In the last Summer days of August, there are two types of homeowners. Those of us that want to make the most of sunshine, hot weather, and fun-filled lake days, and those who can’t wait to see what's in store for when the seasons start to change. No matter which group you fall into, the holiday season always seems to sneak up without notice. After 20 years of business, we know the importance of being prepared for fall and winter festivities, so you can focus on family, friends, and full plates of food. 

To celebrate the end of Summer, we’ve assembled a list of Holiday prep tips to make this Holiday season the best one yet. 

September: Book Holiday Lighting Services & Outline your Plans

During back to school season, life can get so chaotic that we hardly tell the seasons have started to turn. September is the best time to check the big things off your holiday list. Choosing a date is a great way to begin. If you are planning for a large gathering, start to think about jotting down a guest list for mail or e-vite invitations. Consider whether you want an intimate gathering of your closest friends or the biggest Holiday party on the block. This month is about planning for the bigger picture. 

As you outline a plan for your party, contacting vendors for bids early in the month is an important step to ensure things run smoothly when your party date arrives. Begin booking light installations, catering services, and any additional audiovisual services that will help you pull off the perfect party.  At Jingle Bulbs, we typically send renewal light installation bids throughout September, while we take new requests for Christmas lighting plans through the end of November. Take a look at our gallery this month and consider which lighting plan is best to book for your party plans. 

October: Finalize your Holiday Party Menu & Guest Preparations

When October rolls around, Halloween celebrations are usually the center of attention, but this month is best for finalizing invitations, purchasing non-perishable party supplies, and planning a food menu. 

Some of these items can seem daunting, especially as we try to assemble Thanksgiving plans! Pre-planning a menu is a great step to guarantee a stress-free December. If you know your guest list might grow as the party date gets closer, plan for shareables and appetizers. Finger food is a great option for large parties. They are easy to hold, so your guests can walk, talk, and admire your Christmas party decor!

November: Complete Your Christmas Decorating & Holiday Party Planning 

Thanksgiving is finally here, and Christmas is around the corner. November is the month that we all start to feel the spirit of our favorite Winter Holidays. As we prepare to host and visit with family and friends for Thanksgiving, this time in party-planning can begin to overwhelm some homeowners. Finalizing your grocery orders and having decor installation scheduled for November is the best way to stay stress free during this busy time. Here at Jingle Bulbs, we offer multiple packages to fit your timeline. We can install your Christmas lighting as soon as Halloween ends or outfit a full Christmas install right after Thanksgiving. Remember, the best time to book an installation date of your choice is early fall, so be sure to line up your booking in advance!

December: Enjoy a Stress-Free Christmas Party with Professional Holiday Lighting

After following our month-by-month guide to party planning, we hope that some of your pre-holiday December stress has reduced. After preparing your necessary party supplies, you can focus on a seamless set up as the event date approaches. This month take the time curate a playlist of your holiday favorites or try baking a batch of a new cookie recipe. Don’t worry about last minute lighting mishaps; we have a team on-call during the Holidays to replace bulbs before your guests arrive. 

Relax & Enjoy the Holidays!

The Holidays are all about spending time with those closest to you. Planning and booking in advance doesn't just save stress, it lets you spend more time with family, friends, and loved ones. When the day of your Christmas party arrives, you shouldn’t be thinking about setting up decorations all day or straightening out last minute details. The Holidays are a time to take a break to celebrate what really matters; that’s why, at Jingle Bulbs, we’re here to do the heavy lifting.