The Ultimate Holiday Essentials Bag for Holiday Concierges and Professional Organizers

We help clients year round with all of their concierge and professional organizing needs, but we are experts in all things holiday related and it is one of our busiest times of year. We do everything from decorating to shopping to gift wrapping to getting organized before guests come and the list goes on and on and on. We are located in Houston, TX, so we often get a lot of requests. Below is a list of products and essentials we like to keep on hand during the holiday season for every little thing that we may need when it comes to decorating and random other little things.  We hope you find this list helpful. What are things that you like to keep on hand during the holiday season? You can shop all of these items on the Eco Modern Concierge Shop page as well. 

Gardening bag: This is the bag I currently use to store everything because it has lots of pockets. 

Gloves: A necessary to not cut your hands and arms up when decorating especially with live tress, garlands and wreaths.

Double sided tape: A gift wrapping essential.

Regular tape: Another gift wrapping essential.

Glue Dot roller: Perfect for gift wrapping and helping various things stay in place. 

Super sticky tape: Great for glitter wrapping paper or things that really need to be stuck down. 

Super glue: To fix broken items.

Scissors: I have talked about these scissors for a long time and really like them.

Fabric scissors: To only be used used on fabric. 

Velcro: Perfect to wrap cords and hold various things in place.

Command hooks in varying sizes: We use command hooks ALL the time with various holiday projects. We love using the small, regular, gold / silver, cord wraps, etc. 

Nails: You never know what you will need to nail down. They are great for hanging various things like garland, wreaths, etc. 

Tacks: We use tacks for all kinds of things like securing ribbon to windows, securing wreaths to doors, etc. We use various colors like white, green, silver and gold.

Floral wire: This is a MUST in our bag because we use it to tie garland on banisters, rails, hang wreaths, etc. We usually carry green and silver wire.

Zip ties: These are necessary for your holiday bag and we use them most often to tie garland to banisters and securing lots of garland parts together.

Clear twist ties: perfect to secure various things like bows on decor, gifts, etc.

Beaded flexible ties: I like that these have notches and you can use them for various things like lights, garland, etc.

Flexible twist ties: These come in green and white and perfect to secure cords or various things that need to stay together.

Twist ties: 

Garland ties: These green pine ties are also great for tying garland in various places. 

Fishing wire: Perfect for hanging things like wreaths when you don't want string to show from afar or to use to hang other decor items.

Banister clips: Great for securing various things to the banister

Wreath picks: These are wonderful to have on hand because they help fill in areas of wreaths & garland that have fallen off through the years, great to add to presents, etc. Here are pinecone picks and berry picks.

Mallet: We always keep a mallet on hand to secure nails, put stakes in the ground, fix things, etc.

Ornament hooks: You can get standard in expensive ones or we love these decorative ones we saw at Target this year that come in gold and silver. 

DW40: A necessary to have on hand always.

Batteries: A necessary to have on hand during the holidays because you never know what remote, decor item, toy, etc will need a battery.

Wreath suction hangers: Great when putting wreaths or hanging items on glass windows, doors and mirrors. They come in various weight holds 10lbs and 20lbs.

Wreath hangers: We keep these on hand because we never know when a client may need one.

Magnetic wreath hangers: These are wonderful for hanging wreath and other items. Please the magnets are usually pretty strong.

Slap bracelets: Helps keep wrapping paper and various ribbon rolls together. 

Beeswax lubricating compound: Great for using with scores, 

Stick um: Candle adhesive, which is great for keeping candles in place inside of holders.

Straightening iron: To unwrinkle ribbon and various holiday decor. 

Hot glue gun: Great for putting embellishments on presents, wreaths, garlands, and various other holiday decor. 

ecomodernconcierge.com

11 Holiday Decor Tips

Since I did the question thing on Instagram stories several people said they wanted holiday decor tips. Below are various holiday decor tips we have learned through the years. This is by no means all of them, but hopefully some of them can help you. 

1. If nothing else, get a remote for several of your lit decor items like Christmas trees, garland, etc. believe me it is a game changer and you don't have to go back and forth plugging and unplugging things. 
2. Pillows are one of the easiest ways to make things look festive.
3. Make a space look festive with light and candles.
4. Use dimmers.
5. Shop after holiday sales for some great deals.
6. If you are buying fake greenery invest in good quality ones. They last a lot longer and some items have a great warranty places. 
7. If you are going for a particular holiday theme, look in uncommon places for decor like estate sales, thrift stores, the dollar store, and shop after holiday sales like At Home, Hobby Lobby, Michaels, etc. 
8. Keep floral wire, zip ties and command hooks on hand. 
9. Use timers on your outdoor lights.
10. Outsource if you are overwhelmed or stressed.
11. Label and make a plan. When putting up &/or taking down holiday decorations have a plan where everything will go and be sure to label boxes accordingly.

ecomodernconcierge.com

Houston Professional Organizer // Gift Wrap Organization

 

We love organizing gift wrap stations! As a professional organizer, I think I love them so much because you can see such fun transformations. A lot of people have their gift supplies just all mixed in with each other or it is just very chaotic, so the transformations are always awesome. Some people have a lot gift wrap, while others have hardly anything. Having your gift wrap organize is always good because you can find exactly what you need when you need it. I find that most of my clients are usually in a hurry when they need gift wrap supplies because it is usually when they are headed out the door and need to bring the gift with them. Also, with the holidays right around the corner you want to make sure everything is all organized. We love working with this client because they are the absolute sweetest, well most all of my clients are!

