Blending the Old + New

Tradition

Let’s face it, the calendar can easily fill up with holiday events and before you know it you are running from one to the next trying to keep up. Instead of saying yes to all of it, sit down with your family and take an honest look at the calendar. Prioritize the events or gatherings that are most important, create margin, and leave room for unexpected fun to pop up. Our scruffy city has SO many seasonal events going on, if you are looking to add a new tradition to your holiday season - check this out. Honor the season you are in by remembering traditions from your childhood and implementing new ones that fit your current season. Some people you may want to include in new traditions: elderly neighbors, classmates, co-workers, members of a social group you are a part of.

2022 Ornament Exchange.

Idea from Jess- Invite friends over for a white elephant ornament exchange! Our friends look forward to this every year, it never disappoints. Early December, pick a night and grab a couple bottles of wine & some simple dessert. The host will provide matching gift bags & tissue paper for as many guests are coming. As each person arrives, they place their unwrapped ornament in a bag and put it under the tree. Draw numbers for the order of choosing & opening a gift. Allow each ornament to be stolen up to 3x before it is frozen, but the person who drew # 1 gets a chance to steal any opened (unfrozen) ornament at the end. It’s so fun and everyone leaves with a new ornament!

Decoration

There is no need to buy an entire array of new holiday decor every year. It’s fun to incorporate a new accent or special item every season, but your collection and taste will grow and be refined as the years go by. You may want to use more kid friendly decor while you have littles in the home, and if your household is more mature you can venture into the land of breakables and beautiful collectibles. Bringing the outside in can create a natural winter-y feel to your tablescape or mantle. If you enjoy crafting, make a simple yet festive holiday paper chain to add some whimsy to your living space.

Idea from Katie- I follow a handful of artists who create and sell hand painted ornaments each year. I anticipate the release of these collections each year, watching my email and social media for alerts becuase they often sell out quickly. This is a way to support small businesses and independent artists while slowly adding unique and meaningful pieces to my ornament collection over the years. A few I love are hand painted ceramic ornaments from artists: Cocoshalom and Lucy Reiser. Bradley’s usually carries hand painted ornaments made by Milk Moon House each year, Gather and Finch sell ornaments created by Jenny Parkhurst Designs.

Lucy Reiser Fine Art

Milk Moon House @ Bradley's

Cocoshalom Ornaments

Jenny Parkhurst Designs

Mindset

While the holidays are a time of joy & festivities, they can also bring a sadness of loved ones who are no longer present, seasons of life that are behind us, and the yearnings of our heart not yet realized. Laugh with your family and friends about memories from Christmases past and take a stroll down memory lane by looking through old photos. Be gentle to yourself and those around you - the holidays can bring a dynamic mix of emotions and memories. Take a walk, step outside, light a candle, do what you need to do to slow down in the midst of the hustle & bustle.

Idea from Taryn- Before anyone else in her house is awake, Taryn finds a spot to enjoy an Advent reading. Beginning the day in this way helps keep her heart and mind centered on what matters most. It is an act of rebellion against jumping into task mode first thing in the morning. The rest of the day may be chaotic or busy, but these quiet moments in the dark of the morning are full of stillness and calm. Advent resources to note: Preparing for Jesus by Walter Wangerin Jr., Advent Blocks for kids from Good Kind, The Advent Book- Heirloom Edition by Jack & Kathy Stockman, and Winter Fire: Christmas with G.K. Chesterson.

Another way to keep a healthy and grounded mindset is to focus on the needs of others. Here’s a few ways you could do that:

• Participate in Salvation Army’s Angel Tree Program

• Give to the Empty Stocking Fund

• Provide gifts to the Helen Ross McNabb Dear Santa Program

• Choose from opportunities to serve seniors with the CAC Office on Aging

---

Shopping for someone who would LOVE the gift of organization?

Our gift card is the perfect choice!

Valid for any of our services, including:

• home/workplace organizing

• moving services

  • packing, unpacking, day of move coordination

• senior moves

• holiday & event prep

Help You Dwell Gift Card

Finding Peace Amidst the Hustle

December is nutty. While this season carries so much joy, it is easy to get lost in the slue of invitations, party sign up sheets, gift lists, and gatherings. We wanted to share a few practical reminders to help you slow down and catch a breath this holiday season.

