12 Professional New Year’s Resolutions You Should Keep

2017 is an opportunity to become more creative, productive, and generally more content at work.

New Year’s resolutions can seem like a waste of time since only 8% are successful in achieving them. However, it’s a natural time to make important changes in our lives; kind of like a “reset” button. Maybe that’s why 45% of Americans make New Year’s resolutions in the first place.

Per the University of Scranton’s Journal of Clinical Psychology study, the top 10 resolutions of 2016 included things like losing weight and getting more organized. Which are great, but we are here to talk about professional resolutions.

We challenge you to come up with and stick to New Year’s resolutions that will make you more creative, productive, and generally more content at work. Short on ideas? Here are 12 professional resolutions to get you jump started in 2017.

1) Designate an electronics-free zone.

Our brains recognize the brightness from phones, computer monitors, and even TVs as external light, which sends the signal that we should be awake. It’s harder to fall asleep when exposed to too much screen time at night. Thus, our circadian rhythms are interrupted and we lose out on much needed renewal time.

Try reading, journaling, or maybe even a few minutes of yoga. And if you cannot part with your electronic devices, reduce your screen’s blue light by downloading apps such as f.lux, which adjusts your screen’s blue light depending on the time of day, or the similar filter from PC Sun Screen. Or, iPhone OS comes with a “night shift” mode, which accomplishes the same thing after sunset.

2) Write something every day.

The quality of writing in the U.S. has been declining. It’s an important business skill and even more important if you are blogging regularly. If you want to become a better writer, practice makes better.

Get into the habit of writing daily. Neil Patel suggests writing for at least 30 minutes every workday. Skip the weekends and use the time you save with electronics by journaling before bed. Pick topics that came up at work that day. Maybe something from a customer, a friend, or a topic that you are curious about. It doesn’t matter what you write about, It’s the habit of writing regularly that’s important.

3) Keep up with Google.

Google regularly makes changes to its algorithm. These changes are designed to improve user experience by helping searchers to discover the best content. Keep up with those changes by not only staying on top of the news, but keep your content at the highest quality so more people can find you.

Consider reorganizing your content library into content clusters since SEO is evolving to favor topics over keywords. You’ll have a larger pool of relevant keywords and phrases which will help you harness more search traffic.

4) Improve your design skills.

Visual content is 40x more likely to be shared on social media. People retain 55% more after three days when an image is paired with relevant information. For that reason, 2017 is the year for you to master some design skills so you can create content yourself or learn to better communicate your image needs with contractors.

There are many online resources, either free or relatively inexpensive, to self-educate. Check out YouTube how-to videos, Coursera, or Khan Academy.

5) Invest in video.

Join the 48% of marketers who plan to add YouTube to their content strategies in the next year by investing in or experimenting with video. For just a few of Hubspot marketing statistics: 4x as many customers would rather watch a video about a product than read about it. 45% of people watch more than an hour of Facebook or YouTube videos a week. Marketers who use video grow revenue 49% faster than non-video users.

Getting started with a video strategy depends on your level of knowledge. Begin by learning about the different ways video marketing works. Consider experimenting with instant video options, like Facebook Live, and Instagram or Snapchat Stories. These more casual formats help people relate to your brand by giving them a behind-the-scenes look at what you do.

6) Take breaks.

The top 10% most productive employees take 17-minute breaks for every 52 minutes of work they put in. Even though 90% of employers encourage breaks, only 45% of employees take them. The other 55% feels too guilty to leave our desks for prolonged breaks.

It’s easy to forget to come up for air. Put reminders on your calendar to take a 17-minute break every 52 minutes. Step away from work — no email, no work-related calls, and no sneak peeks at your phone.

7) Listen to one podcast per week.

Listening to podcasts is a great way to learn something new. Many teachers incorporate podcasts into their lesson plans. The auditory version of a story aides the ability to process accompanying written content.

Stitcher catalogues over 65,000 podcasts and allows you to curate your own listening collection, depending on your subject interests.