We did not use any product in this area and just used what they already had. So here is what we did: 

1. We sorted like items together 
2. Rainbowed the ribbon
3. Put various bags and boxes together
4. Put tissue all together and rainbowed it
5. Got rid of anything that was torn or clearly trash
6. The drawers were long enough and deep enough that we could keep all the rolls of wrapping paper together. 

I love rainbowing a lot of areas, you probably know that if you have worked with or have seen our projects. Rainbowing when it comes to ribbon and tissue is especially helpful because usually you are trying to perfect gifts with tissue, ribbons or bows based on color. 

How do you organize your gift wrap?

ecomodernconcierge.com

Client Testimonial about Helping During the Holidays

This testimonial above is exactly why we love helping clients get organized during the holidays. Often times we become too stressed and make non well thought out decisions during the holidays. When you hire us for organizing or concierge services during the holidays our goal it to make it as stress free as possible for you. I know a good chunk of the holiday season is still 2 months away, but now is a great time to start thinking about things. 

What is a common task or area you need help with the most during the holidays? 

ecomodernconcierge.com

Holiday Money Saving Tips & Tricks

During the holidays it can be a super stressful time for many people especially when it comes to money.   As a professional organizer and concierge I am always thinking with my clients in mind and trying to be several steps ahead of the game. Here are some various holiday money saving tips and tricks that you can start implementing and trying to get ahead of the game.

Start buying gift cards now to use towards holiday gifts, events, etc. in November & December. Often times gift cards go on sale through different retailers around holiday times like Father's Day, Labor Day, etc. or you can double, triple or quadruple fuel reward points at certain grocery stores throughout the year. Buy gift cards early for places you know you will shop, dine or attend events for during the holidays so you are not as stressed out when it comes to the holidays.

Paying for certain holiday services early will often give you bigger discounts. Many holiday light companies in Houston offer discounts anywhere from 50-75% off if you get your lights installed at the end of October versus in late November and December. Just because you have them installed doesn't mean you have to turn them on. Also, some Christmas tree companies will give you a discount if you pre-order your Christmas tree early. Many photographers will offer discounts for holiday photos if you book early.

Go to training schools to get self-care services like hair, massage, etc. Many people like to partake in various self care services during the holidays to prep for events, relieve stress, etc. If you are trying to save money consider going to training schools that offer services like massage, hair, etc. to receive their services at a greatly discounted price. 

Always ask stores for discounts and to price compare. Many stores will price compare, take expired coupons, discount various items if a box is damaged and sometimes you can even add on a coupon after price matching for even bigger discounts. It doesn't hurt to ask, and the worst that can happen is the manager says no. 

If you are hosting a party and are serving guests buffet style, put filler foods towards the beginning of the line. Start off the line with foods in the front like breads, pasta, chips, egg based casseroles, fruits  & veggies, etc. These are often inexpensive items you can get from the store and people tend to fill up their plates a lot with foods at the beginning of the line and then they fill fuller so you can spend less and offer less portions on more expensive food items like meat, fish, etc. 

Utilize neighborhood Facebook groups for various services. Many neighborhood Facebook groups post that their kids are off from college, need a little extra cash, etc. and offer various services like babysitting, yard work, light hanging, assembling toys, etc. I have personally used many high school kids that help various home projects. It is inexpensive and great way to help them out.

ecomodernconcierge.com

Photo by Element5 Digital on Unsplash

Houston Professional Organizer's Holiday Binder to Help You Get Organized During The Holidays

Every holiday season (and throughout the year) I use a holiday binder in order to help me stay on top of all things holiday and keep me organized. That way have a go to place to keep my calendars, shopping lists, card list, receipts, etc. I also like to keep envelopes with money in them for things that I want to do during the holidays or tips I need to give to service people during the holidays. 

I sell these holiday binders on the Eco Modern Concierge Etsy shop. 

