The holidays are just around the corner! Since we at the Betty Brigade are all about keeping it simple, today I bring you ten easy tips that will help you revolutionize your holidays.

At The Betty Brigade, we often work with other professionals like us to help our clients get through a project and who also want to help our followers keep things simple, organized, and enjoy the more important things in life. Since the holidays are a time for family, friends, and merriment, we thought we would share some insight from a fellow organizer to help you get your holidays off to a good start. Enjoy! 

The holidays are rough. Yes, they are filled with parties, family and friends, food and fun. However, they are often the cause of a lot of stress. If you don’t read anything else this holiday season, read this quick and easy guide to having a stress-free holiday!

1. Check your wrapping paper inventory BEFORE you sit down to wrap. So often people sit down to wrap and have nothing OR (and this is even worse!) buy lots of stuff at the store because they don’t know what they have on hand at home.

1. Instead of hostess gifts, have your guests bring canned goods that can be donated to a local food bank.

1. Organizers for ornaments, trees, wreaths, and lights are usually only readily available BEFORE the holidays. So, while you aren’t thinking about long-term storage right now, pick them up when you see them.

1. Create an emergency present bin, so you are never caught empty-handed. It is even better if you buy items that you can use after if you don’t end up giving them out. Great items to include are gift cards (iTunes and Starbucks), candles, candy, cookbooks, and soaps or lotions.

1. Hire a house cleaner. You are going to be shopping, planning, and cooking up a storm.  Treat yourself, and have someone clean the house for you. Schedule well in advance for your party or event. 

1. If you can’t get around to cleaning, make sure you spend a few minutes on the front doorstep. Step outside with a broom and clean off spider webs, bugs, and dust from the lights. Sweep the step and shake out the mat. It will make a great first impression.

1. If you have kids coming to your gathering or party, have an activity on hand. A movie will do, but games and art supplies may keep them entertained longer. If you really want some adult time, hire a college student home on break as a babysitter for a few hours.

1. Buy a self-inking address stamp. This makes the card process go much faster. AND kids love to stamp. Set them up at a table with your pile of envelopes.

1. Set a casual dress code. Everyone gets dressed up for the holidays and with all of the financial commitments and stress going around, make your party easy and comfortable with a casual dress code. OR, if you feel like having a little fun, make it a Christmas pajama party!

1. Share the cooking. Everyone wants to bring something, so let them!  Have your guests bring a side dish, a plate of cookies, etc. Let go a little bit and enjoy the variety!

Bonnie Joy Dewkett, CPO® is a nationally recognized organizing expert, author, motivational speaker, and internet radio personality. She began organizing as a child, and she has been organizing ever since. Her company, The Joyful Organizer®, creates and implements organizational systems for the home and office. These changes allow her customers to create calm from chaos at work and at home. Bonnie is passionate about helping her clients meet their organizational goals and loves to see the positive impact that getting organized has on their lives. Contact Bonnie or visit her website

We hope this has been inspiring and helpful for you. If you have the insight to share and are interested in doing a guest blog feature or being on our radio show, please email service@bettybrigade.com for more information. Until next time – Keep It Simple!