Follow this simple advice to avoid frustration during the holiday season.

A Don’t-Do-it-Yourself Holiday Idea

Bainbridge Island, WA –

It’s that time of year again. Your December calendar is filled with holiday parties, paegents, and programs. And with all the invitations and announcements, comes a wave of over-the-top ideas for holiday decorating and handmade gifts. Surely, you have time for a few more projects.    

The following idea is not one of those simple 27-step, made from “household” items, do-it-yourself ideas. Why not? You don’t have the time. And who wants to feel badly about not having the time? Try this revolutionary idea for the holidays: Forget do-it-yourself. Think have-it-done.

Have it done? As in, no driving across town, no cutting, threading, waiting and giving up halfway through?              

Exactly.

With the following advice, you can combine two major holiday tasks - decorating and gift-giving - into one easy non-project. Ready? Here it is: give fresh flowers in beautiful containers to yourself and everyone you visit throughout the season.

The first principle of the have-it-done approach is using the Internet. You can shop online at anytime of the day and anything you purchase can be shipped directly to you. Turn to the Internet for elegant vases that can be used year after year. You’ll want to look for a design that is suitable for winter, but not too seasonal and a style that compliments a range of interiors. We chose a small classic urn in antique white available at www.gardenzilla.com. This particular vase can even be moved outdoors after the holidays. It’s perfectly acceptable to bring a gift this versatile to the hosts of every holiday party. You’ll be making their holiday decorating easier and, by giving fresh flowers, there’s no need to wrap your gift.                   

When your urns arrive, simply bring them to your neighborhood florist. Breathe deeply, inhaling the heady scents around you. Accept your florist’s compliments on your fabulous urns. Describe the general effect you’d like and encourage them to use their own imagination. Then, walk out the door. Go out for a mug of cider, or cup of Christmas tea, or Eggnog latte. Enjoy all the time you’re saving by skipping steps 3-27. When your urns are ready, your florist will call you and you can pick them up -- finished and ready to give to others or display in your own home. Happy Holidays!