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November's to-do list
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10 ways to prepare for the holidays (and for winter) at a relaxed and stress-free rate.
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By Natalie Bahadur
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The frantic pace of the holidays is just around the corner. But before you go into overdrive and spin out of control, take things one step at a time by using the month of November to prepare for the holidays (and for winter!) at a relaxed and stress-free rate.
1. Change your decor
As we head into the year's busiest entertaining season, make one change that's been on your to-do list for ages. Whether it's painting your living room or replacing the coffee table you've had for years, update that one aspect of your home that you've been meaning to beautify -- but haven't gotten around to.
2. Prepare your guest room
If friends and family will be visiting over the holidays, don't wait until the last minute to get their living quarters ready. Wash the linens, make the bed and take care of the thoughtful details -- place some books and magazines on the nightstand, clear out the closet and provide freshly washed towels for visitors.
3. Do preliminary holiday shopping online
Armed with a pad of paper and a pen, do some window shopping -- without even leaving your home. Hop online and start planning your gift list. Shopping online means you can avoid the frenetic pace of the shopping malls, but even if you don't click and buy, use the Internet to research what you'd like to buy for whom. Knowing exactly what you plan to buy can save you tons of time and money once you actually hit the stores.
4. Get winter-weather ready
This month, make sure you're ready for the winter season, which usually kicks into high gear in November. Do last year's gloves have holes in them? Was last year's hat a static-inducing nightmare? If necessary, replace your outerwear and be sure to weatherproof your boots and shoes.
5. Plan out your holiday baking
You probably won't do your holiday baking until December, but sit down with some cookbooks in November and decide what you'll make this year. If you always bake the same festive faves, spice things up this year by trying a few new recipes. Hit the grocery store and pick up the necessary ingredients so you'll be all set when December rolls around.
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