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How the Holidays Set Me Up for Success in the New Year

Now that the holidays have come and gone, I’ve had time to reflect on how valuable the season was in terms of recharging and resetting for the year ahead. The holidays provided the perfect opportunity to hit pause, step away from the usual hustle and bustle, and give myself the gift of rest. As an entrepreneur, the past few weeks taught me an important lesson about the power of rest, and I’m already feeling the benefits as I lean into the new year.

Lesson Learned from Not Prioritizing Rest

This past year, I often found myself pushing through the holiday season, thinking that taking a break wasn’t an option. Between balancing family, business endeavors, and everything else I said “Yes” to, I ignored the need for rest. Unfortunately, this approach left me feeling both mentally and physically exhausted. I completed every project as promised but not without a few head nods or quick second snoozes as I strategically placed flowers in arrangements as I burned the “midnight oil”.

During my period of rest, I recognized that true success doesn’t come from relentless work – it comes from working with intention, taking breaks when needed, and allowing time to recharge.

The Benefits of Prioritizing Rest as an Entrepreneur

Making the decision to prioritize rest has turned out to be one of the best choices I made during the holiday season. Here’s what I learned about the benefits of rest during this time:

1. Increased Mental Clarity: Taking time away from work gave me the mental space I needed to reset and reflect. I found that when I allowed my mind to rest, my focus and clarity improved significantly. I am able to think clearly and focus on what truly matters this year.

2. Enhanced Creativity: Rest and relaxation allowed my creativity to flow naturally. By stepping away from the grind and engaging in activities that nurtured my well-being – whether it was spending time with loved ones, reading a book, or enjoying quiet moments, I noticed that new ideas and solutions came more easily.

3. Improved Decision-Making: With a rested mind and rejuvenated energy, my decision-making improved dramatically. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by the weight of constant tasks, I approached each decision with more confidence and clarity. The time spent resting allowed me to think strategically about where I wanted to take my business in the new year.

4. Recharged Energy: As an entrepreneur, energy is one of our most valuable resources. Resting during the holidays helped me recharge my physical and mental energy levels. I returned to work feeling more motivated, with a renewed drive to achieve my goals and tackle new projects.

5. Stronger Work-Life Balance: Prioritizing rest during the holidays reminded me of the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Taking breaks, spending quality time with family, and engaging in personal activities helped me feel more balanced overall. As a result, I feel more prepared to give my best both to my business and to my personal life in the coming year.

Moving Forward: The Power of Rest in My Entrepreneurial Journey

Reflecting on how the holidays were spent, I feel incredibly grateful for the time I took to recharge. The lesson I learned about the importance of rest has shaped the way I approach both work and self-care. As I move through the new year, I’ve committed to making rest a regular part of my routine – because I now know that it’s not only beneficial but essential for long-term success.

As entrepreneurs, it’s easy to get caught up in the pressure to stay constantly busy. But the truth is, success comes when we take care of ourselves and allow time for rest and rejuvenation. The past few weeks of rest set me up for success, and I’m excited to exercise these new habits in the new year.

Here’s to a year of purposeful productivity, innovative ideas, and intentional rest!

Tips for Creating the Perfect Thanksgiving Tablescape

Thanksgiving is just around the corner and what better way to kick off the holiday season than by setting the perfect Thanksgiving tablescape that will wow your guests and create a warm and inviting atmosphere for your celebration.

Whether you’re a seasoned host looking to upscale your tablescape game or a first-time host looking to leave a lasting impression on your guests, we have you covered. From theme selection to personalized touches, the following tips will set you on the path to creating a festive and stylish tablescape that will wow your guests and elevate your holiday gathering to new heights.

Select a Theme

A Thanksgiving tablescape can be styled in countless ways depending on your personal aesthetic and the ambiance you wish to create. Having a clear theme serves as a guiding vision, ensuring all decisions – from linens to centerpieces work cohesively to create a memorable and harmonious atmosphere. Here are some inspiring themes to spark your creativity:

Classic Elegance: A timeless look featuring fine china, crystal glassware, polished silverware, gold and deep autumn tones, accented with florals and taper candles for refined sophistication.
Glam Thanksgiving: A luxurious design with sequins, satin, metallic tones paired with jewel tones, highlighted by bold florals, and sparkling candles.
Autumn Abundance: A warm, rustic style with natural fibers such as wicker, earthy hues, and seasonal foliage and fruits creating a cozy, traditional atmosphere.

