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 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:

• Party Time! Four Steps to Easy Entertaining
• Stress Reduction Tips for Last-Minute Holiday Shoppers

This Week's Houseworks Checklist

• Prepare a welcoming entry space. Front porch or foyer, apartment door or entryway, this week's focus is on the entry area of the home.

  Remove clutter, clean and organize the portal to your household this week. Check the front door, cleaning and polishing knob, knocker and any windows. Check the state of the welcome mat; is it time for cleaning or replacement? Check outdoor lights and replace any burned-out bulbs.

  Declutter doorway storage areas so outdoor shoes, umbrellas or keys find an efficient, attractive home.

  Clean out coat closets and add extra hangers for holiday guests' use. Be ready to open the door to a wonderful holiday season!

This Week's Holiday Prep Checklist

• Set the table ahead. Set the Thanksgiving table a day or two before. You'll have time to spot (and fix) tarnished silver or stains on the tablecloth. Use sticky notes to mark serving dishes so it's easy for guests to help.
• Celebrate American Thanksgiving. (Canadian and UK friends? Enjoy the day off!
• Shop Black Friday sales! Use your game plan to get the best deals quickly.
• 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 Christmas Planner Pages to Print:

Party Planner Party Budget Party Guest List