8) Ask for help.

In 2014, Care.com took a survey of working mothers that 29% of respondents felt guilty about asking for help, especially when it came to things at home. At the same time, 79% felt like they were falling behind at work and, 75% saw an overall reduction in stress when they did enlist help.

Think about how often your team asks for your help. If you’re not receiving a lot of questions, set the tone, and ask questions of them if you need it. It’s more likely than not that the person you ask is happy to answer your question.

9) Develop a mobile strategy.

2016 was a pivotal year for mobile. In 2017 it’s going to get even more important. This past August Google announced it would be cracking down on invasive mobile pop-ups. And Google Voice Search queries are seeing a 3400% increase since 2008. We’ve also witnessed the launch of Google’s Accelerated Mobile Pages (AMP). In AMP, certain pages are optimized for mobile which allows them to load instantly.

It’s time to overhaul your website, emails, social accounts, blog, and any other online content to be mobile-friendly by going back to the basics. Brush up on the history of SEO, or learn more about Google’s algorithm.

10) Use your vacation time.

Taking time off from work makes us more productive. According to the Harvard Business Review, the less time you spend at your desk, the more productive you are when you are there.

Spend some time planning. Look at your calendar and figure out when you’ll be the busiest. Find the weeks where you are not as busy, those are good pre-vacation weeks, since they allow you to double up on output before you go. Also, check with colleagues to see when they can fill in on your behalf.

11) Read more.

70% of adults in professional or managerial roles continue their education. The most successful people never stop learning – how they keep up with industry trends, learn from experts, and get creative juices flowing. Read what others are writing about. Reading will even help you become a better writer and gain different perspectives on vital issues.

There is a lot of content out there so be discerning. For instance start with high quality content on sites like Harvard Business Review, the New York Times, and Slate. Spend time on industry-specific content too. Use sites like Feedly to make it easier to keep up on reading. Feedly keeps all your content in one place.

12) Move to the next level of your career.

Change your title, get more responsibilities, gain more authority in your industry, or start your own business. Whatever it is, begin now. Don’t let time scare you out of it. If you don’t start moving forward now, it’s easy to keep putting it off. If you are happy in your current position, great! But at least add to your successes with new goals and accomplishments.

New Year’s resolutions can involve so much more than gyms or losing 10 pounds. They can help you become a better person and employee, and they can help you improve no matter where you are in your career.

What New Year’s resolutions will you be putting into high gear in 2017? Please share your plans in the comments below.

To read the entire article with more tips and links to valuable tools see 12 Professional New Year’s Resolutions You Should Actually Keep

January 14 – March 26, 2017
CELEBRATION OF FINE ART

For 27 incredible years, Celebration of Fine Art™, the largest and most diverse art exhibition in the Southwest. Celebration of Fine Art appeals to art aficionados and casual collectors alike, in 40,000 square feet of working studios. During the 10-week event, visitors from around the globe will gather to admire and acquire an unsurpassed selection of artworks from a juried collection of 100 artists specializing in in all mediums and styles.

The Celebration of Fine Art is open to the public each day and for Art Discovery Series each Friday from 4 -5 pm.

The Celebration of Fine Art has been called “One of the West’s Premier Art Events” by Art & Antiques magazine.

2017 Dates: January 14 through March 26, 2017

The Celebration of Fine Art™ is in the “big white tents” in the heart of beautiful Scottsdale, Arizona on the southwest corner of Hayden Rd. and the Loop 101 (exit 35). There is a Cafe, restrooms, and plenty of free parking on site.

Hours: Open daily 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Parking: Free and on-site
Tickets: $10 for adults and $8 for seniors and military. Children under 12 are admitted at no charge.

Note: Your Celebration of Fine Art™ ticket is a season pass, good for the duration of the 10-week show and sale.

For more information visit Celebration of Fine Art

When you begin marketing your company … branding your business, personal brand, business brand, brand story, brand collateral all begin to pop up in your vocabulary. Whether a noun or verb, creating your brand is important and it does take an investment. And that investment if not monetary, is measured in time.

