Quick Tips on Organizing Your Closet for a Stress-Free and Festive Holiday Season

We all want to spend the holidays relaxing and enjoying family and guests, not scurrying around cleaning and organizing at the last minute. Luckily, it’s early enough in the season to take stock and get organized so that you can create a warm, festive environment that allows you to fully enjoy the spirit of the holidays.

Here are a few tips to get you started in five key areas of your home.

Mudroom/Entry

Nothing is more awkward than standing in someone’s front hall with your coat and bag on your arm, unsure of where to put your things. Welcome guests into your home with a clean, organized space that directs the flow and says, “We’re happy you’re here!”

Well before you plan to entertain, go through your coat closet or storage area and get organized. Clear out clutter, remove seasonal items and add a fresh supply of hangers. Relocate family items temporarily in plastic storage bins so that guests don’t feel they’re invading your space with their belongings. 

Lay down a pretty rug for people to wipe their feet on; or if you’re a shoes-off-in-the-house kind of person, fill an attractive basket with inexpensive slippers or shoe covers. If you don’t already have one, hang a mirror so that guests can check their appearance before they join the party. 

Guest Suite

Take a close look at your guest room through an Airbnb lens; if you were paying to stay here would you be happy? Is the space warm and welcoming? Clear out space in a couple of drawers and make room in the closet for your guest’s belongings. Under the bed storage boxes are a perfect place to temporarily relocate these items.

Take stock of your linen situation and check your pillows- it might be time for a fresh supply. Finally, add touches like a cozy throw at the foot of the bed, a vase of fresh flowers and a bedside water pitcher and glass. Most of us know how dry it can be here in Colorado.

In the guest bathroom, clear off countertops to make room for guests’ toiletries. Ensure that there are clean linens and a fresh rug on the floor. Stock up on bath products like soap, shampoo and lotion and replace your shower curtain liner. Then, right before guests arrive, do a last minute clean up and light a fragrant candle.

Pantry

A well equipped, well laid out pantry can be a godsend when you’re entertaining. Plan your holiday menus out as far in advance as possible. Stock up on essential ingredients and make sure they’re organized and easily accessible. Check expiration date on spices, buy in bulk, and make sure you have enough paper products.

Of course there will be the inevitable last minute trips to the grocery store for perishable items, but if you’ve already stocked up on canned goods and dry goods, you should be in good shape. Planning ahead and organizing efficiently will allow you to spend less time prepping and cooking and more time mingling and enjoying your friends’ and family’s company.

Beverage Station

The flow of a party is greatly enhanced with a designated beverage area. While you are busy greeting guests and mingling or perhaps putting the final touches on your holiday meal, guests can help themselves to a cocktail, mocktail or a hot beverage like coffee or cocoa- whatever fits the theme of your get together.

Stock up on drink and serving supplies, count cups and glasses. You can do this by replacing any chipped or cracked ones and add a stack of holiday-themed cocktail napkins. You don’t need a separate space, like the amazing wine room, above, to get the party started. Just clear space on your kitchen island, a sideboard in the dining room or any other area that can accommodate traffic and direct guests away from work areas.

Gift Wrapping Zone

Finally— ’tis the season for gift giving! Be prepared by setting up a designated gift wrapping station in an area you can close off when not in use, like a craft room or storage room. No more dragging everything out to the dining room table or attempting to wrap a decently attractive package on your soft bed. Stock your station with a variety of wrapping papers, gift bags, ribbons, tape, scissors and gift tags—everything you need in one central location. If you have space, you can even use this area to stash presents as you buy them and even keep a few extras on hand for any last minute unexpected gift swaps.

Doug Lestikow is the CEO/Owner of Closet Factory, an award-winning Denver, Colorado company which has been creating completely personalized and unique storage solutions for their clients for 31 years. View their profile or, to set up a design consultation, contact them at 303.690.6901.

Content for this article provided by Closet Factory.