Planning for the Holidays- 5 Week Plan

     As an event planner as well as a stager, I like to make the entire holiday season  into a planned event. So many things come along that are unexpected, you really do need an action plan to pull this off with the least amount of stress. Many stagers are branching out and may find this helpful for their clients. Everyone needs a plan for their "home for the holidays".

What Is the 5 Week Plan?

The 5 Week Holiday Plan breaks down all of the tasks that you have to do during the holiday season into weekly focus areas with specific tasks to complete during a week. Instead of trying to cram all of your decorating, cleaning, organizing, buying, and planning into the two weeks before a large holiday event, try doing a little at a time to truly transform your holiday season.

There is still plenty of time before Christmas to get this game plan in gear. 

How To Customize the 5 Week Plan    

                                                                                                                photo by charmeddeigitalchick

The 5 Week Holiday Plan is a guide.   Planning, cleaning, organizing, buying, and scheduling are broken down into weekly tasks that can be modified according to your needs. Many families decorate their home  for Christmas while everyone is there for Thanksgiving - this has never worked for us, but maybe this year, we will try it out.

The Top  Focus Areas

Week 1: Clutter and Planning, Gift shopping, Budgets

Clear the way for an organized holiday season by getting rid of clutter and getting some early planning done

Order those gifts that are mail order and check out the stores for other ideas. 

Week 2: Living Room and Family Room, Maintain what you already accomplished

The living areas see a lot of use during the holiday season because of where guests tend to gather. Have your living areas ready for unexpected guests or full parties."If you don't clean it , they will come - better to prepare"

Week 3: Kitchen and Pantry

Your kitchen and pantry will need to be in tip top shape to pull off effortless cooking and entertaining. Have your kitchen spotless, organized and the pantry well stocked with basics - good time to pull out those recipes & check ingredients

Week 4: Dining Room, Bathrooms, Guest rooms

Using real linens and napkins? Count them out and check for stains and wear.

Now may be the time to put out the fluffy or velvet Holiday towels

A small tray with tissues, magazines, samples of shampoo, conditioner, hand cream, etc will make your overnight guests feel even more welcome. 

Week 5: Bedrooms, Closets, Storage, Gift wrapping, Quick Clean ups

We are almost there - gifts are wrapped and anything you can't close the door on is ready and even some spaces they probably won't see are neat and tidy.

                                                    ***** Celebrate and recover!!!!