6-Step Guide to Branding Your Business on a Budget

1) Client Persona

82% of companies with better value propositions use buyer personas. Those semi-fictional “people” that encompass the qualities of your ideal client are important because they help you determine the kind of media your ideal customer may be consuming, what motivates them, and where they can be found. In short, personas help you reach the right people when branding your business.

A great way to get started is with a free MakeMyPersona tool by Hubspot. This tools guides you through a series of questions meant to get you thinking about how you want to be seen and the traits of the ideal person you want to reach. When completing the tool, focus on accuracy rather than speed; so take your time to thoughtfully answer the questions.

2) Identity and Voice

Once you know who you will be talking to, you can begin creating your brand identity. Your brand identity is not only what your logo or website looks like, but it’s your voice. The tone you use in any copy or public communication conveys your voice when you address your ideal client.

What does your company voice sound like? Figuring this out follows a similar process to the one that determined your client personas. Instead of thinking about this from the client’s viewpoint, however, you’re answering questions that are a bit more introspective to your brand. Ask yourself questions such as what does your company stand for and what you want people to say about you. Check out this handy SlideShare for more on brand voice.

If you’ve been in business for a while, don’t skip over this process, you may benefit from revamping or developing a stronger brand voice. Recent rebranding efforts of the Zoological Wildlife Foundation saw a 343% boost in its overall online presence and 63% boost in website traffic alone. Now who doesn’t need that!

3) Social Media

So, you now know who your client personas are. And, you know what to say to them and how to say it. But where are they?

Check out Pew Research Center’s Demographics of Social Media Users. Pew profiles the users of five major social media platforms — Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Pay close attention to Pew’s data. You may find that the majority of your client personas spend most of their time on one network. This should give you an idea of where you want to dedicate the most resources. However, that doesn’t mean you should ignore the other social media platforms.

Once you begin posting on social media keep up a regular pattern and don’t stop. You can avoid lags in social media posts by diligently planning and scheduling like you would with any other marketing calendar when branding your business. Two tips here, stay relevant to your audience and share information that is relevant to a given time of year.

4) Blogging

Blogging is the key to “attracting” strangers to your website which can turn into potential clients.

In fact, blogging might just be the most basic step of inbound marketing and in branding your business. Sharing relevant and informative information helps you reach qualified customers. Make sure the content is optimized to be found by using key words that are most likely to be used in searches.

If you write, they will come. Blogs are the third most trusted source of information just behind family and friends. Plus, that content will also serve as material to populate your social media networks, and we’ve already covered what a crucial part that plays in branding your business on a budget.

Just like planning your social media presence, keep an editorial calendar for your blog which will be helpful in maintaining fresh content and consistent timing while branding your business and beyond.

5) Customer Service

The goal to a thriving business is to create a delightful, shareable experience. When you make the client’s experience a priority, it shouldn’t cost you much for them to talk about it.

Why is that so important? Zappos, an online retailer, made excellent customer service the cornerstone of its brand. By doing so it saved money on marketing and advertising because it created a word-of-mouth campaign among existing and potential customers. This recognition your brand enjoys is earned, not paid for, from people talking about your top-notch service.

6) Co-Branding

When you begin branding your business, you most likely will not have great reach like a larger, more established company. You can take the steps to build it, but you’ll quickly find out it takes time. One way to jump start this process is to partner with a brand that has a broader audience.

The brand you partner with should be aligned with yours and it must make sense in the minds of your audience. What should you look for in a co-brand:

• Audience. Would your co-brand’s audience be interested in your brand? Would it be difficult for you to reach this audience without this partnership? How well does the audience trust your co-brand? People generally don’t trust traditional advertisements anymore. Make sure your co-brand reaches its audience in a way that instills confidence, not doubt.
• Benefit. What do you have that your co-brand does not have? The end experience should be a win-win-win: for you, your co-brand, and the consumer.