Say no to something.

This may come naturally or be a challenge for you, but either way it is essential. If we approach every invitation or suggestion as necessity - we will burn out. The same principle we preach all year around applies (maybe more than ever) now - if it’s all “important”, really none of it is “important”. Use discretion, pause, and consider a few things before rsvp-ing YES to everything that comes your way. This is a way of creating margin where possible in your day, week, and life overall.

• Running from place to place with tired children? No thank you.

• Sitting in traffic to arrive late and hurry on to the next thing? Let’s not.

• Placing online order after online order frantically to realize you spent more than you intended? Not this year.

Schedule “downtime”.

Whether this is a routine rhythm in your houe or not, this is a great time of year to begin practicing it. Just like all of us humans need rest, maybe we should let our devices rest. Turn the screens off. Give your eyes and ears a break from stimulization. You’ll be amazed what you might notice - the smell of snowy air, the sound of birds or leaves rustling in the cold, the fresh air on your face. Take a walk, play a board game, light a candle, turn on the instrumental music. Basically, turn down the volume on all the loudness of life around you. You know when something isn’t working and you have to unplug it and give it a few minutes - this might be exactly what we need to do with ourselves.

A local favorite, Christmas Lemon Cookies from Ham’n Goodys.

Savor meaningful traditions.

Before you try to create a dozen special things to do every year, just pick one. Was there something you did with friends or family that was special last year? Schedule a time to engage in it again this year, it’s that simple - now it’s an annual tradition. It doesn’t need to be expensive or elaborate. For example - last year we decided to let our kids and our friends kids decorate sugar cookies with an ungodly amount of icing and sprinkles (while a majority of it was consumed during the decorating) then we took them on a freezing cold caroling blitz to some our friendliest neighbors. We laughed, we made messes, we cleaned them up, we cheered some folks up, and we decided we should do it again.

Looking for a new experience this season? Climb aboard the Christmas Lantern Express or snag a ticket to see the Polar Express in the beautiful Tennessee Theatre.

Remember what matters.

There are so many folks and organizations doing charitable things this season, so why not join in? Reminding ourselves (and our children) that this season of giving is so much more impactful when we remember it’s not just about us. Look outside your own home, or neighborhood, and to the needs of those less fortunate.

A few ways to give back…

Restoration House has an Amazon wishlist full of items needed to help the families they serve settle into their homes. Purchase a personalized photo gift for someone on your list, while a portion of the sales go to support the Secret Safe Place for Newborns of TN. Gather excess new and unopened items from your own kitchen or bathroom for the Angelic Ministries needs list. Make a difference in our local community by participating in one of the many ways the Knoxville Community Action Committee has organized this year. Provide a gift or volunteer your time Helen Ross McNabb’s Dear Santa program. Give financially or fill a “Gift of Change” gift sack for our friends at Helping Mamas Knoxville. Shop for new items for kids entering the foster care system on the Isaiah 117 House needs list. Show some neighborly love by hand delivering a poinsetta, fresh wreath, or holiday cookies to someone on your street.

Look back, to look forward.

As the year quickly comes to a close, don’t find yourself spinning from all the busyness. Some slow moments can turn a whirlwind of a year past, into meaningful reflections and insights. A writer we love, Tsh Oxenrider, has put together some End of Year Reflection Questions we love.

In what ways did you dwell well this year?

Raise the Tree Christmas Tree Farm in Knoxville, TN.

---

Recently on the blog…

How to Organize and Store Your Kids' Artwork

Summer is almost over, and if your household is anything like ours, you've been buried under a mountain of arts and crafts projects all season long. And guess what? The school year is just around the corner! Which means even more masterpieces are about to flood in the door. If your little artists have been flexing their creative muscles, it's time to think about how to showcase their incredible work! While the fridge door with its trusty magnets is a classic, let's explore 5 other fun and creative ways to display your kids' artwork around the house. Celebrate creativity and bring a splash of color into your home by showing off your kids’ imaginations through their art!

Art Gallery Wall

Is there a small room, closet, or even a blank wall in your home that you just can’t figure out how to make interesting? This is the perfect opportunity to create a gallery wall featuring your child’s artwork. This might sound simple, but it can be an adorable and rewarding project for both you and your little one!

