Getting Organized For The Holidays

Unique holiday gifts for wine lovers with an organizational twist

Tuesday, November 10th, 2009

Do you sometimes struggle trying to find interesting holiday gifts to give every year? Searching for gift ideas can be time consuming and exhausting. Yet, almost everyone has a wine lover on their Christmas or Holiday gift list, so why not give them a gift that they’ll appreciate and enjoy for years to come?

There are so many different wine organizers and accessories that will be happily received as gifts, because most people may not always think to buy them for themselves. They can be used everyday or for entertaining and special occasions. You could bring one as a housewarming or hostess gift when attending a holiday party this season, or simply buy one for your own home.

The following wine bottle holders are unique, yet practical and fun and are also great conversation starters! As you browse each wine holder, think of someone on your list who has a similar interest.

: Ship’s captain wine bottle holder

: Downhill Skiier wine bottle holder for skiiers

: Frustrated golfer wine bottle holder for golfers

: Elvis wine bottle for Elvis Presley fans

: Cat wine bottle holder for cat lovers

: chef wine bottle holder for chefs

Click here to shop for all wine bottle holders and wine accessories. Gift certificates are also available.

Jacquie Ross is a Maryland based Professional Organizer, writer, speaker and owner of CastAway the Clutter! Jacquie has been writing for Home Storage USA since 2007 and is presently the “Ask the Organizer” expert. A member of the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO), NAPO-Baltimore Chapter, and Maryland Association of Professional Organizers, she shows homeowners how to reclaim their time and space, and offers organizing and time management workshops and group presentations. Jacquie also writes a column at the Baltimore Examiner, called Organized Families. Contact Jacquie by clicking here. Visit CastAway the Clutter to sign up for her free organizing tips and learn more about her presentations at www.castawaytheclutter.com

Tags: entertaining, getting organized for the holidays, holiday entertaining, holiday gift ideas, Holiday Organizing, holiday parties, hostess gift, housewarming gift, wine accessory set, wine bottle holders, wine bottle stand, wine holders, wine organizer
Posted in Entertaining & Dining Room, Gift Planning, Holiday Entertaining, Holiday Organizing | No Comments »

Organizing Your Holiday Décor So That You Can Find it Next Year!

Tuesday, December 23rd, 2008

Do the boxes and containers storing your holiday decorations blend in with everything else in your attic or basement, resulting in confusion as you sort through various unrelated items when it’s time to trim the tree? This year, instead of storing your lights, ornaments, knick-knacks and garland in cardboard boxes, invest in containers especially designed for holiday décor.

What’s great about these specialty containers is that they are usually trimmed with red, green or gold and are specially shaped or sized for most holiday décor. Some even include organized dividers for smaller ornaments and breakables. You can find organizers for almost any holiday décor, including tree ornaments, gift wrap and wreaths. Here are a few to consider:

Find these and more at http://www.homestoragewarehouse.com/holiday-organizers-c-221_307.html

Jacquie Ross is a Maryland based Professional Organizer, writer and owner of CastAway the Clutter! Jacquie has been writing for Home Storage USA since 2007. A member of the National Association of Professional Organizers and Maryland Association of Professional Organizers, she teaches homeowners how to reclaim their time and space, and offers Time Management workshops to businesses to maximize productivity. Jacquie can be reached at jacquie@castawaytheclutter.com. Visit CastAway the Clutter to sign up for her free organizing tips at www.castawaytheclutter.com.

Tags: bows, Christmas decorations, christmas shopping, containers, getting organized for the holidays, Gift Planning, gift wrap storage, hanukkah, holiday décor, holiday home, holiday organizers, kwanzza, organizing products, ornament chest, preparing for the holidays, wreath bag
Posted in Holiday Organizing | No Comments »

Stocking Filler Ideas for your Organizationally Challenged Family Member!

Wednesday, December 17th, 2008

A classic picture of Christmas is a group of holiday stockings hung by the fireplace. It is also a wonderful family tradition. It’s so much fun to see the excitement in a child’s face as they learn what Santa has hidden for them on Christmas morning, in their own personal stocking!

Christmas stockings aren’t only for children! Every member can have their own. Stockings can be filled with fun, whimsical or sensible gifts, or simply filled with candy. For your organizationally challenged family member, consider including a gift that can help them stay organized. Don’t know what to give? Here are a few stocking filler ideas with an organizational twist:

Click here to shop for these and other holiday organizing gift ideas and products.

Jacquie Ross is a Maryland based Professional Organizer, writer and owner of CastAway the Clutter! Jacquie has been writing for Home Storage USA since 2007. A member of the National Association of Professional Organizers and Maryland Association of Professional Organizers, she teaches homeowners how to reclaim their time and space, and offers Time Management workshops to businesses to maximize productivity. Jacquie can be reached at jacquie@castawaytheclutter.com. Visit CastAway the Clutter to sign up for her free organizing tips at www.castawaytheclutter.com.

Tags: christmas presents, christmas stocking stuffers, get organized, getting organized for the holidays, Gift Planning, gifts for children, gifts for dad, gifts for mom, hanukkah, holiday home, holiday shopping, kids, kwanzza, organizing products, preparing for the holidays, santa claus
Posted in Gift Planning, Holiday Organizing | No Comments »

Getting Organized for a Holiday Road Trip

Tuesday, December 9th, 2008

Will you be taking a road trip to visit family members during the holidays? Getting ready for the holidays can be stressful enough, without the added stress of a road trip. When traveling during the holiday season, it’s even more important to be organized, so that you’re not running around at the last minute. Here are a few basic tips to get ready, be organized and be on time!

• Write a list of everything that needs to be done before you leave, including gift buying, bills to pay, snacks to bring for the road, etc.

• Arrange for the post office to hold your mail and temporarily stop newspaper deliveries for the duration of your absence, or ask a trusted friend or neighbor to pick up your mail and newspapers.

• Get organized and purchase all holiday gifts early so that you can focus on preparing for your trip during the week of your departure.

• Purchase sample sizes of toiletries you regularly use, or pick up small plastic refill bottles to use for travelling and overnight stays.

• Check your tires to make sure they are properly rotated and inflated and service your car, if necessary.

• Pick up maps and plan your route at least a few days before your trip, so that you can estimate your time of arrival. Allow extra time for breaks on route.

Finally, try to pack light. More weight in your car results in more gas because it has to work extra hard. Travel organizers can help and are designed to help you to pack less and stay organized.

Check out some travel organizers here.

Jacquie Ross is a Maryland based Professional Organizer, writer and owner of CastAway the Clutter! Jacquie has been writing for Home Storage USA since 2007. A member of the National Association of Professional Organizers and Maryland Association of Professional Organizers, she teaches homeowners how to reclaim their time and space, and offers Time Management workshops to businesses to maximize productivity. Jacquie can be reached at jacquie@castawaytheclutter.com. Visit CastAway the Clutter to sign up for her free organizing tips at www.castawaytheclutter.com.