On the surface branding your business might seem like a huge and expensive undertaking. As we’ve outlined, there are many economical ways to get started and go forward with branding efforts.

What were some of the first ways you started branding your business or rebranding your business on a budget? Let us know in the comments below.

Source: How to Brand Your Business on a Budget: A 6-Step Guide

Practiced interior designers know part of the custom design experience is creating a space personalized to the client’s design sensibilities. That process starts by foraging out the client’s preferred design style, preferences, and intended use of the space.

We’ve asked four designers to share how they get clients to open-up and convey thoughts about what they’d like to see in their completed space and how trends influence the process.

Design Professional: Amy Bubier, ASID

ab design elements, llc

Tell me about the techniques you use to get clients to communicate their design style?

With out-of-town clients, we have found that dropping images into Houzz Ideabooks is a good way to see items side-by-side during telephone discussions with the client. Whether we use images from Houzz, online manufacturers, or scan in magazine pictures, placing images in Ideabooks makes it easy to add/delete in real-time, versus following up with a PowerPoint or sending individual links. That’s a good initial way to start, then we expand on those concepts and images and work up more comprehensive presentations.

Sometimes we’ll take a client to a home that we’ve done in the past—whether it’s a vacant vacation home or one where we’ve asked the homeowner to visit for a quick 10-minute tour. The new client can sit on pieces that are custom-made by the same proposed manufacturer. This is also an opportunity to talk about lighting and color palettes. I always want to understand what they love and don’t love when working with a client.

Each season we see new trends sweep the design industry. How do these trends influence the development of the design?

Often we see trends crossing over between interiors and industries like fashion, industrial design, and automotive design. People are seeing trends in different contexts and are influenced by them. We all enjoy a fresh change and trends allow this — they’re often a good thing! When it comes to homes, most people want to acknowledge trends but they want a timeless, classic look. It’s often a fine balance when furnishing a home or specifying more permanent things like tile finishes and light fixtures. The obvious answer is to use more trendy colors and patterns in objects that can be changed out over time at less cost. It’s fun to pull in unique, edgy objects and fixtures because it gives the home an unexpected style.

Share with us some tips on how you help clients to stay focused on the ultimate vision?

Sometimes it’s best not to visit showrooms with clients because they can get overwhelmed or easily distracted so we’ll narrow down to a few options and meet at their home. When we’re furnishing a whole home it’s helpful to refer to a PowerPoint presentation where we have all items near each other for context. During each meeting, we re-iterate the design concept/vision and bring our basket of samples/cut sheets so that we’re seeing the pieces together as we make decisions. At the end of each meeting I like to wrap up with what we’ve accomplished, decided, and what we have left to do. This summary helps me as well as the client to see where we are in the process and it keeps us focused on the specifics that are leading to the finished vision!

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Design Professional: Joi D. Prater, ASID

Joi Prater Interiors & Associates, LLC

Tell me about the techniques you use to get clients to communicate their design style?

Most people don’t know what to call their design style. I don’t get too worried about trying to put a name to traditional, contemporary, modern. What I might describe as a traditional or a modern design, may not be what my client would describe as a traditional or a modern design. I feel the best way to understand a client’s design style is to look at photos or pictures of a room together. I ask them to show me things they like, as well as things they don’t like. There is usually a common thread in what they are drawn to. Once I have identified this, I know what direction to take with them. If we start by selecting a main piece for the room, whether it’s a fabulous piece of furniture, a unique tile, or a fun wall paper, I will show them what works with it and compliments their selection. This helps to create their own personalized design style.

Each season we see new trends sweep the design industry. How do these trends influence the development of the design?

I think new trends make a significant impact on the public’s view in interior design choices. It’s fashion for the home. And just as we like to change our wardrobe with the seasons, we like to do the same with our environments. Trends have a tremendous perception on the public and dictate what is “in” and up-to-date. However, with that said, not all trends are for everyone. The feeling that we get from an environment is more important than following a trend. Spaces appeal to us for different reasons and they always evoke a feeling. What is our main objective in the design? A calming, serene space? A vibrant, lively room to entertain? Or, an organized space to work? A design needs to be functional for its occupants. It needs to speak to your senses. Never feel you have to follow the crowd. The development stage is the time to think outside the box, be creative, and have some fun!

