fbpx

Author: bdowdy

Categories
Blog Design Homeowner Tips Lifestyle Tips

Pantry Perfection: Kitchen Organization Tips

Turning your pantry from a messy kitchen closet into an organized central storage hub that would make even Martha Stewart envious isn’t rocket science. All it takes is a little planning and routine maintenance. 

 

Clear the Shelves

 

The first step is to take everything off the shelves and out of the pantry. This will allow you to start with a clean slate. Separate any expired food items or kitchen tools you no longer want

from those that you know you do plan to use. 

 

Organize for Use

 

Items that you find yourself using regularly should get optimal shelf space. If you know, you use canned items daily but only reach for the box of corn starch twice a year, then put it in the back. Pantry real estate is valuable, so any food items or kitchen tools that are seldom used should go in the rear of the pantry or on a higher shelf. 

 

Use the Right Containers

 

One of the most common reasons that pantries become disorganized messes is that people can’t see or forget what they have before buying it again. An easy solution for this is to use clear containers. 

 

Clear, air-tight containers are fantastic for a few reasons. Not only do they allow you to keep track of things like cereal, sugar, or dog food, but they’ll keep foods fresher longer than simply keeping them in the original packaging. 

 

Pro tip: Label your clear containers. The last thing you want is to accidentally put a cup of salt in your cake rather than sugar because the container wasn’t labeled. 

 

Group Similar Items Together

 

Don’t make the mistake of simply putting things on the pantry shelf after a trip to the grocery store without a second thought. One of the easiest ways to keep your pantry organized for the long run and make finding things easier is to group similar products together. 

 

For example, you might have all your canned goods on one shelf, rice and pasta on another, and baking products on a shelf in the back. 

 

Add Hooks or Hanging Baskets

 

If you’re unable to add additional shelves in your pantry but still need a little room, you might want to consider adding hooks or hanging baskets on the back of the pantry door. This can be a great way to store extra items that aren’t particularly heavy, such as Ziplock backs, aluminum foil, or spices. 

 

Maintenance is Key

 

Now that you have a well-organized pantry, the key is keeping it in check with each subsequent grocery trip. Before you head to the store, be sure to head to the pantry to take an inventory of what you need and what you already have. Not only will this help to keep you from adding clutter to your pantry with items you don’t need, but you’ll probably find that you’re buying less and saving money in the long run. 

All of the homes in Crosswinds’ available inventory have stunning, thoughtfully designed kitchens. Many of them with pantries for convenient storage. To learn more, contact us today.

Categories
Blog Family Fun Lifestyle Tips

Navigating Valentine’s Day

Trying to come up with the perfect Valentine’s Day gift idea for an adult can be tricky enough, but what about kids? Sure, you can’t go wrong with chocolate, but adding a little flair can make the occasion even more fun. 

 

If you’re in need of some fun V-Day ideas that your child can share with classmates or teachers, here are a few sweet options to consider. 

 

Think Outside of the Box: Creative Valentines

 

The Valentine’s treat bag is a classic, but instead of filling it with drugstore chocolate, why not mix things up? Toss in small toys or party favors like super balls, snap bracelets, fidget spinners, bubbles, or a pack of stickers. 

 

It’s fair to say that most kids probably won’t be crazy about a bouquet of roses. What kids do love, though, are projects. Consider giving kids mini terracotta seed kits. This gives children a chance to plant a valentine that will last far beyond February 14. 

 

Now, if you want to play it safe and stick with candy but want to show some creativity, that’s a winning plan. From pipe cleaner butterfly wings on suckers to love bug juice boxes, there’s an endless array of cute candy craft possibilities. 

 

Safe and Sweet

 

If you’re helping out with a Valentine’s Day party for your child’s school, then you’re probably aware of any existing food allergen don’ts. If not, double-check with your child’s teacher before bringing any treats. Thankfully, making some special treats available for kids with food allergies is pretty easy. 

