Ho Ho Home for the Holidays with the Malone Family

Your family is just weeks away from being home for the holidays! How do you manage the juggling of Christmas decorations, suitcase explosions and holiday cooking? First, we start with a breathing exercise, take a deep breath in hold it, and exhale… At this point in December if your tree isn’t already up, let’s start with that first. Where should your tree’s location be this year? Are you wanting to mix it up and put your tree in the family library or maybe the dining room? There’s no written rule that your tree must take space in the prime traffic location of your household.  In fact, I like to keep my tree in the dining room or front entry of my home. It makes things more intimate when everyone starts opening presents.

Suitcase explosions happen whenever my sister is in town. I’m sorry, I know she’s going to kill me for saying this, but it’s the truth. There’s no way around her clothing vortex. However, when I have friend’s and other family around my home for the holidays, I try to keep her cardigan and jean collection contained so I can show my home to guests. I grab my suitcase rack and shove it in my closet for her to keep her clothing contained in one area. I recommend getting a suitcase rack for every guest room, so your guests don’t throw their suitcases on your bedding or benches (Fabric stain saver!).

​Holiday Cooking is one of the biggest challenges for me. Is our family doing a healthy Christmas this year, is Jessica still vegan, what do I bring? If you’re not the head chef this Christmas, make sure you call a few weeks ahead and ask what sides, desserts, appetizers or drinks are still needed. Most Christmas hosts will insist you bring nothing. Insist on bringing a dish, everyone knows not to show up to anyone’s home empty-handed. Pottery barn and west elm both have the best holiday serving dishes! I personally just like simple wood plank cutting boards and dressing it up by adding fresh pine tree bristles or cranberries as decoration. 
As hectic as the Holiday season can be, let’s remember what it’s all about. Spending quality time with your family and spreading love and joy to those in need.
From the Malone Family to yours,
Have a Merry Christmas!