Share with us some tips on how you help clients to stay focused on the ultimate vision?

Create a great plan, coordinate all materials and selections before final decisions are made, and keep the end result in mind!

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Design Professional: Yvonne Wyman

Fantasia Interior Design

Tell me about the techniques you use to get clients to communicate their design style?

I like to start off with an interview process; preferably in their home. I find out what they need, want, and how they want the space to function. I get to know the personality of the homeowners, their background, lifestyle, as well as the needs of the family and pets. Building a personal yet professional relationship is imperative to establish trust. I like to show them we are serious about their project, yet we like to have little fun and most importantly, we value and encourage communication. This is accomplished by going out to an occasional dinner or inviting our clients to trade and design events so they feel like they are part of the project. I often give my clients homework such as identifying what they already have but still might need, finding pictures of how they might want the home to look when completed, or even finding unique designs they might want.

Each season we see new trends sweep the design industry. How do these trends influence the development of the design?

I stay current on design trends by going to Market, regularly visiting the local design center, attending and hosting design and trade events showcasing new and emerging concepts, designers, and color forecasts. Staying on top of these trends helps me build a source and idea reference so less time is required to find just the right pieces. I love creating designs that are new and fresh and providing my clients with a look unique to their home.

Share with us some tips on how you help clients to stay focused on the ultimate vision?

Since most people have a hard time envisioning the final product, I incorporate pictures, sketches, and show them previous projects. This helps them visualize how different colors and textures may work in their space. I also have a project schedule in place to keep the client on track and well informed.

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Design Professional: Laura Eagan, CKD

Estrella Cabinetry and Design Center

Tell me about the techniques you use to get clients to communicate their design style?

Thank goodness for Pinterest and Houzz!! I ask my clients to create a file or board and pin everything they like. This is the best way to communicate with them and to see their design style. So often we speak different design style languages using the same words. Before the introduction of these wonderful sites, I would ask my clients to create a three-ring binder with pictures from magazines or cabinetry brochures. Glad to say those binder days are over!

Each season we see new trends sweep the design industry. How do these trends influence the development of the design?

I am in such a unique location that my clients come from all over the country. Each of my clients’ design styles are heavily influenced by their original location. Each location often has seasonal trends and, it is my job to know the demographic of their background. For example, a client from North Dakota is extremely different from a client originating from Florida. Even though they are relocating to the Southwest, I am asked to incorporate their roots into the design style of the new home they purchased in Goodyear, Arizona. A contemporary design for the North Dakota client might be a walnut slab door with soapstone countertops with the Florida client interpreting contemporary as white slab doors with quartz countertop with a bit of sparkle in it.

Share with us some tips on how you help clients to stay focused on the ultimate vision?

This exact scenario happens quite often. A client will start the project thinking they want to go in one direction and then discover they like something entirely different. 50% of the projects I have done lately begin with, “I want everything gray.” They quickly realize they don’t want everything gray as we incorporate some warm tones into a gray pallet. If I take a gentle approach and show them by mixing maybe a warm wood tile floor with the cool gray cabinetry, it will be spectacular. Keeping the client focused is sometime difficult but then maybe, to show them my thoughts, I will break out my own Pinterest board!

LuxePros is an online referral network where luxury minded individuals go to meet the best of the best interior designers, architects, art advisers, lawyers, financial advisers, real estate brokers, and lifestyle living.

Mark Candelaria is celebrated as a master architect and designer known for his ability to listen and collaborate with his clients on homes and projects. This six-bedroom, nine-bath home sprawls over 10,000+ square feet and features multiple terraces looking out over gorgeous city and mountain views – a project that certainly attests to a labor of love between architect and client.

