets and our children look as organized as the Von Trapp children with the Captain. Other days it means we look like we are herding cats while trying to juggle chainsaws.  It’s ok, we all have those days. We get it! Well, let me tell you what I learned in those days: I finally realized I needed to apply my classroom management skills to my home. Maybe this idea can help you too!

Routines.  Routines were the key to my classroom and they were certainly key to my family having smooth mornings and evenings.  Evening routines were the most important, especially with young children. They thrive on consistency and routines. Think about your mornings.  What could be done in the evening to alleviate stress in the mornings?  For my family, this meant laying out clothes and packing lunches the night before.  

Here is a sample of our evening routine when my children were young:

• Clean up toys 

• Dinner

• Make lunches (Kept in fridge until the A.M.) 

• Get out school clothes

• Pack any papers needed in backpacks and put backpacks at the door. (Should be done at homework time.)

• Bath/Potty

• Pjs

• Books

• Lights out

Every bit of this can be done with the help of your children.  We had approved snack baskets in the fridge and in the pantry for them to make healthy choices.  They were able to help make sandwiches too.  One child didn’t want bread so she simply rolled up lunchmeat and cheese!   

If you don’t want to fight about the clothes every night, get a 5-tiered shelf that hangs on the closet rod.  On Sundays put outfits together (1 per shelf), socks and underwear included.  

If toys are given a specified home, then clean up is easier.  Mom and Dad, you have to supervise this because kids are not a fan of clean up time.  They WILL shove things where they don’t belong if you aren’t in there.  Sorry, but you all know it’s the truth.  15 minutes should do it if it’s a nightly routine.  Clean up to music to make it more fun. 

Another suggestion that children will not be a fan of:  No electronics during the week.  I was not going to fight with my children every night to put away the ipad.  Once they had phones, they were plugged in to charge in our main hall at night.  

Now that all of this is done at night, the morning routine is easy.  (Insert evil laugh)  Well, easier than before?

Here is a sample of my morning routine:

Here is a sample of our morning routine when my children were young:

• Breakfast-try to think healthy and protein filled.  You can make breakfast muffins on the weekends if needed but kids need a healthy breakfast.  

• Get dressed-Hair, clothes, shoes and brushed teeth

• Put lunch in backpack 

• Grab backpack

• Off to school.

That’s much better, right?

Now, here’s the best part.  Type your lists on your computer. (Use pictures along with the words for young children who can’t read.)  Insert these lists into sheet protectors and hang them on the refrigerator.  Tie a dry erase marker to the page.  Now, the kids can check off their own “to do” lists so you aren’t having to be responsible for every step.  You are the overseer/assistant.  The children gain a sense of independence and you gain some peace.   (Each child had its own age appropriate list.)

I unfortunately cannot alleviate the stress of homework and projects that come with this time of year, but with these routines I hope I can help you organize some of the Chaos that going back-to-school can bring.

Need help? Email us at info@ChaosOrganizing.com

6 Tips for the Southern New Year (AKA Fall)

Who is ready for cooler temps, routines and getting back to busy work/school/play life balance? Yeah, not me either. BUT. with the right prep, you can be ready for all the fun (and stressful) things life will throw at you this fall. I can’t help you with Algebra tutoring, but as a Mom who has been there, I can help you set up your spaces for less stress and more success!

1. Routines: Set up routines so that the work is shared amongst the household.  In my home we had a morning routine, afternoon/afterschool routine and evening routine.  These routines are key to teaching your family how to be responsible for themselves and gives Mom’s a little extra time for a needed break. (Age appropriate goals, of course) 

2. Command Center: With all the activities that come during the fall season, a command center is a must!  Set up a command center with a calendar, space for backpacks(and soccer bags, dance bags, etc.), purses, wallets and anything else needed to get out the door quickly. Everything needed to get out the door should be put here the night before so that your morning is smooth sailing!

3. Car Organization: Time to take the beach chairs out and put the soccer chairs in!   Carpool, tailgating, camping and sports will require our cars to make the transition from summer fun to activity-full fall!  Having a trunk organizer that has an ice chest and containers for afterschool snacks, tailgating items or sports equipment helps keep it all running smoothly!  

4. Homework Station: Setting up a homework space is vital to starting the school year off successfully.  A clutter free space that holds pens, pencils, highlighters or whatever is needed to get the job done works well.  Latch boxes work well at containing supplies and a rolling cart that holds the latchboxes keeps the mess contained and transportable to any homework table available.

5. Tailgating items:  Storage Tubs filled with tailgating items can be stored in the garage or outdoor storage room for ease. Categorize and label the tubs into how they will be used.  That way the tubs with food items can be unpacked and stored properly after the tailgate while tubs containing paper and plastic goods can be put back outside.  Taking an inventory of what tubs needs to be refilled is vital during the after tailgate pack up time so that your next tailgate runs smoothly.

6. Hunting Season: Having a closet or space designated to your hunter keeps the clutter from spilling over into your other spaces. (Your bedroom, living room or guest room…yes, I live with a hunter! I get it!) Shelving with tubs (60 quart for large items and 6 quart for small items) that hold the various amounts of camo and accessories can be very helpful.  I categorize them as they are used.  Upland bird, turkey, deer, duck, etc.  We have a gun safe for any weapons and keep the ammo separate for safety reasons.  Trigger locks are great for any guns that are not in a safe. Pegboards or slatwall are terrific for storing bows and calls.

   Now that you have a few tips to get you started, make sure you check out our Back to School Amazon list for our favorite items to help you get on your way! https://www.amazon.com/shop/chaosorganizing/list/7FX706QHPK2N?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsflist_aipsfchaosorganizing_2VA8Q1XVKTP8TC8ZR0C2

   (We do make a small commission on this but this does not affect you or the price in any way)

   or for more details on how to get organized check out the fall chapter in Southern Chaos: Organizing the Southern Home. https://www.organizingsouthernchaos.com/

   Needing 1:1 guidance? Give us a call at 225-205-6400 and lets get you on the calendar.

   We are wishing you a fabulous and successful fall season!

   Happy New Year, Y’all!