Photograph the Look and Record the Data

I found myself doing the same things over and over. Every time I planned a dinner party, I would pull out all my stuff to figure out how many people I could serve without having to rent anything, what plates looked good with what linens, and if I used all those dinner plates, did I have enough china for dessert as well. We entertain a lot, and sometimes that means a sit-down dinner for thirty or forty people or a buffet for a couple hundred. I now take pictures of everything – literally, a close-up of a place setting with the silverware, dishes, linens,glasses, even down to the salt shakers. I do the same for large buffets or for my Labor Day barbecue. Also key is capturing where I put all of those tables and what furniture I had to move. I keep all this in a simple binder(easier to flip through) and on my computer as well. Over the years, I have had bunches of events, and I can easily pull an evening together and have it look fantastic by recycling really good ideas. Of course, I mix it up and add new touches to each event – that makes it special – but having captured all of my past thinking and “looks” sure makes life easier.

Take key photos of your Christmas décor (or Halloween or any other occasion for which you decorate)to help you remember what goes where. I have way too much stuff I love and people keep bringing my family more holiday treasures. I photograph the house,and again I have a simple binder that I can refer to when I’m ready to set out all these items without having to figure out placement all over again. Saves time for more celebrating.