It’s hard to believe we’re staring down the last few weeks of the year already! Holiday prep is in full swing, and while this season is filled with joy, it can also feel a bit overwhelming with visitors, baking, cooking, and decorating. To help ease the stress and bring more joy to your celebrations, we’ve gathered some of our favorite tips and tools to make your holiday prep simpler and your home more enjoyable.
Invest in a large cutting board
If you’re like most people, your cutting board could probably use an upgrade! Not only is a large board great for meal prep, but it’s perfect for carving meats, or charcuterie! Catskill Woodworks has some beautiful hand made boards that you might not want to ever put away! They also can teach you how to take care of your wood with oils, making sure it’s something you’ll love for years. (These also make perfect gifts and can be customized!)
Take some time to organize your kitchen!
If it’s an area you’ve neglected for a while, starting slow is a perfect way to bring some zen into your baking space. Drawer organizers let you corral those measuring cups, kitchen towels and cooking tools so that you can see exactly what you have. (These are some of our favorites from iDesign!) Once you’ve tackled the drawers, grab some OXO pop containers for your most used baking supplies. We love them for flours, sugars, chocolate chips and cereals. Their clever design keeps your supplies fresh and the clear containers let you see exactly how much you have – hopefully eliminating emergency shopping trips!
Keep it simple!
Holiday decorating doesn’t have to mean pulling out every bin from the attic. Instead, think about adding a few intentional touches that complement the warmth and character of your home. Layer in texture with cozy throws, soft velvet pillows, and natural elements like pinecones or birch logs stacked by the hearth. Swap everyday artwork or mirrors with seasonal prints or simple wreaths hung on ribbon for a festive update. If you have exposed beams or timber trusses, consider draping fresh greenery for an understated, elegant look that enhances—not overwhelms—your home’s architecture. Candles, lanterns, and dimmable lighting add ambiance and invite guests to settle in and stay awhile. The goal isn’t to impress, but to create a space that feels welcoming, peaceful, and truly yours.
Lastly, Enjoy!
Take the time to slow down and enjoy the little moments. Create a space in your home that makes you happy. Maybe that’s a coffee bar filled with your favorite coffee (we love Upstate Coffee), a bar stocked with your favorite cocktail ingredients or a small group of shelves with your favorite books. When the hustle and bustle of the holidays seem to push everyone too fast, taking a minute helps ground you and lets you enjoy the holidays a little more!
At the end of the day, the holidays are about connection, not perfection. Whether you’re setting the table for a crowd or cozying up with a good book, take time to enjoy the moments that make this season meaningful. A little planning goes a long way, but your home should always feel like a place of comfort and joy. From all of us at Beaver Mountain, we wish you a warm, wonderful holiday season filled with peace, laughter, and unforgettable moments.