Master the Table Setting

Each element of the Thanksgiving tablescape is carefully arranged to create a balanced, functional, and aesthetically pleasing presentation. From the linens to the arrangement of utensils to the placement of glassware, each aspect of the tablescape is thoughtfully designed to create a visually pleasing dining experience for your guests.

To set the stage for your tablescape, opt for crisp linens, table runners, or placemats. For a more formal look, consider white or cream table linen. For a more festive look, consider hues of burgundy, brown, or patterned fall themes. Consider a table runner as a standalone linen or as an accent to your base table linen. If an accent, choose a complimentary color that adds to the overall aesthetic of your tablescape. For a minimalist look, placemats are a great option.

Now that your linens are placed, it’s time to place your dinnerware. Feel free to mix materials, shapes, and patterns in plates and glassware for creativity and personalization.

Adding different types of dinnerware enhances the table presentation by adding depth, texture, and visual interest. While optional, a decorative charger serves as a base, framing the dinnerware and creating a polished look that elevates the overall aesthetic.

Place the dinner plate followed by a smaller plate (i.e. salad or appetizer) in the center of each charger, followed by the napkin on top or beside the plate or between the dinner and salad plate for a layered look.

Place forks to the left of the plate with the salad fork on the outermost side. Place knives and spoons to the right of the plate, with the knife blade facing the plate and the soup spoon on the outermost right. Dessert forks and spoons can be placed horizontally above the plate or brought out later.

Finally, add a water glass above the knife and any additional glassware depending on the beverages being served.

Create a Fall-Inspired Centerpiece

A fall-inspired centerpiece that captures the season’s natural beauty and festive warmth can completely transform your Thanksgiving table. Create a lush floral arrangement with vibrant autumn blooms like sunflowers, dahlias, and chrysanthemums for a lively, colorful focal point.

Consider a table runner featuring a mix of flowers and greenery like eucalyptus and magnolia leaves for a dramatic effect.

For a festive touch, try combining fruits such as apples, pears, and grapes with flowers, offering both visual appeal and an edible treat.

For a rustic feel, use fall foliage, mini pumpkins, gourds, wheat, lotus pods, and corn to add texture and seasonal charm.

Finally, enhance your centerpiece with gold, copper, or bronze candlesticks and complimentary colored taper and votive candles, to infuse warmth and elegance into your table setting.

Mix and match heights in centerpieces, candles, and décor elements for visual interest.

Personalized Place Settings

Adding personalized touches to your Thanksgiving tablescape will not only make your guests feel special, but also add a unique and memorable element to your gathering. Consider incorporating the following into your place settings:

Personalized Place Cards: Add calligraphy written names on cards, leaves, or other fall elements. Consider incorporating a meaningful quote or a small note of gratitude at each guest setting.
Customized Napkin Rings: Personalize napkin rings with guests’ initials or small charms that reflect their personalities or your relationship with them.
Mini Favors: Personalize mini pumpkins or small gourds by writing guests’ names on them as both a decoration and a keepsake.

Creating the perfect Thanksgiving tablescape is about more than just decorating your table—it’s about setting the tone for a memorable and heartfelt gathering. By selecting a thoughtful theme, carefully mastering your table settings, and incorporating a beautiful fall-inspired centerpiece, you’ll create an inviting atmosphere that showcases the warmth and beauty of the season. Adding personalized touches, like calligraphy name cards and custom napkin rings, will make your guests feel truly appreciated, elevating the experience even further. Whether you’re aiming for classic elegance, rustic charm, or festive glam, these tips will help you design a Thanksgiving table that will leave a lasting impression, bringing both beauty and warmth to your celebration.

The Benefits of Hiring a Professional Floral Designer

Photo: Vision & Style Photography

When it comes to planning an event, there are numerous details to consider: the venue, the guest list, the food, the entertainment, and more. The one detail that should never be overlooked is flowers. Flowers have the power to transform a space, evoking emotions and setting the mood for any occasion. Creating stunning floral arrangements that leave a lasting impression on your guests can be a daunting task. That’s where a professional floral designer comes in. From customization and personalization and knowing the latest floral design trends to their industry connections and access to resources and being multi-skilled, a floral designer can make all the difference in creating a cohesive and unforgettable event. If you’re looking to take your event to the next level, read on to discover the benefits of hiring a floral designer.

