So here we are in November… and the busy holiday season starts Now!

I’m always a basket case this time of year. I don’t know why… even if I’m totally organized and ready - I still feel stressed out. My hubby thinks this is odd… he isn’t ever stressed about holidays… Go figure.

I just looked at a huge legal pad my husband has been jotting notes on. Guess what? He has been planning Thanksgiving…LOL. It’s only his family that spends this holiday with us and this year we are celebrating a week early because some of my in-laws are working during the holiday weekend.

Anyway… Hubby and family have planned the entire weekend of meals, including who is cooking and bringing which dishes. Of course he has “planned” what I am cooking… but that’s okay because it’s all easy stuff.

My big problem is I always want to re-decorate during the holidays. Here in the desert southwest USA… Fall is our Spring Cleaning! We are cooped up inside all summer… November rolls around and Wham - we have the window open and patio entertaining season has begun!

Of course, my patio looks pretty dog-gone bad after months of neglect. I’ve been spending several hours a day sweeping and washing and re-arranging. You see… I have a huge patio and it’s decorated much like a Spanish style cantina. What this means for me… I have lot’s o’ stuff to clean up. (Why don’t I cover this stuff up?)

It’s all great fun for me… it’s dirty, but satisfying. I also use this space all winter as my “outdoor office” so I have lamps and comfy seating. I would all day on my laptop… watching the birds (and bugs) fly around. My dogs love it too!

Our patio and outdoor area is why everyone loves to have holiday dinners at our house. This picture is just a small corner of my Spanish Style Patio… and yep, we have our holiday meals outside!

Okay… back to my Thanksgiving Prep. I think Mr. Painter Lady has read my copy of “Stress Free Holiday Entertaining” which talks alot about how the entire family should share in the work as well as the fun.

What a concept!?!

Stress Free Holiday Entertaining