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Category: Tips

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Blog Design Homeowner Tips Tips

Refresh and Renew: Spring Cleaning Tips for Your Home

The flowers are blooming, leaves are covering tree branches once again, and your home… well, it could probably use a little spring cleaning. After months of winter hibernation, putting a springtime sheen on your home can feel a bit overwhelming. 

 

Thankfully, spring cleaning doesn’t have to be a chore that devours your entire weekend. Here are some tips to make spring cleaning your Crosswinds home easy and painless.

 

Declutter First

 

Before you pull out the mop and furniture polish, work on getting rid of all that “stuff” that’s been piling up since last December. This will help you to see better those neglected areas that really need a thorough cleaning, and it will also help to free up storage space. 

 

Separate stuff into three piles: keep, donate, and trash. Don’t be afraid to be honest with yourself. If it’s something that you haven’t used in years, then pass it on to somebody else in the donate pile or chuck it in the garbage if it’s not worth salvaging. 

 

Get the Kids Involved

 

If you have kids in the house, then you know they’re responsible for their share of the dirt and grime that finds its way into your home. Bring the kids in on the cleaning action – just be sure that you assign them tasks that they’re capable of handling. 

 

Small kids often enjoy helping and are great with sorting old clothes and toys or wiping down tables and chairs. If you have older children, you may want to assign them a certain room to clean and incentivize them with a trip to the ice cream parlor after the chores are finished. 

 

Work Room to Room

 

There are two ways of looking at how to organize the spring cleaning – prioritize the rooms that get the most use, or prioritize those rooms that are the messiest. Whichever way you choose, tackling one room at a time will help with efficiency. 

 

If you aim for those rooms that get a lot of use (the bedrooms, bathrooms, living room), then start with things like washing the linens and blankets or scrubbing the toilet before moving on to areas like cleaning the baseboards or tub. 

 

If your goal is to finally tackle those messy areas like a cluttered garage or attic in chaos, then reread the declutter section above and good luck!

 

Don’t Forget the Little Stuff

 

Spring cleaning is the perfect time to focus on those areas of the home that may not get cleaned as often as other spots. A few tasks that you may want to prioritize include: 

 

  • Dusting ceiling fans
  • Shampoo rugs
  • Reseal grout lines in tubs or countertops
  • Spot clean upholstered furnishings
  • Polish wooden furniture like bookshelves and dining tables
  • Wash window screens
  • Dust light fixtures
  • Defrost the freezer

 

Keep Everything Organized

 

Once you’ve checked off everything on your spring cleaning list, some simple organization will help keep clutter down and make routine cleaning that much easier. Utilizing hooks, baskets, and containers can tame even the most out-of-control pantry, and flat storage bins that can slide under beds will free up closet space. 

If at the top of your spring to-do list is to find your dream home, then check out the available inventory of homes in the master-planned Crosswinds community and reach out to us today.

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Family Fun Tips

Family-Friendly Feasts: Kid-Approved Meal Ideas for Spring

Stews and hearty casseroles are great for the winter months when you need something that will stick to your ribs. As the weather warms up, though, heavy dishes aren’t always as appealing. Thankfully, there are plenty of lighter meals that are still packed with fresh vegetables and lean cuts of meat that the entire family will love. 

 

Here are a few spring meal ideas that are sure to be met with a kid-approved thumbs up. 

 

Smoothies

 

We’ve yet to meet a kid who doesn’t enjoy a delicious smoothie. And because they’re simple to make and easy to serve, they’re great for those days when the family might not have time to sit down for a full breakfast before running off to baseball practice. 

 

Smoothies are also a wonderful way to sneak in some green veggies that your kiddos may otherwise turn their nose up at. To mix things up, consider trying a new fruit or veggie each week in your child’s smoothie to expand their palate. 

 

Snack Platters

 

If you’ve been on any Instagram food account over the past four years, then you know that charcuterie boards are all the rage. These oh-so-visually-appealing snack boards aren’t just appetizing to adults, but kids love them, too. 

 

While some littles may not be so keen on olives, prosciutto, or blue cheese, strawberry slices, kiwi, and carrot sticks with ranch dip are almost always a hit. You can even customize the snack boards for things like after-school activities (goldfish crackers, grapes, blueberries, and banana chips) or campouts (marshmallows, graham crackers, peanut butter, and chocolate bars). The snacking possibilities are endless!

 

Get Your Grill On

 

One of the best things about living in Central Texas is that the grilling season lasts roughly nine months out of the year. Whereas burgers and hot dogs will always be a reliable standby, mixing up your grilling options is never a bad idea. Chicken, shrimp, or fish are fantastic on the grill and can be a complement to a wide variety of meals, from fajitas to pasta and rice dishes or salads and shishkabobs. 

 

Don’t limit your grilling to only proteins. Grilled pineapple and peaches are a hit with both kids and adults alike, and there’s nothing quite like fresh grilled corn on the cob. 

 

Favorite Fruity Desserts

 

Not every kid is going to consider a plain bowl of grapes dessert. There are, however, plenty of ways that parents can transform everyday fruits into the kind of desserts kids crave. 

 

Crescent rolls, a little cinnamon, and sliced apples or strawberries are all you need for easy and delicious tarts. Now, if your kid is all about blueberries or blackberries, then they’ll love making mini crisps in cupcake tins with some oatmeal and brown sugar. 

 

Another colorful treat kids love is unicorn yogurt parfaits. Simply layer yogurt and a variety of your child’s favorite fruit in a clear glass. For a bonus, sprinkle some coconut shavings on top!

One of the best places to pick up fresh fruits and veggies for your spring meal planning is at Kyle’s Market Days. If you’d like to learn more about Kyle and find a home in the Crosswinds community, reach out to us.

