Holiday Prep : 5 Tips to Get Organized

Is it just me or do the holidays sneak up quicker and quicker every year? The season can be stressful for many of us with lots of tasks added to our usual daily lists, so this year I took a minute to think of some different ways to make it fun and a little easier to prep for.

I made a trip to one of my favourite destinations, Southcentre Mall, and got prepared with some extras so organizing would be that much easier and more enjoyable. I started with decor set up and to make an afternoon of it I bought new pyjamas and slippers for LL and myself. Together we picked out some new ornaments and decor things to replace what had broken from last year. (Let's be honest I picked them out and hoped he agreed- haha)
We visited our friends at Kernels and brought home popcorn for stringing (thank goodness popcorn is white and works with my decor theme). I've been wanting to do this forever and it actually ended up being a lot of fun to work on while watching a Christmas movie.

I also maximized my mall visit by making a list of gifts plus items I needed for my house guests and I was able to pick everything up in one stop.

Ornaments from Hudson's Bay. Candle from Sephora.

Here we are in our new pj's decorating the tree. On LL- Gap Pyjamas and Old Navy Hat. My Pyjamas are from Victoria's Secret and slippers are from Old Navy. Flicker candle in lantern, fireplace votives, cranky throw blanket from Crate and Barrel. Tree skirt from Hudson's Bay. 

Throw, cushion and popcorn bowls from Crate and Barrel. Ornaments Hudson's Bay. 

New linens and toiletries were quick to pick out and are on hand for when guests arrive. Towels are from Crate and Barrel, toiletries are Bath and Body Works, new guest bedding from Hudson's Bay. 

Holiday Prep Tips:

1. Put lights on timers or purchase flicker candles that have a timer built into the base. Coming home to the ambiance of lights already on feels so inviting.
2. Pick up some new toiletries for house guests. There's nothing worse than discovering you're out of a necessity.
3. Many of us come from an era of grandparents or parents who made it all but I still say it's best to make the things we're good at and buy pre-made for the rest. For instance I can bake a cake but I don't make the best pie pastry. It's ok to substitute store bought items. 
4. Indulge in a new candle or two. I love how this will mask cooking odours and make your home feel inviting. Don't forget to put one in the guest powder room too. 
5. Pick up a few extra boxes of chocolate or things you yourself would enjoy that can double as last minute gifts for your mail delivery person or an unexpected guest or to be a hostess gift for a last minute dinner party invite. 

If you're feeling a little uninspired with what to buy loved ones the Southcentre Holiday Gift Guide might help, and their new Search. Find. ShopNow tool makes shopping easy! I found some great suggestions.

To celebrate the season I will be doing a giveaway in collaboration with Southcentre for a $200 gift card to spend at the mall. To enter pop over to my Instagram (here) and leave a comment.


Post sponsored by Southcentre Mall. Styling, opinions and images my own.