Picture it like this: Each frame on the wall holds a unique piece of your child's creativity, from adorable finger paintings to vibrant crayon masterpieces. Every so often, you and your budding artist can host a mini "gallery opening" where you swap out old pieces for new ones. This ritual keeps the space looking fresh and exciting, and it instills a sense of pride and accomplishment in your child.

This method will make your child feel like a true artist, seeing their work displayed prominently and celebrated in your home. This might be one of my favorite methods of displaying your child’s artwork because it's not just about decorating a wall; it's about creating a space that honors their creativity and growth.

So, take that blank wall and turn it into a dynamic, ever-evolving gallery that showcases your child's imagination and talent. It's a beautiful way to make use of an otherwise overlooked space, bringing color, joy, and a personal touch to your home.

If you are considering making an art gallery wall in your home, check out this blog post by Jessica Brigham for an in-depth tutorial!

Storage Frame

But the magic doesn’t stop there. One of my favorite products for displaying kids’ artwork is these frames. These ingenious frames open from the front, making it a breeze to add and remove artwork. Imagine when your child comes home from school with a brand-new painting, bursting with excitement to show you. Within minutes, it's proudly displayed on the ‘art gallery’ wall, front and center. Even better, these frames are designed to hold multiple pieces of art, so the older ones don’t get lost—they're just waiting at the back for their turn on display again. 

One week, your living room might be filled with springtime flowers and sunshine, and the next, it’s a collection of spooky Halloween scenes. This constant rotation keeps your home vibrant and your child engaged, always excited to see their latest creation displayed for everyone to admire. Rotating art frames not only simplify the process of showcasing your child’s masterpieces but also celebrate their ongoing creativity. It's a dynamic way to honor their artistic journey, providing a beautiful and ever-changing gallery that reflects their growth and imagination. If you can’t tell by now, these are a Help You Dwell favorite and can be found on our Amazon Storefront!

Wire and Clips

Think back to your college days when hanging photos with clothespins and fairy lights was all the rage. Now, you're channeling that same carefree, creative vibe but with your kid’s artwork. Use a sturdy wire stretched across the wall, and adorn it with colorful clothespins holding the latest drawings, collages, and paintings. This setup transforms any playroom or bedroom into a whimsical gallery of imagination and color!

The playful and dynamic nature of this display adds a touch of magic to your home. It's not just about showcasing the art; it's about creating an interactive and evolving gallery. The best part? Your kids can easily switch out the art themselves. This setup also encourages your children to engage with their artwork in a new way. They get to be both the artist and the curator, deciding which masterpiece deserves the spotlight!

This method of displaying art is not only fun and interactive but also practical. It keeps the artwork organized and off the floor, while still being easily accessible. Plus, it adds a charming, personal touch to your home decor, making the space feel lively and unique. So, grab some wire, colorful clothespins, and start creating your own whimsical art display. It's a simple, affordable way to celebrate your child’s creativity and bring a joyful, ever-changing gallery into your home.

If you’re not the type to DIY, here is an awesome product that comes with clips to easily hang art. This picture rail is perfect for displaying family photos, polaroids, and, most importantly, your children's art. This kit includes 6 metal wire ropes, 2 wide rails, and 48 magnetic clips, creating a sleek and modern look. It's sturdy and versatile, making it great for home, office, or even a classroom. With easy mounting instructions and all necessary hardware included, your new display unit will be ready in minutes!

Custom Photo Book

If you don’t want to display the artwork, you can create a beautiful keepsake of your child’s artwork. Every year, you and your kids can sit down together to create a custom book filled with their best artwork. This annual tradition becomes a delightful trip down memory lane as you flip through pages of colorful creations and reminisce about the stories behind each piece. Each book is a vibrant testament to their artistic journey, capturing the evolution of their creativity year by year.

These custom photo books not only make wonderful keepsakes but also help manage the physical clutter of saved artwork. Instead of struggling to find space for every drawing and painting, you can preserve the most memorable pieces in a beautifully organized and compact format. Imagine a bookshelf lined with these precious books, each one a snapshot of a different stage in your child's artistic development.

Creating these books can even turn into a cherished family tradition. As you gather around the table, your kids can select their favorite pieces, recalling the moments and inspiration behind each one. This shared activity will create lasting memories, making the process as meaningful as the finished product!

