AVOIDING THE LAST-MINUTE RUSH
Caribbean people fall into two large categories: those that arrive on time and those that are always late. Here, the concept of ‘island time’ extends beyond time itself.
Island time is an approach to life where you confront an issue only when it becomes due, never before. This ‘no fuss, no problem ‘outlook pours over into our entire existence, impacting everything from our diet to the way we shop, the time we start getting ready to leave the house, the way we approach professional deadlines and for today’s purposes - seasonal preparedness.
Staging your home to be Merry & Bright. Part 2…
If you haven’t gotten around to transforming your home into its festive alter ego as yet, there’s still a lot of island time to go around before it shifts into the dreaded last minute rush. Now, there is a blurred line where island time ends and the activity in question officially becomes one conducted in a state of anxiety. This is the space we want to completely avoid – especially when it comes to our most personal of spaces – our homes.
Making home yours in time for Christmas begins with a clear (and very simple) intention.
Ask yourself this. Do you want a cosy, festive space to greet you every evening? If the answer is ‘yes’ then review our last blog that discusses “5 easy ways to get ready” and the part 1 to this piece you’re currently reading, “Staging your home to be Merry and Bright.” However, if you’re enjoying this and would rather not break your flow, then please carry on. In part 1 we shared ideas on setting the theme, the front door and stepping into the foyer.
Now that we’re properly inside we’re ready to move onto some of our favourite spaces, the ones that see us most:
The Living Room
Whether you call it the sitting room, the drawing room, the family room or the living room, this room is arguably the coziest and most inviting shared space. It’s also where many families choose to place their Christmas Trees because it lends easily to making yourself comfortable and opening presents. It’s a fun room to accentuate with pops of red, green or whatever festive colour combo you decide to go with. The opportunity can be as big or as small as your décor budget. On our end we can give you a lot of eye-catching value-based options. If you want to go big and upgrade your seating area to include a pull-out sofa bed for potential guests, we have just the one you’re looking for! Also, if you’d like to get an entire new living room set come on in, look and try them out. However, if you were thinking smaller, we’ve got small accent pieces such as cushions, area rugs and side tables. Simple touches placed tastefully can go a long way.
Have you considered a smart TV as a gift for yourself? Why not get it early and rewatch all your favourite Christmas movies?
The Dining Room
Some of us love eating on the couch but Christmas is a great time for enjoying special occasion meals at a dining table. You want your table to look good and be functional. Sometimes we need to squeeze in some extra guests so once there’s room, we like to recommend choosing a table that can comfortably seat your family and a couple extras. Maybe you have that already and what you’re missing is a new matching cutlery set, serving platters or a centrepiece to place on your themed runner.
Saving the best for last. Let’s enter the most frequented room in any family home especially leading up to this season of feasting.
The Kitchen
The smallest room with the largest (and most costly) appliances! The kitchen is quite possibly the most expensive room in your home, but it does a very important job to make that spend worthwhile. You may already have all the appliances you need. We’re not going to hard sell you an air fryer but if you’d like one for yourself or as a gift, we’ve got a lot to choose from! Themed kitchen towels, mats paired with some red oven mitts are very economical and popular ways to bring cheer in. Other ways are the smell of black cake, turkey, ham, sorrel bubbling and all your favourite seasonal scents. Nothing says make yourself at home faster than the great smell of homecooked food.
Pro Tip: Kitchen appliances make excellent gifts that get used!
There are some decisions that require time and thought. After all it’s your most personal space and we know how much every detail here means to you. All we’re suggesting is that you cast a critical eye on your current set up. See what can be removed (or replaced) before the last-minute Christmas rush.
Don’t limit yourself. If all of this sounds overwhelming, take it one room at a time. We know you can do it and we’re here to help!
Good luck and Happy Decorating.