 

Skip the peanut butter or peanut-filled candy and think cookie cutters. Heart-shaped cookie cutters can make just about any food more fun. Pancakes, sandwiches, fruits, and veggies… they can all be transformed into fun party food with a heart-shaped twist. Toss in some white, red, and pink sprinkles, and you have a snack no kid can resist. 

 

Thoughtful Teacher Gifts

 

Be sure to save an extra cupcake for your child’s teacher. Better yet, make a special Valentine’s Day treat that your child can give to their favorite teacher to show just how much they appreciate them. 

 

A personalized Valentine’s Day card is sure to elicit an “Awww, thank you!” but why not add a little something extra? Teachers work hard and deserve a treat now and then. A gift card for a local coffee or sandwich spot is an idea that’s sure to make your kiddo’s teacher feel appreciated and loved. 

 

Now if you’re looking for the perfect Valentine’s Day gift for your romantic sweetheart, not to worry, here are plenty of local gift ideas right here in Kyle.  

To learn more about Kyle and the master-planned Crosswinds community, contact us today.

Categories
Blog Design Homeowner Tips Tips

DIY Home Projects That Boost Property Value

The housing market can be a fickle thing. Sometimes, it’s a buyer’s market. Other times, it’s a seller’s game. And still, sometimes it’s a bit of both, depending on the zip code you are looking in. However, a home that’s well-cared for and stylish inside with good curb appeal on the outside will always be attractive. 

 

Here are a few DIY-friendly home projects that will help boost your home’s appeal and property value. 

 

Budget-Friendly Kitchen Makeover: The kitchen is one of the biggest selling points of a home, and prospective buyers always take notice of a nice kitchen. Kitchen remodels can easily cost thousands of dollars, but thankfully, a kitchen can also be spruced up without breaking the bank.

 

One of the easiest kitchen upgrades is to paint your kitchen cabinets and replace the hardware. For an extra touch, consider installing soft-close kitchen cabinet hinges. This can really add some “wow” factor, all for just a couple hundred bucks.

 

If you’re feeling extra DIY handy, you may want to consider adding a backsplash. From super simple stick-on vinyl tiles to elaborate mosaic glass, a backsplash doesn’t have to be complicated but will always impress. 

 

Home Exterior Maintenance: It doesn’t matter how nice your home is on the inside; if the outside is “blah,” many prospective buyers won’t look twice. One of the best ways to improve a home’s curb appeal is with landscaping. 

 

If your flower beds are full of weeds, clear them out, put down some mulch, and plant a couple of low-maintenance shrubs. Add a few planter pots on the porch with colorful flowers, and your home will already look more inviting. 

 

While landscaping can go a long way, don’t neglect your home’s actual exterior, either. If your home’s brick or siding is looking gross, give it a good cleaning with a powerwasher and then touch up any chipped paint around doors and windows. 

 

Upgrade Lighting Fixtures: Outside lighting can also go a long way in both improving a home’s exterior visual appeal and providing an extra layer of security. An oversized light fixture at the front door will create a welcoming glow for guests, and solar-powered lights can help to illuminate walkways. 

 

Making improvements to interior lighting fixtures will also help to make the inside of your home more appealing. Pendant lights are very in style and work great in kitchen areas, but even simple swaps to existing light fixtures can be a significant improvement. 

 

Consider swapping out frosted glass shades on an old chandelier with clear glass or updating outdated metal finishes with a simple can of spray paint. 

 

Window Treatments: Window treatments not only provide privacy, but they can add an element of style, depending on how creative you want to get with textures, colors, or patterns. 

 

Blinds, whether they’re wood, faux wood, vinyl, or aluminum, are easy to install and can be customized for just about any window size. If you’re looking for something softer and even cheaper, curtains and drape options are nearly limitless and can be outfitted in limitless style possibilities. 

When you’ve found a home you truly love, finding ways to give it your personal touch and make it even more appealing is the easy part. If you’d like to find your dream home in the Crosswinds community, reach out to us today.

