holiday prep

Tips for Holiday Prep

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It’s not too early to get excited!

It’s time to start dreaming and envisioning your holiday home.

It is too early to be overwhelmed.

Here’s the kicker - there are no standards/requirements that you and your home are held to. Some years your home may be festive from top to bottom with little bits of magic everywhere and some years you may stick to the basics. Whatever your approach, it needs to fit the actual season of life you’re in now… not where you want to be or where you used to be.

Things to consider in preparing your home for the holiday season: will you primarily be home or traveling lots, do you have pets in the home, does your decor need to be kid-friendly, what’s your budget for new decor, how much time do you want to spend decorating and packing away items.

Trends are fun but traditions, family keepsakes, and classic treasures are timeless.

Instead of changing your entire style each year, pick a few areas to keep flexible so you can experiment with new or unique styles like your front door wreath, table centerpiece, or mantle decor. Leave the rest alone! If it’s not broke, don’t fix it. It can actually create more of a burden instead of fun if it gets too complicated.

If your holiday decor features a collection of specific items, choose whether you’d like to let it have center stage or disperse throughout the house for a cohesive feel room to room. Challenge yourself to only add 1 to 2 pieces to your collection each year, and let it grow over time.

Browse your Pinterest or IG feed for inspiration. But be careful not to get sucked into comparison mode. The best holiday decor for you, is what works for your life & your home.

for the love of inspiration

Pick a few designers/brands/stores you LOVE and enjoy the displays they share without giving into the pressure to “copy” exactly what they do. You could schedule to go walk around a few local stores when they bring out their holiday decor, just for fun. Pause before you purchase - just take it all in & make note of what catches your eye and what will work with your current decor. A few local spots we love: Finch Table & Home, Design Decor, Glitterville, Bradley’s, and even KARM Christmas can be a fun place to shop for vintage or unique items.

Before you buy, pull out what you have and take inventory. Challenge yourself to let go of the items you haven’t used in the last couple of years. When our team helps clients with holiday prep or takedown, we always pack away unused items and label them with the last year they were used.

As far as setting up & staying organized…
here are some tools & solutions for setting up & storing.

Ready to get started?

Schedule your holiday prep & takedown services now! Whether you do it on your own, with family, or our team. Putting it on your calendar helps you commit and plan ahead.

Home for the Holidays: The Ultimate Local Gift Guide

This holiday season, join us in the spirit of intentional giving with our curated gift guide - a tribute to the remarkable local businesses that enrich our community. Each of these businesses offer unique and thoughtful gifts that are sure to bring joy to your loved ones, and make a positive impact on the place we call home. While our guide highlights some of the best, remember that there are countless other local gems waiting to be discovered in our town, each offering the perfect gift to make this holiday season truly memorable.

The Happy Envelope: Luxury in Every Detail

The Happy Envelope stands out for its exquisite offerings, from luxury letterpress wedding invitations to custom stationery and art prints. Delve into their collection of gifts that will not only capture your attention but also make your heart smile with every thoughtful detail.

The Plaid Apron: A Farm to Table Staple 

Delight someone's taste buds with a meal or gift card from The Plaid Apron. This eatery bridges the gap between farmer and restaurant offering a delicious culinary experience that supports local producers.

The Painted Perch & Co: A Market of Treasures

This market boasts over 30 vendors offering a diverse range of goods, from antiques and painted furniture to local artwork and handmade pieces. Find unique holiday items that support a good cause.

Union Avenue Books: A Literary Haven

Dive into the world of literature with Union Avenue Books, Downtown Knoxville's locally-owned independent bookstore. Explore their vast selection and support local authors by choosing a book that speaks to the heart of your loved ones.

Stanley’s Greenhouse: Nature's Gifts

Located south of downtown Knoxville, Stanley’s Greenhouse is a locally-owned retreat for plant lovers. Explore their Holiday Marketplace every Sunday in December for gifts and decor crafted by local artisans.

The District Gallery and Framery: Where Art Comes to Life

The District Gallery is a haven for art enthusiasts, offering custom framing and a stunning array of one-of-a-kind jewelry and artwork from local and regional artists. Uncover the perfect piece to adorn your loved one's space.

Doing Dishes: Unearth Vintage Charm  

Step into the charming world of Doing Dishes, a quirky little shop that specializes in buying and selling vintage, antique, and collectible china by the piece. Discover unique treasures and add a touch of nostalgia to your holiday gifting with their one-of-a-kind selection.

71 South: Dining in the Heart of Baker Creek Preserve 

Nestled within Knoxville's Urban Wilderness, 71 South offers a unique dining experience in a century-old converted church. A casual atmosphere with local brews and handcrafted cocktails - a perfect destination for any occasion.

Minimal Optimist: Sustainable and Stylish

Explore the sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyle boutique, Minimal Optimist, for naturally inspired goods and unique gifts. Each item reflects a commitment to sustainability, making it the perfect choice for those who appreciate style with a conscience.

Roost: Thoughtfully Curated Home Goods

Nestled in downtown Maryville, Roost is a boutique furniture and home goods store. Beyond offering stylish items, they provide professional interior design services to help you style your space, ensuring your home is as unique as you are.

Bradley’s Gift & Home: Handcrafted Delights

Bradley’s offers a delightful array of handmade sweets, unique home goods, and special gifts for any occasion. Discover ornaments, candles, and decor that add a personal touch to your holiday gifting.

Fig & Co.: Unique Finds for the Home

Fig & Co. is your destination for one-of-a-kind goods, including accent decor, art, furniture, and gifts. Browse their selection of holiday decor and gifts that will make a statement in any home.

Gather: Modern Farmhouse Charm

Experience the charm of modern farmhouse aesthetics at Gather, where you'll find specialty finds for baby, home, and gorgeous accessories for your loved ones. Their seasonal merchandise is a beautiful blend of style and southern hospitality.

Help You Dwell: The Gift of Tranquility

Give the gift of Help You Dwell's organizing services to a friend, loved one, or neighbor. Perfect for new moms, transitioning homeowners, or anyone who could use a little extra love in the form of an organized space.

Photography Session: Capturing Moments

For the gift of memories, give the gift of a timeless photo session that will be cherished for years to come. 

Heather Anne Thomas: the visionary behind Beall + Thomas Photography, who transforms moments into timeless works of art. Heather's elegant style and commitment to perfection results in photographs that are not just snapshots but pieces of art that you'll proudly display in your home. 

Suzy Collins Photography: A keen eye for capturing genuine emotions make her family photo sessions a truly enjoyable experience. Suzy captures images that celebrate the essence of family bonds, she has a remarkable talent for immortalizing the genuine moments in any session. 

As the season of giving unfolds, let's unite in celebrating the joy of intentional giving by supporting our local businesses. By choosing to shop locally, you not only find unique gifts but also play a crucial role in maintaining the vibrancy and resilience of our community. Happy Holidays!