Get organized for the holidays with this holiday binder

28 pages include:

• Thanksgiving timeline
• Thanksgiving menu planning
• Thanksgiving grocery list
• Thanksgiving gratitude list
• Frindsgiving guest list
• Hanukkah menu planning
• Hanukkah grocery list
• Christmas menu planning
• Christmas grocery list
• New Years grocery list
• New Years menu planning
• Shopping list
• Holiday packing list
• Holiday mailing list
• Holiday bucket list
• Holiday kids to-do list
• Holiday to-do list
• Holiday interior decorations plan
• Holiday exterior decorations plan
• Holiday party planning checklist
• Holiday party planning notes
• Holiday restock list
• Holiday ideas
• Holiday gratitude list
• Holiday notes
• Holiday give back ideas
• Holiday travel itinerary 
• Holiday travel tips
• 4 recipe cards with sheet protectors
• 2 clear letter sized pocket pouches
• 1 clear zippered pencil pouch
• 2 blank calendar pages
• 1 binder

ecomodernconcierge.com

Holiday Tips You Can Start Doing Right Now To Get Ahead

I know it may seem early to start prepping for the holidays, but in order to relieve some stress and in an effort to get ahead of the game, I thought I would give you some tips that have worked for many of my clients and myself. We help organizing and concierge clients all the time get organized for the holidays and try to make them as stress free as possible. Here are several holiday tips of things you can do right now to prepare for the holidays.

 Start stocking up on gift cards. I know I have talked about this before, but now is a great time to start stocking up on gift cards for stores you know you will shop at during the holidays. This way when it comes to holiday shopping you have already "saved" for it and you don't feel as strapped for money. Also, many grocery stores will offer double and triple reward points throughout the year on gift cards and that is also a great time to stop up on them while getting extra points.

If you are shopping sales right now, think about your holiday gift list and stock up on items now. Even some experience gifts like museum & zoo memberships, subscription boxes, etc. are offering great deals right now. Stocking up on gifts now lessens the stress later in the holiday season.

If you already have a stockpile of gift, take inventory of what you have now. That way you are not overbuying during the holidays. Also, take inventory of your gift wrap supplies. 

If there are certain services you know you will use during the holidays, book them now before their appointments fill up. Plus, you will get a better choice on a day and time you want. Book services like photographers, carpet cleaners, caterers, house cleaners for deep cleans, organizers / concierges;), etc. 

Book your doctor appointments now if you are trying to meet your end of year deductible and spend your FSA money. If the doctor is already booked, get on their waiting list.

If you tip certain service people like lawn services, cleaning services, nannies, etc. during the holidays, start putting cash aside in envelopes for them that way you don't forget and you're ahead of the game. 

Start reviewing your holiday card list. Update addresses and take advantage of card sales when they happen in October and November. 

Paying for certain holiday services early will often give you bigger discounts. 

Many holiday light companies in Houston offer discounts anywhere from 50-75% off if you get your lights installed at the end of October versus in late November and December. Just because you have them installed doesn't mean you have to turn them on. Also, some Christmas tree companies will give you a discount if you pre-order your Christmas tree early.

Always ask stores for discounts and to price compare. Many stores will price compare, take expired coupons, discount various items if a box is damaged and sometimes you can even add on a coupon after price matching for even bigger discounts. It doesn't hurt to ask, and the worst that can happen is the manager says no.

Start decluttering your home now. Declutter areas that are often used during the holidays like kitchens, pantries, guest bedrooms, kids rooms, playrooms, etc. Donate, sell or give away your no longer needed items.

If Eco Modern Concierge can help with any organization or concierge services during the holidays feel free to call or email us, info@ecomodernconcierge.com. We'd love to help!! Visit our website to see holiday services that we often offer. 

ecomodernconcierge.com

Eco Modern Concierge is Now Booking Holiday Appointments

 

I know it’s early, but we are currently booking holiday appointments! 🎄 🕎 🎁 Thanks for all that have already pre-booked decorating, gift wrapping and event help! We service corporate and residential clients. Feel free to visit ecomodernconcierge.com or email us at info@ecomodernconcierge.com to get on the books. 

Here are some services that we specialize in:

• We offer gift wrapping for individuals and businesses. This is a great way to reduce stress and a benefit for you or your employees during the holidays.

• Individuals - we can help you wrap gifts and get you ready for the holidays

• Businesses and holiday parties - Send us an email at info@ecomodernconcierge.com for rates and more information as there is 2 options available. This is great for small businesses, departments within larger companies, at holiday parties if you are having guests over, and the list goes on & on. Here is what is included:

  • 2 professional gift wrappers

  • 3 hours, all day or we can customize

  • All supplies

  • Discount if you use our services during the holidays.

  • Company pays a set fee and employees or residents pay the happy gift wrappers in tips OR employees or residents pay for services and we charge per package.

• Holiday decorating services
• Errands
• Address and mail holiday cards
• Gift research
• Booking reservations
• Coordinating holiday activities
• Buy gifts and customize gift lists for you
• Ship items
• Get house organized for the holidays
• Organize events help
• Event help set up, errands and behind the scenes help like running to get that extra ice or extra alcohol you need
• Stock the bar and fridge
• Wait services
• THE OPTIONS ARE ENDLESS. Don’t see it here, just email or call and ask!

ecomodernconcierge.com