Categories
Area Attractions Blog Family Fun Kyle Texas Lifestyle

Guide to Outdoor Recreation: Kyle, Texas

It may still be the dead of winter and pretty chilly out, but that doesn’t mean you have to be stuck inside all the time, particularly on those days when the sun does decide to show itself. 

 

If you want to enjoy a little more outdoor recreation in 2024, here are a few places around Kyle to start. 

 

Plum Creek Trail: One of the best ways to explore Kyle and enjoy nature is on the Plum Creek Trail. Lace up your sneakers and grab your bike if you prefer because this trail covers 7 miles and connects Lake Kyle, Cool Springs, Waterleaf, and Steeplechase. Stretching from the City of Uhland (on the east) to the Blanco River (on the west), the trail is an ideal way to get some exercise and be immersed in the natural beauty surrounding Plum Creek. 

 

Lake Kyle: The park is open from sunrise to sunset seven days a week and is a popular spot for birding and area anglers. While the lake is a catch-and-release-only site for fishing, don’t make the mistake of thinking that the fish in the lake aren’t worth casting a line. As the photos on the lake’s bragging board show, some real monsters are swimming in its waters. 

 

Currently, it’s being restocked with bluegill sunfish, red ear sunfish, catfish, and largemouth bass for the spring season.

 

Steeplechase Dog Park: If your pup is tired of being cooped up inside all winter, then grab the leash and head down to the city’s dog park at 135 Hallie Drive. The park opened in 2018 and has become quite the place to wag about among the city’s four-legged residents. 

 

The park is divided into two sections: a small dog area for dogs under 25 pounds and a large dog area for dogs weighing 25 pounds or more. Owners and their pets can enjoy it from dawn to dusk, and good behavior among dogs and humans is expected at all times. For a full list of dog park rules, please visit the parks’ webpage. 

 

Gregg-Clarke Park, the Sports Complex: You might just call Gregg-Clarke Park the heart of the city’s sports scene. With several multiuse fields and plenty of parking, the city’s sports complex offers a wide variety of sporting options, including football, soccer, baseball, softball, kickball, jogging, walking, ultimate frisbee, kite flying, tennis, basketball, washers, horseshoes. And while it’s too cold out now, swing by on Memorial Day weekend when the park’s pool opens for the summer. 

 

The park also offers a pedestrian bridge that allows for easy access to the playground, picnic tables, and grills for cooking out. In the warmer months, you may even be able to catch an outdoor movie on one of the park’s screens on select nights. 

 

While Kyle has no shortage of outdoor recreation options, one of the things that makes Crosswinds such an appealing place to call home is the range of outdoor amenities located within the community. From walking the trail system to playing a few games of basketball or pickleball to grilling out or taking a dip in the pool in the summer, residents don’t have to venture far for outdoor fun. 

If you’d like to learn more about Crosswinds, contact us today.

Categories
Area Attractions Blog Events Kyle Texas

Upcoming 2024 Events in Kyle, Texas

The year has just started but already there’s a lot happening in Kyle. From winter through the spring and into summer and fall, there are plenty of fun events for families going on throughout the year. 

Valentine’s Day Dance for People with Disabilities – This special dance party for guests with physical disabilities is going down February 9 from 5:30 – 8 PM at the Gemstone Palace on Bunton Creek Road. The Valentine’s Day-themed dance party will have a DJ, giveaway prizes, snacks, games, photo opportunities, and lots more! Admission is free, but you do need to make a reservation. 

Easter at the Train Depot: Hop on by the historic Kyle Train Depot over Easter weekend for this special community event. Starting on Saturday, March 30, at around 10 AM, families can come by for photos with the Easter bunny, cookies, and lemonade. This event is completely free and is sure to be a fun way to celebrate the holiday. 