The home was originally designed by Mark Candelaria Design in 2007 and later completely remodeled and upgraded by Builder GM Hunt and Architect Mark Candelaria Design in 2012. The home went thru an additional enhancement by Builder John Shultz in 2015.
The result of these combined efforts is a timeless home of Santa Barbara architecture on one and a half acres.

European style roofing tiles, cupola, and soft archways greet your approach to a warm and spacious foyer.

The home is a sophisticated palette of soft grays and creams, with detailed ceiling treatments and chandeliers throughout the spaces.

The kitchen features an island with granite countertops and breakfast bar opening into a family dining room and one of the two family rooms.

The bedrooms are located both on the first floor and second floor, accessible via a grand staircase with limestone floors, paneled walls, and soaring windows.

The master bedroom comes complete with en-suite bath, fireplace, and gorgeous views from balconies. Each of the nine bathrooms having quite remarkable tiling.

An ideal family home with large pool and spa, kids play area, theater and huge game room away from the bedrooms.

Besides award-winning curb appeal this gorgeous home has a private back yard that includes large grassy areas and some serious neighbor envy.

Love it as much as we do? Contact Frank Aazami, Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty for more details and a private showing.

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Throughout the Metropolitan Phoenix area, see which of the valley’s priciest homes sold this past year.

Billionaire oilman and Portland hockey team owner William Gallacher paid $11.11 million in cash for a mansion in one of north Scottsdale’s most luxurious neighborhood Silverleaf. This 12,833 sq ft single family home was built in 2004. This priciest home sold in October 2016. It contains 6 bedrooms and 9 bathrooms.

An 18th-century farm house nestled in an orange grove sold for $7.2 million in April 2016. Since the sale, the buyer subdivided this priciest home into three lots, and intends to renovate the main home and relist it.

Truly one of a kind, this Mediterranean masterpiece sits on more than 6.5 acres in one of North Scottsdale’s most desirable gated communities. This single family priciest home located in Pinnacle Peak Heights, was built in 2010. This property sold for $13.7 million.

This majestic single family priciest home is located on two acres situated in the upper canyon Silverleaf. City lights and mountain views are enjoyed from nearly every room. The 14,313 sq ft home includes 5 bedrooms, 8 bathrooms, and guest casita. The home built in 2007 sold for $8.5 million in August.

What can we expect for 2017?

Demand for housing in the Phoenix metropolitan area is expected to rise, particularly among retiring baby boomers who often relocate to the area. But there’s not enough inventory to satisfy the current level of demand, and this is expected to push home prices further north. Will it push it far enough north to justify the sale of Arizona’s priciest home? Robert Sussman, New York hedge-fund executive, is hoping just that.

The 36,000-square-foot mansion and guesthouse with indoor basketball court, a hair salon and 20 bathrooms is on the market for $35 million, and is currently the priciest house for sale in Arizona.

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Nothing piques the imagination as a historic property. And just like the story behind it, this property will not disappoint.

This historic estate was built in the early 1930s by the famous Walter P. Douglas and his wife Catherine, who were members of the wealthy mining family after whom Douglas, Arizona was named. Walter was one of the most powerful men in Arizona in the early 1900s. Along with his family, Walter owned controlling interests in Arizona newspapers, railroads, and banks, as well as the Douglas mines.

Walter had strong organizational and executive skills and a deep distaste for organized labor. It is believed the Bisbee Deportation of 1917 is the result of his efforts. The twenty-three cattle cars ready to carry away the strikers belonged to his railway and he was the presumable source that handed out the arsenal to vigilantes. Walter was indicted by the federal government for conspiracy and kidnapping; the charges were later dropped.

When the Douglas family purchased this Phoenix property it consisted of around 120 acres, many of which were populated with orange trees. This flourishing citrus farm was possible by the historic canals that we still rely upon today. Walter and Catherine, more gentlefolk farmers than actual agriculturalists, placed their 5,000-square foot home on an unplanted section of the land. They shared this home until Walter’s death in 1946.