A photo book like this becomes more than just collections of art; they become time capsules of your child's growth and imagination. So, make this tradition a part of your family’s routine. Gather your kids, sort through their artwork, and create a custom photo book each year. It’s a simple, heartfelt way to celebrate their creativity and preserve the precious memories of their artistic journey.

Personalized Art Boxes

Creating a separate art box for each of your children is both a practical and sentimental way to store all of their creations. These clear plastic bins offer an excellent solution for organizing and preserving their masterpieces. Each child having their own box makes it easy to keep track of individual artworks, and the transparent nature of the bins allows for quick and easy access. They can be neatly stacked or stored away when not in use, helping to manage the clutter efficiently.

In my opinion, this system is the best and easiest way to not only manage the clutter but also gives each child a special place for their art. For an added fun twist, have each child decorate their box with colorful letters spelling their name on the outside. This adds a personal touch and makes the boxes even more special!

These bins are also perfect for storing larger or more delicate pieces that might not fit in a photo book, ensuring that every cherished artwork has its place. With personalized art boxes, every drawing, painting, and sculpture is preserved.

Organizing Kids’ Spaces with Help You Dwell

If you’re looking for more innovative ways to manage and celebrate your child's creativity, be sure to check out our Kids’ Spaces Guide. This comprehensive guide is packed with tips and ideas for organizing kids' spaces throughout your home. From creating art galleries and custom photo books to designing functional and fun play areas, we cover it all. Our guide will help you transform cluttered areas into organized, inspiring environments that foster creativity and joy. Click here to purchase your copy and start turning your home into a beautifully organized haven for your little ones today!

Please note that when you use our Amazon storefront affiliate links, we may earn a small commission on the sale at no additional cost to you. Your support helps us continue providing valuable content. Thank you!

Organizing Tips for an Older Home

One of the best parts of the work we do at Help You Dwell is getting to visit so many different types of homes across Knoxville and surrounding areas. Oftentimes, our clients will reach out because they live in an older home with little storage and lots of organizing challenges. And we love a good challenge!

Edenvale, my childhood home

Growing up in a home built in 1857, where my parents still reside, has given me a front row seat watching my mother’s ingenuity in utilizing various types of furniture to create order in our home.

Now, at Help You Dwell, we have had the great pleasure of working in dozens of homes facing similar challenges. Here are some of our favorite solutions for homes designed before IKEA, Amazon, and Home Goods made it way too easy to fill our homes to the brim!

Have a wall? Add a hook or two!

One common necessity missing in many older homes is an entryway closet. Without that convenient spot to hang coats, purses, backpacks, or leave your rain boots, the entryway can become a cluttered mess, scattering these all over the house.

Instead, we’ve installed a few systems to best utilize the entry space and make the most of that area. And let’s not forget the tried-and-true hall tree, which can whip an entryway into shape in a jiffy.

Bookshelves are our friends.

I’ve lived in a 4 different homes built before before 1930 and have come to realize the great versatility, function, and beauty of a good bookshelf. A bookshelf can do much more than hold books because of the many options of decorative baskets and bins available these days to match any design style. They also come in so many different sizes and styles that you can find what you need to fit just about any space.

We’ve used bookcases in kids’ rooms for toy bins, easy-access clothing, collectibles, and books. They’ve been incorporated into kitchens for storing excess items when cabinet space is limited. One area that can greatly benefit, but isn’t often considered, is the landing at top of the stairs. This can be a great way to store linens in cloth baskets if you’re lacking a linen closet, or it can be a catch-all for electronic accessories, toiletry refills, or other items that need a home.

Another helpful aspect of using bookcases is their versatility - they aren’t permanent fixtures. As your season of life changes, so do the items in your home. Bookcases allow you to easily adjust and adapt to honor those changes.

Cupboards, Armoires, and Dressers… oh my!

Another go-to for creating order in an older home is to use a beautiful heirloom, an antique piece, or a practical furniture item to store a variety of items.

As my children have grown older, I’ve repurposed one special red dresser in various ways. Initially, it held their clothes; later, it found use near our kitchen for their plates, cups, and more. For a brief period, it served as a bedside table, and its final role in our home was storing art supplies. Another versatile piece we have is an antique meal bin. Ours currently houses our pup’s food.