Kyle Market Days – This ongoing farmers’ market/craft fair is one of our favorite recurring events throughout the year. Beginning the second week of April and running through early November, the community is invited to gather at Mary Kyle Hartson Park from 9 – 2 to enjoy live music, fresh produce, and baked goods, as well as handmade arts and crafts. 

Kyle Fair aTex-Travaganza – There’s no better way to welcome the end of the school year and kick off summer than a day at the fair. Head down to Lake Kyle the weekend of May 17-19 for rides, live music, games, and every kind of carnival food imaginable. It’s also the only fair we know of that aims to bring together people with the name Kyle for a celebration of Kyle!

Independence Day Celebration – Come out and celebrate our nation’s birthday with this community fireworks celebration sponsored by the City of Kyle. While this year’s event hasn’t been fully planned out, last year’s event featured the well-known Austin cover band, The Grooves putting on a free concert prior to the 9:30 PM fireworks show. The event is always free to attend, and there are plenty of visible spots to watch the show around downtown Kyle. 

Kyle Pie in the Sky Festival – Perhaps Kyle’s most well-known event is this annual hot air balloon festival. This year’s event will take place August 30-31 and feature over a dozen vibrantly colored hot air balloons. In addition to hot air balloon rides, there will be live music lineup, pie baking and eating contests, and plenty of other food to satisfy your appetite. 

Founders’ Day Parade – Everyone is welcome to come out the second weekend in October to share in the town’s birthday celebration at the annual Founders’ Parade. Kyle’s founding dates all the way back to 1880, and this family-friendly event will kick off the parade around noon before concluding with a small celebration at Mary Kyle Hartson Park during Kyle Market Days. 

Daily Events – While the above events are some of the bigger events happening in our community, there are plenty of smaller events you can attend every day. From bird walks to yoga, movie nights, and city board meetings, your best way to stay up-to-date with what’s going on in Kyle is to check out the City Calendar. 

Needless to say, there’s a lot to love about living in Kyle. If you’d like to find your dream home here, reach out to us to learn more about the Crosswinds master-planned community.

Categories
Area Attractions Blog Family Fun Kyle Texas

Parent’s Night Out: Breweries + Hangout Spots

It’s no surprise that Kyle was named one of the best cities in Hays County to raise a family in 2023. The city has excellent schools and plenty of ways for families to have fun. 

 

As enjoyable as family outings can be, sometimes parents need to cut loose – without the kids. Whether you’re looking for a date night with your spouse or you’re a single parent simply looking to meet new people, Kyle has several spots for a parent’s night out. 

 

The Railhouse – You’d be hard-pressed to find a better local venue that promises good food, cold drinks, and a full live music calendar. The Railhouse reopened in 2021 under new ownership, and since then, it has established itself as one of the city’s most popular entertainment destinations, with something going on 7-nights a week. Many days offer both evening and matinee shows, so even if your babysitter can’t stay late, parents can still enjoy some live tunes. 

 

Centerfield Sports Bar – There are lots of places to watch the big game in Kyle, but if you’re looking for a bar with “TVs in every direction” and an almost never-ending list of draft beers, Centerfield Sports Bar is a top pick. Don’t make the mistake of thinking Certerfield is only a hangout spot for game day, though. The venue has regular karaoke and DJ nights for patrons looking to bust a move on the dance floor. 

 

Wicked Wings – Not only does this local wing joint offer some killer wings with spice levels ranging from mild to “wicked hot,” but the rest of its menu selection is sure to hit the spot for a casual date night. The restaurant offers a full bar and food menu, including pizzas, salads, burgers, and sandwiches. And after you’ve enjoyed some grub, hit the dance floor or step up to the mic for karaoke. 

 

Glenn’s Bar and Grill – This local spot is found on the Plum Creek golf course, but even if you don’t know the difference between a nine iron and a driver, it’s still worth checking out. The restaurant and bar underwent a complete renovation several years ago and has since become one of the best lunch spots in town. It’s also a great spot to hit up after work for a happy hour drink on the patio or on the weekend to enjoy the big game on the bar’s 100” projector. 

