It’s Christmas Eve and we’re counting down the hours to the big day!  If your house is on Santa’s list to visit tonight, don’t forget to leave him some milk and cookies! 

If your cookies are homemade, make an extra batch of cookies to eat as a treat on Christmas day or during the holiday period.  You’ll also want to be sure that your cookies stay fresh by storing them in either a plastic food storage container or cookie jar.   Cookie jars are great because they are decorative enough to leave on the countertop.  Cookie jars also come in a wide range of sizes, designs and styles. 

The following cookie jars are also multi-purpose containers because they include salt and pepper shakers!  These cookie jars are great space savers and can be an excellent solution for homeowners with minimal counter space.   
If you prefer the charm and simplicity of ceramic kitchen canisters, pick your favorite color and purchase a set of three.  Kitchen canisters can be used, not only store cookies, but to store sugar, coffee, tea and flour.

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

All canisters and cookie jars can be found online at Home Storage Warehouse.

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.

  
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

Now that Thanksgiving is over and you’ve recovered from the overcrowded Black Friday sales, it’s time to get ready for the party you’ve been planning to have this holiday season. Don’t wait until the last minute to plan your menu and decorate your home for the holidays. However, before you decorate, you may need to declutter! Now is the perfect time to take a good look at your home and decide on how you would like things arranged and organized on the big day. Unless you’re fortunate to have abundant space, you may need to move some things around and even remove some items to accommodate all of your guests. Here are a few tips to get organized as you approach the day of your holiday party:

1.       Mail your invitations 2-4 weeks before the party

2.       Plan your menu at least 2 weeks before the party

3.       Begin decluttering your entertaining areas, one space at a time

4.       Make sure you have enough serving platters and an area to serve beverages

5.       If families are invited, clear an area for children, so that they feel comfortable

6.       Decide on furniture arrangement before the day of the party

7.       Decorate your home for the holidays for a festive touch

8.       Follow-up with guests who have not responded at least 4 days before the party

9.      Begin preparing menu items that can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator or freezer.    You’ll be so glad you did!

On the day of the party, if you were able to get most of these tasks done, you’ll feel far more organized and ready for your guests.  Click here to see some kitchen and bar organizers for entertaining.

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.

If you entertain regularly and use special china for your guests, you may have a few pieces on display with the remainder put away, due to limited space.  It’s important that you store your china with care, especially if you have heirloom pieces or the china is expensive to replace.  This is particularly important if you have inquisitive children who may decide to play pretend with your fine china! 

Stacking the china in a location that may get bumped or moved around is risky.  China Storage Boxes are the answer to this problem, since they are especially made for fine china and will protect it from bumps, resulting in unsightly chips or scratches. 

China Storage Boxes come in all sizes, for dinner plates, salad plates, saucers and more, and can be stashed away quickly and easily until you need them for your next occasion.    

For more information on these China Storage Boxes, click 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, she teaches homeowners and businesses how to reclaim their time and space. Jacquie can be reached at jacquie@castawaytheclutter.com. Visit CastAway the Clutter to sign up for her free organizing tips at www.castawaytheclutter.com.

If you regularly serve wine to your guests, it’s nice to have an organized system in place that you can enjoy time and time again.

If you’re short on counter space, set up a specific area for serving. There’s no need to run out and hire someone to build a custom bar, a simple baker’s rack will do just as well.  Many racks even come equipped with storage for several wine bottles. Plus there is usually at least one shelf that you can use for serving.

A baker’s rack is also ideal for storing any additional bar tools that you like to have handy while entertaining. A baker’s rack can be located in the kitchen, living room or dining room.

If you don’t have the space for a baker’s rack, a wine cart is a perfect addition to any home and works well in small spaces.  Each wine cart holds wine bottles, several wine glasses and can be moved from room to room as needed.  Wine carts are also perfect for outdoor rooms, patios and recreation rooms.

Have some fun with your wine related storage.  Getting organized doesn’t have to be boring.  Here are a few fun and unique items to consider before the rush of holiday entertaining.

Click here to see these and other wine storage racks.

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, she teaches homeowners and businesses how to reclaim their time and space. Jacquie can be reached at jacquie@castawaytheclutter.com. Visit CastAway the Clutter to sign up for her free organizing tips at www.castawaytheclutter.com.