Entry Space Week

December arrives this week and with it, the fullness of the holiday season. This week in the Houseworks Holiday Plan, we'll open the door to the season, focusing on the front porch, front door, entryway or foyer.

Decorations come out this week, if they haven't already. We'll inventory and inspect decorations and begin to decorate for the season. Mail chores get a nod: we'll send party invitations and wrap domestic gifts for mailing. Finally, the first-of-the-month status check means it's Deadline Week for crafts projects and homemade gifts.

This Week's Houseworks Focus: Entry Space

Reading Assignments from Houseworks:

• Fight clutter in the entryway - pages 184-187
  Make the right first impression with a clean and organized entryway.

Inspiration from the Web:

• Stress Reduction Tips for Last-Minute Holiday Shoppers

This Week's Holiday Prep Checklist:

• Inspect and inventory decorations. As seasonal decorations come out of storage, make a quick review of what you have. Test light strands, and add any needed parts or replacements to the shopping list.
• Begin decorating.
• Send party invitations. Having a holiday party? Send invitations early. Social calendars fill up quickly in December.
• Wrap gifts as they are purchased. Every little bit helps, so wrap ahead where possible.
• Status check. On the first of December, review where you are with holiday prep. Crafts projects and homemade gifts should be finished soon; check for any missing catalog orders.
• Arrange for baby-sitters. Be quick to call for help as holiday invitations arrive; baby-sitters are busy in December, too.
• Package send-away gifts for mailing. Be ready to mail send-away gifts by next week.

This Week's Forms to Print:

• Holiday Decor Inventory
• Room-by-Room Decor Planner
• Decor Storage: What's In The Box?

This Week On the Message Boards:

Join us on the Houseworks Holiday Plan message boards!