 

Aviator Pizza & Drafthouse – Sometimes parents want a night out with the kids that is a bit on the more low-key side. If that’s the case, then chill and casual is just what you’ll find at Aviator Pizza. The restaurant has several locations and offers a wide range of specialty pizzas that are sure to be a hit with any parents out there who can’t remember the last time they had a pizza that didn’t come from Chuck E. Cheese. 

These are just a few of the many great restaurants in Kyle that are worth stopping by for a drink or bite to eat. If you’d like to learn more about Kyle and find a home in the Crosswinds community, contact us today.

Categories
Blog Family Fun Lifestyle Tips

2024 Family Resolutions: Together Towards Tomorrow

It can be easy to look back on the previous year and only see what you should have done. A better way of looking at it, though, is to focus on what you can build upon in the new year. With the holidays in the rearview mirror and 2024 on the horizon, here are a few resolutions your family may want to incorporate in the new year.

 

Set Goals for the New Year

 

We’ve all heard that most New Year’s resolutions fall flat by February, but that’s because of a failure to put clear goalposts to work towards. Rather than making blanket resolutions for your family, such as “spend more time together,” focus on setting goals that demand action, such as “going on a family day trip at least once a month” or “starting a family game night.”

 

Write these new goals down and place them somewhere you’ll see them. This will help to keep your family more accountable in making sure these goals happen. 

 

Prioritize Meal Plans

 

As much fun as it can be to dine out, it’s more expensive than ever. A great way to circumvent this is with meal planning. Gather your clan together and let everyone have some input in deciding what meals you’d like to eat that week. To keep things interesting, try making copycat recipes of your favorite restaurant dishes to see how they compare to the restaurant version. 

 

Another great resolution around mealtime is to prioritize eating together as a family more often. Try to aim for at least one or two family meals a week and keep a rotation of who gets to pick what’s for dinner. 

 

Get the Kids Involved

 

Getting kids to do their chores can feel like a chore in and of itself. If you have more on your plate than you want in 2023, make 2024 the year that all changes. While parents may never be able to convince children that chores are fun, there are some strategies to get the kiddos to help more often:

 

  • Set a time limit for the chores
  • Use an allowance or free activity as leverage
  • Offer chore choices
  • Be firm – let children know that refusing to help out is not an option

 

Get Organized

 

Out with the old and in with the new doesn’t just apply to the calendar year but should really apply to clutter as well. If you’d like your family to be better organized in the new year, first take stock of where those areas of improvement are needed and then take action. 

 

For example, if you want to be better organized when it comes to family scheduling, consider buying a family day planner. If a cluttered garage needs a makeover or a weekly cleaning schedule is needed, then look into new storage solutions or cleaning task assignments for each family member. 

 

Reestablish a School Routine

 

The new year marks the start of a new semester and the chance to trim any loose ends. A few points parents may want to focus on include:

 

  • Help your child identify and adapt a plan for any schoolwork areas they’re struggling in
  • Improve on or reestablish daily homework routines
  • Try a new hobby or extracurricular activity
  • Make a point to celebrate educational or extracurricular wins with your child

If you’d like to find a new home in 2024, reach out to the Crosswinds team to learn more about our available inventory of homes.

Categories
Amenities Blog Family Fun Kyle Texas Lifestyle

Navigating the Neighborhood

Maybe we’re a bit biased, but we strongly believe that Kyle, specifically the Crosswinds community, is the best place to call home in the Texas Hill Country. The city offers convenience to larger metros such as Austin and San Antonio but has a vibrant character all its own. It’s big enough that there’s always something going on, yet small enough that it isn’t tangled up in the hustle and bustle of a big city.

 

If you’re new to the neighborhood, here are a few things to know for navigating your new home turf. 

