Holiday Survival Guide 2018

How can Thanksgiving be Thursday?!?!?! It has happened again. 365 days have gone by since the last time I swore the holidays wouldn’t sneak up on me. And yet here I sit having done nothing, nada, zip to prepare for the holiday marathon that is now upon us. If you find yourself in a similar situation look no further. In an effort to save my sanity, and hopefully yours, we have compiled a guide to surviving this holiday season. From teachers’ gifts to recipes and unique finds we have you covered. Check our suggestions to get you in the holiday spirit…..

Just remember – deep breaths (and cocktails). We will get through this. Hopefully our survival guide will help ease some of the stress.

Preparing for Overnight Guests

Do you have guests in town for the holidays? Read these tips for creating a warm and inviting space for your guests to enjoy!

Spend the night as your guest.

This will allow you to note and fix any issues you come across. Is the room temperature okay? Always make sure there are enough blankets and that the pillows are comfortable. Another thing to note is the morning light! Do your curtains sufficiently block the sun?bed with white fluffy pillows and bedding

The Essentials

Make sure to have key emergency items readily available. You don’t want to make your guests feel embarrassed having to ask for certain items! This should include extra toilet paper, feminine products, air freshener or matches, and a plunger.bath vanity stocked with toiletries

Other items to have ready in the room or nearby should include:

  • wi-fi password
  • water carafe and glass
  • remote control instructions
  • waste basket
  • spare key and/or garage code
  • easily accessible outlets
  • fresh towels
  • clear space in your closet with plenty of hangers
  • extra toothbrush
  • lint roller
  • contact solution
  • assorted medicine
  • hair dryer
  • iron and ironing board
  • luggage rack

Go Above and Beyond

  • Find out what your guests like to eat/drink for breakfast and snacks and have those items on hand.
  • Get the coffee ready ahead of time so all they have to do is hit the power button!
  • Leave a stack of magazines or a favorite book for your guests to peruse.
  • Compose a list of favorite activities, shops and restaurants for your guests to check out!
  • Place a vase of fresh flowers on the bedside table.

These little touches can go a long way in making your guests feel welcome! I hope you find them helpful and please share in the comments if you have any additional suggestions!

Shop Small & Support Local Businesses!

Here’s a list of local shops to consider while out shopping this weekend, throughout the holiday season and anytime throughout the year! Some of these shops even offer free delivery to the St. Louis area – good to know!

Image result for circa boutique

Circa Boutique:  A clothing and gift boutique in downtown Belleville, IL and also Edwardsville, IL! The shop also offers candles, artwork, and custom jewelry!

City Sprouts:  A one-stop, super cool shop for babies and kids featuring amazing clothes, eco-friendly toys, designer diaper bags, and modern nursery furniture and decor.

Fable and Lore:  Hand-crafted, infinitely wearable jewelry for the modern free spirit.

Future Ancestor:  A curated home decor shop specializing in handmade goods, vintage furniture, and unique gifts.

Left Bank Books:  The oldest and largest independently-owned full-line bookstore in St. Louis. They offer a full-line of new and used books, gifts, cards, magazines, toys and services.

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Lemon Gem:  This brand-new kitchen store is set for its soft opening this Saturday, 11/26. It will offer the basics – pots, pans, spatulas, spoons, bakeware, aprons, kitchen gifts – from a range of well-known brands to local artisans. The shop will also feature a community cookbook library – how great is that?!

124 West Jefferson, Kirkwood, Missouri 63122

Moonbeams:  Located in the heart of Kirkwood this shop offers a variety of gift and home decor items that are truly unique and often one-of-a-kind!

Union Studio:  An independent and locally owned shop featuring a thoughtful, classic collection of St. Louis artists’ hand-crafted goods and fine art. Every item they sell—clothing, housewares and fine art—is handmade by nearby artists, our neighbors.

Urban Matter:   Home furnishings & gift shop featuring local makers, curated treasures & made-by-hand goods for both men & women.

Zee Bee Market:  Curated handmade & Fair Trade products from around the world – plus coffee, chocolate, tea, more. Their hand-crafted baskets are a personal favorite!

What are some other local gems that I missed – let us know where you like to shop in the St. Louis area.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING & HAPPY SHOPPING!