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Main Section » Being A Wife and Mother » Holiday Planning Notebook

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Holiday Planning Notebook

Nov 12, 2008

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I enjoy having groups of people over, especially during the holidays. We always have a large Christmas party for my husband’s staff and their families. We also enjoy having family and/or friends over for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Over the years I have learned what makes these gatherings much easier on me and that is planning, planning, and more planning. We have had our office party at our house for quite a few years now. Each year I seem to find ways that save me time. But the one thing that I always do is to keep detailed lists of things to do and things to make.

Several years ago I read a tip from Martha Stewart about a party planning notebook. I immediately realized this would save me a lot of time. I loved the idea and realized that I should have been doing a notebook a long time ago. I now do a notebook like this each year for the office parties. I also do one for holidays and any other large gatherings that we have.

Not only does this notebook help me keep track of what I need to do, but it helps me keep track of what I have made from year to year. Even if you do not host a large gathering for the holidays a notebook like this would be helpful to use for children’s birthday parties or barbecues in the summer.

So, here is a look at my office party notebook.

I always label the side of the notebook. This tells me if it is my office party book, my Thanksgiving and Christmas book, or my book for other gatherings.

I use dividers to label the years. This way I can use one notebook for several years. I also use page protectors in my notebook. It keeps the pages clean and allows me to write on them. I use a dry erase marker to make any notes I need.

I make a list of the recipes that I want to make. For the office party I start this list several months in advance. When I see a recipe that I want to try I make note of it. Then a couple of weeks before the party I narrow the list down to what I am going to make. I then make a list of the recipes.

I also make a copy of each recipe and make note of any changes I want to make. After the party I make note of what I liked or disliked about the recipe. I also make note on whether or not it was a popular item. I don’t want to make the same cookie that no one likes year after year. But if something is really enjoyed than I might want to make it again.

I also make a list of what I need to do. I do this for each day. Usually I start making some of the candy three to four days in advance. A list like this keeps me on track. I am also able to mark things off. This makes me feel like I have accomplished things instead of getting overwhelmed with what I have left to do.

I also make a list like this for housecleaning jobs that I need to do the week before a party. I have also found it helpful to include grocery lists in my notebook.

You can probably tell that I am a planner and scheduler. I need lists and plans, especially when I am planning for a party or even company. I know most of you don’t plan an office party, but I am sure you will plan some event that this would apply to, maybe a wedding or baby shower, Thanksgiving dinner or superbowl party. A plan like this will save you a lot of time.

A notebook like this works for me.

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Filed Under: Being A Wife and Mother, Works For Me Wednesday

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About Lynn

Lynn's Kitchen AdventuresI love to cook and bake, and my family loves to eat. Lynn’s Kitchen Adventures is all about sharing my love of cooking, recipes, tips, and ideas of how I combine this cooking passion with a busy life. [Read More]

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