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Your Interior Designer Can Help Wow Your Guests – On Your Budget

It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle-and-bustle of the holiday season. 

Especially if you like to host an annual holiday party (or two), sometimes it’s possible for the stress of “getting Christmas done” to overwhelm the joy of the season.

You can lose sight of the very reason you host these gatherings in the first place!

It’s also not uncommon to feel “party envy” at this time of year… you’ll be attending other gatherings, and it’s almost impossible to avoid comparisons between your own party and others.

Who has the time – or the money – to create these lavish parties that become the highlight of everyone’s holiday season?

It might surprise you to know you can rely on your professional interior designer for help and advice in this area.

Far from a luxury only the “rich and famous” can afford, a great interior designer can often save you money while helping you make your party the envy of the guest list this year.

Ideas From The Pros To Give Your Holiday Party The “Wow Factor”

You may have incorporated many of these ideas into previous seasons’ parties… but it’s often surprising how many holiday hosts don’t remember some of the basics when it comes to throwing a great party.

• Have the place cleaned before the party.  Use a cleaning service with experience in getting things looking their best for holiday parties.  There are services which specialize in party cleaning (and who may come in handy in getting things back to normal after the event).
• Remember the purpose.  You’re not out to spend as much money as possible, or to “out-host” the couple down the street… your aim is to create a great opportunity for your guests to experience the joy of the season!  Take a deep breath… remind yourself of your real purpose here… and enjoy the party (and the prep) yourself!
• Start decorating right after Thanksgiving.  Give yourself, and your family, more time to enjoy the beauty of the season.  In fact, you will probably have noticed that some hosts have taken advantage of multi-season decorations (pine cones and greenery that can stretch from autumn through Christmas… snowflake, snowman, and icicle designs that can stay up after the holidays).
• Don’t over-decorate.  Your designer can help you pick out small, budget-conscious pieces that’ll make big statements without being big distractions (or big investments). Your décor should support the party, not overwhelm it!
• Budget food and drink first.  Let’s face it: people love to be treated at holiday parties!  You can have a beautiful food table, decorated nicely, that invites guests to enjoy treats without worrying them with overly-fragile decorations.  And if you’re on a tight budget, think about a nice champagne punch (in a beautiful bowl) rather than a full bar.
• Keep things simple.  You can create an elegant impression with bows, candles, and lighting.  You want to maximize your guests’ feelings of warmth and comfort… not necessarily dazzle them with expensive decorative pieces.

Need more ideas?  Get a professional interior designer on the job!  Hire a great designer, and you’ll likely end up thinking it was the best investment you made in your holiday party preparations… and you might be surprised at how your designer can save you more money than it costs to hire them, all while giving your holiday party the “wow factor” that’ll be the envy of the season. Visit our blog also at iicd-runa.org

Your Security Professionals Want You To Stay Safe This Season

The most valuable asset for any business or corporation is its people.

That’s why savvy executives and business owners go to great lengths to keep their people safe, all year long.

Many corporate holiday events will include the utilization of security professionals, who are on hand to help the party run smoothly – and safely.

But, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce, the holiday season is unfortunately prime time for accidents and safety mishaps, both at work and at home.

So your firm’s security professionals would advise you to pass on these helpful tips and reminders to your folks as they enjoy another holiday season with family and friends.

Remember These Security Practices When Celebrating This Season

Here are some “best practice” reminders for safe and secure holiday activities.

• Be safe when decorating for the holidays.  House fires are sadly far-too-common as a result of haphazard or dangerous holiday decorating… don’t let your home be the next to suffer this disaster.
• • Make sure your decorations are UL-approved.  Ensure your power cords are in good repair, and don’t try to use indoor extension cords outside.  Keep live trees moist.  Be careful on the ladder, and keep lit candles away from flammable materials like draperies.  Turn off and unplug decorations when you aren’t enjoying them… and keep a fire extinguisher handy “just in case.”

• Use safe holiday cooking practices.  The kitchen is another part of the home that’s vulnerable to fires starting… but the smart chef knows how to keep things safe while preparing the feast and the treats.
• • Turn the pot handles inward on the stove (and away from the reach of curious youngsters).  Make sure your smoke detectors are in good working order, and never leave the stove unattended.  If a fire does start, remember, never use water to try to douse a grease fire.

• The best holiday parties are the safest ones.  If you’re hosting a party, make sure your guests are both comfortable and secure.
• • Check with everyone to ensure there are designated drivers to get revelers home safely.  Don’t over-sell the alcohol… instead, push the food!  You want people to enjoy the treats you’ve prepared or acquired, and well-fed guests don’t generally drink too much.  And try to offer a place to stay for guests who do overindulge.

• Keep things safe on your road trip.  Many people travel the highways to visit family and friends during the holidays.  It’s important to keep the road trip safe by remembering that it’s cold out there!
• • Make sure there are plenty of blankets and winter coats in the car… if you’re stranded, those can be life savers.  Some extra food and water in the car might also come in quite handy.  Have your vehicle checked and winterized, and don’t drive too fast when the roads are slick.  And just in case the unforeseen occurs, make sure to keep your cell phone fully charged.

• And travel safely by air, too.  If your holiday plans include air travel, make sure you’re safe throughout the journey.
• • Double-check to ensure your photo ID is current before you get to the airport security line.  Don’t make a big show of valuables at the airport… and, of course, never leave your luggage unattended (report any unattended luggage you see).  Dress for the climate you’re headed toward… and make sure any medicine you might need is packed in your carry-on (not in your checked luggage).  And you’d be surprised how many people still aren’t aware of this major warning: never carry luggage or items for strangers.

With a little attention to detail, everyone can have a pleasant – and safe – holiday season.  Pass these tips on to your cherished employees… and look forward to seeing everyone rested and refreshed after a fun and enjoyable time!