Shortly after Catherine’s death in 1963, the estate was sold. The new family worked with a developer to create a small neighborhood around the Douglas home. This enclave was dubbed “Dos Puertas” or “Two Gates” and is composed of 14 townhomes built in the 1970s and two additional freestanding homes that most likely were constructed as guest houses for the original residence.

This romantic home is a historic centerpiece estate tucked within Dos Puertas, boasting all the elements one would hope and expect to find in a structure of this era.

Step back in time as you enjoy the artisan touches throughout this adobe beauty. Period interior accents surround such as old world wrought iron, distinctive fireplaces, and delightful niches.

Hand plastered walls are topped withcarved beams and ornate, hand painted ceiling panels. Stained-glass windows, elaborate iron grille work, scored concrete flooring, and classic decorative trims reinforce the style and grace of its architecture.

The one-story main living quarters are gracious and inviting offering many views into the surrounding gardens.

The upper floor with outdoor entry is a light and bright retreat perfect for an art studio, personal office, or that very private 4th en-suite bedroom.

Access to an intimate wine cellar is gained from one of the multiple patios.

The 2-bedroom guest casita with private patio shares a bricked courtyard. Reminiscent of a hacienda era lifestyle, this adobe Spanish Revival is a gated wonderland in the midst of a busy metropolis.

The multiple courtyards, patios, and other alfresco spaces are delightful spaces to enjoy the beauty of the well-tended grounds. Simply a charming second home for the seasonal Phoenician or secluded retreat for the well-appointed professional.

Love it as much as we do? Contact Johnnie Orr Bianchi or Mardi Kirkland at AZ Luxury Group, for more details and a private showing.

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As an interior design, I always make lists so I have a plan. The holidays are no different. The most important thing for a successful schedule is to start with preparations early, so as not to be overwhelmed at the last minute.

Knowing what you are planning to do ahead of time allows you the opportunity to sandwich busy tasks while you have idle hands. Such as potting bulbs in decorative pots in November so you can enjoy them growing throughout the house. Creating or addressing holiday cards while watching a movie or stocking up on drinks and party provisions in between other appointments. Having a set plan makes these annual rituals a pleasure, not an interruption to your already busy week.

DECORATING

November 30:

• Clear away fall and Thanksgiving décor.
• Prepare fresh garlands for the outside door for that seasonal pine scent.
• Buy or refresh ready-made wreaths with berries and branches.
• Hang exterior lights and wrap trees.

December 1–10:

• Check lights and replace bulbs when needed.
• Get tree stands ready and select a tree.
• Make holiday music selections while decorating the tree.
• Arrange branches, flowers, and greenery in focal areas.
• Bake cookies and freeze; pulling out what you need, when you need them.

ENTERTAINING

December 1–10:

• Steam and polish glasses, iron linens and hang, and polish silver pieces.
• Enjoy getting together with friends.
• Hire party helpers so you can spend extra time with your guests.

December 11–25:

• Stock firewood and kindling at fireplaces.
• Tag large platters, bowls, and serving boards with food items to guide dinner helpers.
• Set table and stage buffet table.
• Enjoy Christmas Eve with family and Christmas day gatherings.

GIFT GIVING

November:

• Work on your holiday card.
• Buy holiday stamps.
• Find thoughtful gifts at local holiday markets and boutiques.
• Begin ordering gifts online.
• Pick up hostess gifts as you see interesting and appropriate items. Consider doing this all year round and stashing them in a cabinet.
• Set up a dedicated gift-wrapping station.
• Wrap gifts as soon as you bring them home, trust me they’ll look much nicer than the ones you wrap at the very last minute.
• Don’t forget to put the tags on gifts!

December 1–10:

• Send out holiday cards.
• Put prewrapped gifts under tree as soon as it is up.
• Mail gifts to faraway friends and family.
• Select the perfect hostess gift and have it wrapped and ready.

December 11–31:

• Happy holidays!

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