Customization and Personalization

Floral design is an art form that requires both skill and creativity and can be a time-consuming and stressful process for those unfamiliar with it. By entrusting a professional floral designer with your event, you can be confident that every detail will be taken care of, leaving you to enjoy a stress-free planning and execution experience. They will take the time to understand your preferences and the essence of your event, allowing them to create a floral design that represents your unique style and personality.

With the guidance of a professional floral designer, you can choose from a wide range of floral arrangements, colors, and styles that fit your vision and budget. They can provide expert guidance on what flowers and designs work best for the season, theme, and location of your event. Whether you desire a classic and elegant look or a bold and modern one, they can help you create a cohesive and personalized aesthetic that wows you and your guests.

Moreover, a professional floral designer can add special touches to your arrangements that reflect your personality and story. They can incorporate meaningful elements such as heirloom jewelry, photographs, or cultural symbols that make your event even more memorable and unique. The result is a customized and personalized floral design that speaks to you and your guests, creating an unforgettable experience. With a professional by your side, you can trust that your floral arrangements will reflect your unique vision and style, beautifully executed and flawlessly delivered.

They Know the Latest Floral Design Trends

The world of floral design is constantly evolving, with new trends emerging each year. If you are planning an event, it can be challenging to keep up with the latest floral design trends. That’s where a professional floral designer can help. With their vast industry insight, they can offer valuable information about the latest floral design styles and techniques.

For instance, they may suggest unique color combinations, floral arrangements, or centerpiece ideas that align with the event’s theme and your personal preferences. They can also advise you on the most popular flowers of the season, ensuring you get the freshest, highest-quality blooms for your event.

By working with a floral designer, you can ensure that your event stands out and creates a lasting impression on your guests. And the best part? A floral designer can do all of this while remaining within your budget.

Industry Connections and Access to Resources

Professional floral designers not only keep abreast of the latest trends, but they also have access to industry connections and resources that enhance the overall quality of their work. Flowers are a key component of any event setting, and professional designers know how to source the freshest and most beautiful blooms for your chosen theme. They have connections with reputable wholesalers that offer a variety of exotic and rare flowers that are not commonly available in retail stores.

In addition, professional floral designers have an eye for detail and can coordinate with other vendors such as caterers and rental companies to create a cohesive aesthetic that matches your overall vision. With a professional floral designer, you can trust that every detail will be taken care of so that you can relax and enjoy the occasion.

They Can Help You with More Than Just Flowers

Floral designers are not just experts in flowers, many can also help you with the overall design of your event. They have a keen eye for detail and can provide guidance on the color scheme, style, and layout that will best suit your event’s theme and purpose. They can also help you choose the right table linens, lighting, and other elements that will create a cohesive and visually appealing atmosphere.

Moreover, a floral designer can assist you with the logistics of your event, such as the timeline, setup, and breakdown. They can work closely with your event planner or coordinator to ensure that everything runs smoothly and seamlessly. They also have the experience and expertise to tackle any unforeseen issues, such as weather-related delays or last-minute changes, which can make all the difference to the success of your event.

In addition, hiring a floral designer can also save you money in the long run. They can prevent costly mistakes and unnecessary expenses by guiding you on which elements are essential and which ones are not. They can also suggest creative alternatives that will achieve the same effect within your budget.

The benefits of hiring a professional floral designer are clear. They are experts in customization and personalization, have knowledge of the latest floral design trends, and have industry connections and access to resources. Additionally, they offer skills beyond their floral artistry. With their help, you can take your event to the next level and leave a lasting impression on your guests. If you want to ensure a truly unforgettable experience, consider hiring a professional floral designer for your next event.

If you are planning a special event and are in need of an experienced team of floral designers to elevate your event, we would love to connect with you. Contact us HERE.

Meet Lisa Nelson

Founder & Creative Director of Just For The Occasion, LLC

Hello! Welcome to Just For The Occasion, LLC’s blog. My name is Lisa Nelson – Founder and Creative Director of Just For The Occasion, LLC. I am delighted that you stopped by.

Here you will find information on all things events. Whether you are planning a wedding, social or corporate event, or in need of guidance for your own personal gathering, you’ve come to the right place.

As specialists in catering, event planning, and floral and event design, we’ll share culinary ideas and trends to assist you with menu planning for your events, take you on a journey of some of the events that we have the pleasure of planning and designing, and other tips to help you create that WOW factor for your guests.

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