 

Amenities Overview

 

The Crosswinds master-planned community was designed to offer residents not only exceptional homes but resort-style amenities that appeal to every lifestyle. 

 

Residents can soak up the sun and cool off poolside during the summer months, burn off some energy on the pickleball court, or gather for a cookout at one of the grill/picnic areas. There’s also a dog park for pet owners and an extensive trail system that residents can enjoy for biking or just a leisurely stroll. 

 

Schools

 

Children in the Crosswinds community and Kyle are zoned for Hays CISD. From elementary all the way up through high school, the schools offer an amazing curriculum of educational and extra-curricular activities ranging from sports to music and theater.

 

Located within the Hays CISD for Crosswinds families are:

  • Plfuger Elementary – student/teacher ratio 15:1
  • Chapa Middle School – student/teacher ratio 13:1
  • Lehman High School – student/teacher ratio 16:1

 

Kyle also happens to be near several community and four-year colleges and universities, including: 

  • Austin Community College (ACC) Hays Campus
  • Texas State University
  • UT at Austin
  • St. Edwards University
  • San Antonio College
  • Huston-Tillotson University

 

Access to Austin

 

A major draw for many people moving to Kyle is its close proximity to Austin. Considering that it’s just 21 miles to downtown Austin, 25 miles to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, and an hour to San Antonio, Kyle is an ideal spot for those looking for the convenience of a larger city without the busyness of living in one.

 

Kyle at a Glance

 

Kyle may be one of the most popular spots to call home in Austin, but this small Texas city has a long history stretching back to the 19th century. 

 

The area was settled in 1880, but it wasn’t until 1960 that its population cracked 1,000 people. Even then, Kyle was still a pretty sleepy town until the new millennium, when its population really began to grow between 2000 and 2010. 

 

Today, Kyle enjoys a growing economy, affordable cost of living, low crime rate, and plenty of leisure and shopping options. Walking trails like the Plum Creek Trail system offer residents an ideal way to enjoy nature, and the Pie In The Sky Hot Air Balloon Festival draws thousands of people each year. 

It’s this combination of convenience, affordability, and lifestyle that makes Crosswinds such an appealing place to call home. If you’re interested in all that Crosswinds has to offer and want to learn more about moving to Kyle and our available inventory of homes, reach out to us today.

Categories
Area Attractions Blog Family Fun Kyle Texas Tips

Tech-Free Family Time: Unplugged Activities for Quality Bonding

Technology has worked its way into nearly every facet of our lives, from careers to school and entertainment. Too much screen time, however, can lead to a disconnect among family members.

 

Thankfully, regularly unplugging to spend time together can help to strengthen family bonds. Here are a few wi-fi-free ways your family can engage in quality bonding. 

 

Family Game Night

 

Families have been bonding over board games for literally thousands of years. What board games may lack in streaming capability, they can often make up for in challenge and, in some cases, a lot of hilarity. 

 

Board games like Monopoly, Life, Clue, and Trivial Pursuit are always going to be classics, but there are dozens of other board games worth checking out. Ticket to Ride, Hues and Cues, Kids vs. Parents, and Headbanz are all popular board games worth adding to your personal collection. 

 

Give Back

 

Volunteering doesn’t just help the communities we live in; it helps us as individuals learn to be more empathetic and can benefit our mental health. And because children are constantly watching their parents, volunteering as a family sets a positive example.

 

When you take time to volunteer with your kids, you’re showing them firsthand the importance of being a good citizen and helping to mold them into a well-rounded person. From helping out at the animal shelter to sorting groceries at the food bank, there are a number of ways to give back in the Kyle area.  

 

Cook and Eat Meals Together

 

With life seemingly getting busier and busier every year, making time to eat a meal together on a regular basis can be difficult. However, doing so has major benefits in both the short and long term. For starters, it gives family members a chance to reconnect at the end of the day and just talk. In fact, “80% of teenagers say that family dinner is the time of the day they’re most likely to talk to their parents,” according to a Harvard study. 