We’ve helped to convert armoires to office supply storage, used antique cupboards for overflow kitchen storage, and filled dressers with family games, puzzles, bed linens and table linens.

Help You Dwell loves to honor the history and character of an old home. Being resourceful with the pieces you already own, or thoughtfully considering the next piece to bring into your home, can be game changers for creating organization within your space.

We’d love to hear about some of the creative ways you’ve stored your belongings as well! Please share your ideas in our comments below or share a challenge in your home that we can help you with.

We can’t wait to help you dwell!

Savoring the Season: Simplify Your Celebration

Hosting can be stressful. The familiar worries always seem to creep in: "Do I have enough food? Is the table set perfectly? Have I accommodated everyone? Is everyone having fun? Am I even having fun??" 

The list of worries seems never-ending, and if you've ever played the role of the host, you've likely felt the nagging sense of worry that threatens to overshadow the joy of being surrounded by our loved ones. Well I am here to remind you, a shared meal or any gathering for that matter doesn't need to be fancy or stressful – It's about connecting, sharing stories, and creating lasting memories.

Image - Texture Photo

The key to an enjoyable gathering lies in simplifying the process. You don't need to strive for perfection or overwhelm yourself with the details. Instead, focus on the privilege of being able to gather with loved ones, an experience that should never be taken for granted.

Space Planning: 

Before you start setting the table and sending out invitations, begin with a practical task that will ease the overall process. Take the time to declutter and organize your pantry, fridge, and freezer. Clear out expired snacks and consider using those bags of frozen veggies to create a hearty stew or use the frozen fruit in your holiday pie. By freeing up this space, you'll not only make the day of your gathering less stressful but also ensure there's plenty of room to store leftovers!

Help You Dwell - Organize

At a recent project, our team had the pleasure of working with a client who frequently hosts and caters to large groups. Our goal was to set up this space to streamline her collection of baking & cooking supplies within her pantry. We were able to optimize this space ensuring that everything is accessible and thoughtfully arranged, just in time for the holiday season!

Embrace what you have: 

You don't need excessive decor or an elaborate tablescape to impress your guests. When it comes to holiday decor, less is often more. Start by choosing a simple and cohesive 'scheme' for your decorations. This can be as simple as selecting a color palette or a specific theme that resonates with the holiday spirit you wish to convey.

Skip the clutter! Avoid the temptation to clutter your space with unnecessary decorations. Overloading your home with seasonal decor can not only be overwhelming to the eye but can also make hosting more complicated. My favorite simple way to decorate your holiday tablescape is to take a step outside and scavenge for wildflowers, branches or dried leaves!

Whether you collect a few branches of evergreen, arrange acorns in a glass jar, or create a centerpiece with dried leaves, the simplicity of nature can be beautiful. These elements can be easily collected, and when the festivities are over, they can be returned to the great outdoors - now that’s an easy clean up! Remember: the key to a memorable holiday gathering lies in the warmth of your hospitality and the joy of your company. Simplify your decor, relax, and enjoy the festivities.

Let your friends help you:

Don't bear the full weight of hosting on your shoulders. Instead, invite your guests to participate and share in the responsibilities. After all, everyone has a favorite dish, and every good guest wants to contribute in some way. As the host, it's perfectly acceptable to delegate tasks!

Image - Texture Photo

By involving your guests in this way, you not only reduce your personal burden but also enhance the sense of togetherness and shared accomplishment. Hosting a memorable gathering becomes a collective effort, making the experience more enjoyable and meaningful for everyone involved.

Hosting should be a joyous and heartwarming experience, not a daunting or overwhelming one. By focusing on what truly matters – the connections we forge and the love we share – you can create a gathering that everyone will treasure. So, release the burden of perfection and enjoy the journey of hosting, a privilege that brings people closer and creates beautiful memories to cherish for years to come.

---

The holiday hustle and bustle can sometimes get the best of us, but having a plan and keeping things simple can bring calm to the chaos of holiday party planning. If you need someone to help bring it all together, Help You Dwell would love to assist you in preparing your home for your next event.

Image - Texture Photo

We’ve still got availability on our calendar to schedule your holiday prep + takedown services this year. 

Let us Help You Dwell this holiday season.