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Area Attractions Family Fun Kyle Texas Tips

Family-Friendly Hikes in the Texas Hill Country

Spring is one of the best times to get outside and enjoy our state’s natural beauty before the summer heat makes a midday hike unbearable. Lace up your boots, grab the fam, and consider exploring some of these nearby parks and trails. 

 

Reimers Ranch Park: This Travis County park draws in thousands of visitors every year who flock to it for a variety of outdoor recreational activities. Rock climbers love it for the limestone cliffs, and mountain bikers can’t get enough of its 18 miles of trails. 

 

Don’t let the more adventurous appeal of this park put you off when it comes to a family-friendly hike, though. The park has several trails that are only open to hikers and include both granite and dirt hiking trails. The park also offers monthly guided bird-watching hikes that are included as part of the park’s daily entrance fee. 

 

Guadalupe River State Park: It’s easy to understand why this park is such a popular spot in the summer. There’s really no better way to beat the Texas heat than tubbing down the Guadalupe River.

 

Tubbing season may still be a few months away, but this park still has plenty worth checking out for a daytime visit. The park offers 13 miles of trails that range from the 2.86-mile Painted Bunting Trail to the 0.3-mile River Overlook Trail. Be sure to stop by the Discovery Center before or after your hike to learn more about the park’s natural wildlife and history. The park also offers RV and tent sites, making it a great choice for a relaxing weekend retreat. 

 

Pedernales Falls State Park: Located about 50 minutes northeast of Kyle, this tranquil state park is best known for its huge slabs of limestone. The park offers a range of outdoor recreation, including horseback riding, mountain biking, swimming, and, of course, lots of hiking opportunities. 

 

The range of trail difficulties makes it a great choice for family-friendly hiking of all skill levels. Families with younger children will enjoy the .5-mile Twin Falls Nature Trail. At the same time, those with more experienced and adventurous hikers may want to tackle the 6-mile Wolf Mountain Trail.

 

Enchanted Rock: A Hill Country hiking list wouldn’t be complete without a mention of Enchanted Rock State Park. The pink granite dome that rises out of the Texas landscape has been attracting visitors for thousands of years, and that attraction continues today. 

 

The park includes 11 miles of hiking trails. While a climb to the top of the rock may not be in the cards for the littlest members of your family, the Interpretive Loop trail is on the easier side. There’s no wrong time to visit the park, but for a truly awesome experience, opt for sunset and linger a little longer for some stargazing. 

You don’t have to venture far for some great hiking in the Kyle area. It’s one of the many things that make this part of Texas so appealing. To learn more and find your dream home here, contact the Crosswinds team today.

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Blog Homebuilder Homeowner Tips Kyle Texas Tips

Navigating the 2024 Real Estate Landscape: Tips for Homebuyers

Buying a house is a major financial decision, regardless of what’s going on in the housing market. Nevertheless, buying a home in 2024 is a different animal than it was even a few years ago. 

 

While there is some not-so-great news for homebuyers in 2024, there are bright spots on the horizon, too. 

 

Market Trends

 

While 2023 was marked by high prices and high interest rates, there could be light at the end of the tunnel in 2024, according to experts. “Mortgage rates should trend lower throughout the year as inflation pressures ease…,” Greg McBride, CFA, chief financial analyst for Bankrate, said. 

 

Unfortunately, the number of available homes is still low, and home prices are not expected to drop in 2024. Lawrence Yun, the chief economist with the National Association of Realtors, said there’s only a 3.2-month supply of homes on the market, whereas a balanced market has enough homes for a five to six-month supply. However, other experts disagree and predict home inventory will increase in 2024, so be patient and keep your ear to the ground!

 

Home Buyer Strategies

 

Even though it’s a tough market for homebuyers in 2024, all hope is not lost. Some good strategies can still help a savvy homebuyer find their dream home in 2024. 

 

  • Keep an eye on interest rates. They’ve been declining since October and are expected to continue a trend downward. 

 

  • Consider virtual tours. If you’re open to a virtual tour, this could buy you some time to make a fast offer rather than waiting to see a home in person.

 

  • Shop in the winter or fall months. Spring and summer tend to have more inventory, but fall and winter months tend to have fewer bidders and potentially lowered sales prices. 

 

Important Considerations

 

There are some things – like buying in a good location – that will always be a smart move, no matter the market trends. Before you go about picking out new furniture and interior paint colors, consider these important factors. 

 

Affordability. How much house you can afford is a paramount question. A safe rule of thumb is a monthly mortgage payment that’s no more than 25% of your take-home income. 

 

Home buyers should also factor in the cost of utilities in the area, as well as any HOA fees, needed home repairs, and general maintenance. 

 

Consider the neighborhood and school district. A safe neighborhood with good schools is a significant factor that not only impacts the price you’ll pay for a home but your home’s value when it comes time to sell as well. 

 

Crosswinds Benefits

 

With low inventory frustrating many potential home buyers, experts are highlighting the benefits of buying a new home. “With the crazy lack of inventory still causing headaches in the market, building a home becomes an attractive option, and with spec homes and semi-custom-building options,” Nick Bailey, president of RE/MAX, said. 

 

Crosswinds offers a range of both completed and soon-to-be-completed new homes by some of the best builders in the country, many with customizable home options. 

 

Not only are the homes in the Crosswinds built with the latest designs in home construction innovation, but residents can enjoy resort-like amenities, and the community feeds into a great school district. 

If you’re ready to find your perfect home in 2024, reach out today to learn more about the amazing master-planned Crosswinds community.

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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.

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.

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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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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.

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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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