Category: Lifestyle

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Area Attractions Family Fun Kyle Texas Lifestyle Tips

Healthy Living in Kyle

With the days getting longer and the temperatures on the rise, now is the perfect time to get outside and make the most of the many opportunities for adopting a healthy lifestyle in Kyle. 

From outdoor exercise routines to healthy eating habits and even some mental fitness, here are a few ways to do just that. 

Eat Smart

Everyone knows that healthy eating is good for you, but developing a meal plan that allows for smart eating day in and day out can be tricky. 

The best approach is to tackle this week by week. Start by looking at what ingredients you already have in your kitchen, and then write down the meals you’d like to make for breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day for the following week:

Write down any new recipes you’d like to try in advance of a grocery trip, as well as the meals you need to cover where you won’t be doing much cooking. Plan to incorporate leftovers on those days that are especially busy, and you may not have time to cook. 

When it comes time to grocery shop, aim for a mix of fresh, frozen, and shelf-stable (or non-perishable) foods for your meals. Eat the fresh stuff first and fill up your pantry or freezer with foods that you can eat at a later time. 

If you want to shop local as part of your healthy eating plan, consider checking out Kyle Market Days. The event runs from April through November and includes vendors selling a variety of fresh foods. 

Soak in the Sunshine

One of the best things about living in the Texas Hill Country is the number of outdoor activities available. 

The Plum Creek Trail, Lake Kyle, or the Spring Lake Preserve are all great spots to get outside, stretch your legs, and soak in some sun. The parks are easily accessible and offer well-maintained paths for walking, running, or biking. 

Now, if you’re looking for something that promises a bit more of an adrenaline rush, then consider heading out to Reimers Ranch. Located in nearby Dripping Springs, the park spans over 2,400 acres and includes plenty of rocky limestone cliffs for rock climbing and winding trails for mountain biking. 

One of the benefits of the Crosswinds Community is that residents have access to a trail system of both crushed granite and paved walking/biking trails that weaves through the community. This allows easy access to other outdoor amenities such as the basketball and tennis courts, open play fields, and pool. 

Stay Mentally Sharp

Physical exercise isn’t the only important thing in healthy living. Exercising your brain through meditation, prayer, or even something as simple as doing a jigsaw puzzle can have enormous benefits. 

Things like mindfulness breathing, journaling, or reading a daily devotional can help to calm the body and reduce stress, while activities like crossword puzzles, learning a new skill like a musical instrument, or drawing can help with memory and concentration. 

Whatever mental fitness or relaxation routine you choose, the important thing is finding what works for you and doing it consistently. 

There are plenty of ways to practice healthy living in Kyle. If you’d like to learn more about finding a home in the Crosswinds community, contact us today.

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Blog Design Family Fun Lifestyle Tips

May Flowers: Gardening Tips for a Colorful Spring

It’s the dream of many homeowners to have a lush garden that’s bursting with bouquets of colorful flowers. While planting a flower garden can be intimidating for many beginners, it’s surprisingly easy to create a decorative display –  and keep it looking fresh all summer long. 

Here are some simple tips to bring out the bloom in a May flower garden. 

Pick a Sunny Spot

Most flowering plants like either full or at least partial sun, so you’ll want to pick a spot that gets at least 6 hours of sunlight a day. Wherever you choose, be sure to look for a pattern of where and when the sunlight hits. This will help you in choosing which plants will best thrive in the area you’ve chosen. 

You’ll also want to pay attention to how well the soil in the spot drains. If the area is soggy for days after rain, that’s a sign it drains poorly and could drown the roots of any flowers you plant.

Good Soil is Everything

Perfect soil isn’t usually found but rather created. If you have poor soil, you may want to take a test sample to a garden center so they can give you advice on any precise fertilizers you may need. Organic matter and compost though are always a safe bet though, and will greatly improve poor soil. 

If you’re going to be using pots or planter boxes for your flower garden, then be sure to buy high-quality potting soil. 

Choose Your Flowers Wisely

You may love Japanese orchids, but the climate of Central Texas does not. Thankfully, there’s an incredible array of flowers that thrive in this area. The Austin area is in Zone 8b, so you’ll need to choose flowers that have Zone 8 in their ranges.

Texas annuals (these flowers complete their life cycle in a year):

  • Sunflowers 
  • Zinnias
  • Impatiens
  • Pentas

Texas perennials (these flowers come back year after year):

  • Tulips
  • Blackfoot daisy
  • Lantana
  •  Larkspur
  •  Marigolds

Be sure to read the directions on the recommended spacing and soil depth for each flower variety.

Start Small

While you may envision a huge garden that is just waiting for a glossy magazine cover shoot, it’s best to start small. 

Aim for 5 to 8 different types of flowing plants of various heights. This will not only keep things manageable but will help you get a good idea of what you like and what you don’t like. 

Water Right

Flower gardens in this area need a lot of water, so thorough and regular watering is essential. A drip irrigation hose is ideal for flower gardens because it offers slow and steady watering that plant roots can soak up. 

If you don’t have an irrigation hose, then water your flowers towards the base in either the morning or dusk. Avoid watering them directly on the blooms or leaves, as this can create fungus or lead to the petals burning once the sun comes out. 

Planting a flower garden either in planter pots or in the yard can be one of the best ways to add natural beauty to your home. If you’re looking for the perfect home and would like to learn more about the Crosswinds community, contact us today.