 

Why not take things a step further? Break out a cookbook and include the entire family in preparing the meal, assigning each family member a task. Research shows that families who regularly eat dinner together are at lower risk of depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and teen pregnancy. 

 

Head Outside

 

We’re lucky enough to live in one of the most beautiful areas of the country, and there are nearly endless ways to enjoy it. 

 

Kyle has several parks within a 15-minute drive that are ideal for hiking, tossing the frisbee, or viewing wildlife. And in warmer months, setting out to explore a natural swimming hole is going to beat staying inside and playing video games hands down every time. 

 

Maybe you’re looking for something even more adventurous? Texas Trail Rides offers group horse rides, and the City of Kyle website has a bike map for families looking to keep things on two wheels rather than four legs. 

Even something as simple as taking a family walk around one of the trails within the Crosswinds community can be beneficial. To learn more about Crosswinds, contact us today.

Categories
Blog Events Lifestyle Tips

The Art of Hosting: Tips for Stress-Free Holiday Entertaining

Everyone loves a good holiday party. If you are the one hosting the event, as much enjoyment as it can be to welcome friends and family into your home, putting together the endeavor can also be stressful. 

 

From the invites to the cooking (or catering), here’s a game plan for hosting a holiday get-together like a pro. 

 

Settle on a Theme

 

There’s nothing wrong with simply opting for a run-of-the-mill holiday theme with the usual decorations – tinsel, lights, red, greens, etc. If you want to take things a step further and really impress your guests, opt for a theme that will create a vibe. This could be anything from an ugly sweater party, a holiday movie-themed soiree, or a glammed-up Christmas in Vegas affair. 

 

Get Invites Out Early

 

Once you have your guest list together, get those invites out at least three weeks in advance. Any sooner and people could have plans already made. Digital invitations allow for a quicker response time. Still, if you want to go the old-school route, paper invitations add a certain element of whimsical holiday nostalgia. 

 

To Cook or To Cater?

 

If you don’t fancy yourself a cook, or if you know you’re prone to getting overwhelmed in the kitchen, then opting for catering is a viable solution. Keep in mind that this is the busiest time of the year for caterers. The top caterers in town will likely be taking orders weeks in advance, and even grocery store deli/bakery departments will need a few day’s heads up.

 

If you plan on doing all the cooking yourself, plan ahead and cook as much in advance as you possibly can. 

 

Now, in our opinion, the best option is going to be the potluck route. Asking guests to bring their favorite dish to share not only saves you money and the stress of cooking but also ensures a variety of foods to enjoy!

 

Offer a Mix of Drinks

 

Offering a signature holiday drink, typically a punch or good egg nog, isn’t required, but it will undoubtedly be appreciated by guests. 

 

What is essential, though, is offering a good mix of drinks. This includes both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. If you’re going to be serving wine, start with something light and save the heavier wines for the main meal. 

 

Designate a Coat Room

 

…Or at least a coat corner. Many parts of the country (including Central Texas) can get pretty chilly in December, and your guests are going to need somewhere to throw all those oversized winter coats. 

 

Free up some closet space in your entryway, designate a DIY guest room if possible, or, at the very least, invest in a coat rack ahead of time. 

 

Cheerful Vibes and Party Essentials

 

Make sure that your party feels like a party. This means curating a holiday playlist (or at least selecting some festive Spotify channels) of merry tunes. You may want to have a classic Christmas movie playing on the TV in the background. Of course, there are other party essentials that should also not be overlooked:

 

  • Make sure bathrooms are well stocked with toilet paper
  • Keep cleaning supplies (club soda, paper towels) handy for spills
  • Be sure to have plenty of ice
  • Don’t be afraid to ask for help!

It’s only natural to want to invite friends and family into your home during the holidays when you love where you live. To learn more about the master-planned Crosswinds community, contact us today.

Sign up for our Newsletter