Get Organized: Holiday Edition 2010

Our tips for an organized holiday season, so you can open your home to friends.

Less Clutter for the Holiday

The I Can’t Have Anyone Over Syndrome afflicts millions of New Yorkers. Remove the top layer of household #clutter from your home and confidently open the doors of your home to family and friends this holiday season. #declutter

Put Away 2010: Take a trip around your home with a sturdy shopping bag or basket and remove from remove shelves, the refrigerator and table tops memorabilia from 2010 not worth taking into 2011: summer sea-shells, catalogs, magazines and unwanted books. Your home will feel ‘lighter’ and more welcoming for your family as well as for holiday guests.

Clear the Air: Simmer a pot of water with vanilla extract, orange rinds of clovers. The smell will permeate your home, invigorate senses and freshen the air.

Deep Clean: Dirt collects in the tiniest places. Use a mild cleanser or rubbing alcohol and Q-tips to clean crevasses in your computer keyboard, phone keypads and electronic equipment power buttons. Don’t bring old dirt into your holiday season, or into your New Year. #deepclean

One Size Fits All Gifting: Keep gifting simple by offering the same thoughtful present to everyone on your list: home-baked cookies, a best-selling novel or iTunes gift card. Pre-wrap the gifts and set aside on a shelf or table in your home. Personalize with a heartfelt card, and distribute – with a hug and a smile – as guests come to your home (or grab on your way out the door).