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Blog Events Family Fun Lifestyle Tips

Memorial Day BBQ Bash: Hosting the Ultimate Grill-out

Memorial Day BBQ Bash: Hosting the Ultimate Grill-out

 

The unofficial kickoff of summer is just around the corner. We’re talking, of course, about Memorial Day. If you’re planning to invite friends over the holiday, here are a few pointers to make sure your backyard party is a total smash. 

Prep Your Backyard Right

Sure, people will head indoors if the weather is bad or to use the restroom, but most of the action will take place outside, so making sure your yard looks sharp is key. 

At least a day or two before the party, make sure you check off these backyard chores:

Mow the grass

Sweep the patio

Clean your grill area

If you have a pool, make sure it’s clean, and any chemicals have had time to dilute.

Diversify Your Menu

We’ll get to the hot dogs in a minute, but any good Memorial Day party needs to have an array of food. You’ll want to have finger foods that are easy to eat without a fork, as well as classic picnic foods that people expect. And don’t forget about having something for the kiddos and picky eaters.

Appetizer ideas:

Chive and cucumber dip and chips

Pimento cheese mini sandwiches

Cherry tomato caprese salad

Bacon-wrapped cream cheese jalapenos

Deviled eggs

Side dishes:

Red, white, and blue salad (watermelon, blueberries, mini marshmallows)

Baked beans

Strawberry spinach salad

Broccoli cornbread casserole

Coleslaw

Desserts:

Fruit and chocolate dip

S’mores

Apple pie cupcakes

Red, white, and blue cheesecake bars

Get Your Grill On

While everybody loves tasty appetizers and side dishes, the party people are really looking forward to the main event – the grill. 

As mentioned, make sure your grill is cleaned before your guests arrive, and whether you’re a charcoal or propane kinda person, be sure to have plenty of fuel. 

Now, when it comes to what to grill, there’s nothing wrong with a few plain Jane burgers and hot dogs, but if you want to host the ultimate grill-out, then you’ll need to mix things up. Throw some of these mouth-watering items on the grill, and you’ll have guests lining up for seconds in no time!

The meats:

Jerk chicken kabobs

Beer brats

Teriyaki shrimp skewers

Mojito lime skirt steak

Bourbon-glazed ribs

Lobster tails

The fruits and veggies

Chili-lime corn

Chimichurri eggplant

Balsalmic portobello mushrooms

Buffalo Cauliflower kabobs

Peaches with honey-glaze

Teriyaki pineapple 

A Fun Atmosphere is Everything

Because Memorial Day is a patriotic holiday, you can never go wrong with a red, white, and blue theme. Streamers, table runners, balloons, and tiki torches – all of it will help create a fun and festive atmosphere that welcomes guests the moment they arrive. 

From cornhole and giant Jenga to croquet and a slip-on slide, no backyard party is complete without yard games. Not only will these games help keep the kiddos entertained, but they’ll also provide the perfect icebreaker for guests who may not know each other. 

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

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Area Attractions Blog Education Kyle Texas Lifestyle

Educational Excellence in Kyle, Texas

Access to good schools and a well-rounded education is always top-of-mind for parents when choosing where to live. The Crosswinds community is fortunate to be located within the Hays CISD, allowing children from kindergarten up through high school the chance for an education that will set them up for a lifetime of success. 

 

About Hays CISD

 

The Hays Consolidated Independent School District’s motto is “changing lives, one student at a time” and that certainly rings true across its 26 campuses that educate over 23,000 students. 

 

As the population of Hays County has increased, so has the school district’s dedication to providing a quality education for students – tripling the number of schools since 2000. Today, this encompasses three high schools, six middle schools, and 15 elementary schools. The school district also includes a state-of-the-art Performing Arts Center.

 

Students who live in the Crosswinds community attend Pfluger Elementary, Chapa Middle School, and Lehman High School. 

 

Pfluger Elementary

 

Named after Mr. Ralph Pfluger, one of the founding school board members of Hays CISD, the elementary school is dedicated to setting an educational foundation for its students. Serving K-5th grade, the school accomplishes this goal for its falcons (the school mascot) through a curriculum that helps students S.O.A.R. This includes the development of skills in self-control, optimism, acceptance, and resiliency.

 

If you’ve already had a child go through Pfluger Elementary School, then you know how excellent the teachers are at ensuring each child is set on the path to success. 

 

Chapa Middle

 

Serving 670 students in 6th through 8th grade, Chapa Cougars have the opportunity to develop and succeed in an environment that prides itself on robust academic programs that nurture independent learners and thinkers. 

 

In addition to an academic curriculum, students can also participate in a variety of engaging athletics programs such as basketball, cross-country, football, soccer, volleyball, and track. Through both academics and extracurricular activities, Chapa Middle aspires to help students continue upward social and educational growth. 

 

Lehman High School

 

Home of the Lobos, Lehman High School serves around over 2,000 students in grades 9 through 12, providing them with a dynamic community and the goal of fostering lifelong achievement. The school not only offers a rigorous general curriculum that helps to set students up for the jobs of tomorrow but also offers award-winning music, theater, and Navy JROTC programs. 

 

The school also provides students with a versatile athletic program that includes everything from baseball, basketball, soccer, and football to water polo, wrestling, tennis, and volleyball, among other sports.  

If you’d like to learn more about our community, nearby secondary educational opportunities, and our new homes in Kyle, contact Crosswinds today.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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