The Holidays are Here!
It's already nearly Thanksgiving! Is your home ready for hosting? Whether it's a friendsgiving or a full family affair, many of us find our homes filled with loved ones for a weekend or three in the coming months. To help with your preparation and limit your stress, we created a sequel to our "How to Be the Perfect Holiday Host" blog!
Read on for some of our favorite hosting tips!
Family Coming for the Holidays?
Maximizing Cheer in a Limited Space!
A Storage Unit Size Guide to Hiding those Holiday Gifts
Stock up on the Essentials
This is one of the less glamorous points, but toilet paper, mouthwash, and paper towels are absolutely crucial when you have visitors. This goes for the essentials, but take the opportunity to grab some holiday classics: hot cocoa and a tea stockpile will go a long way, and an extra umbrella or two might make all the difference.
Plan Your Meals
Feeding an army of family is logistically complicated, especially when considering dietary restrictions and allergies. This doesn't necessarily mean meal-prepping every meal beforehand; that's a bit too much to ask of anyone. Instead, it might just be alternating who cooks on Saturday night or making lunches beforehand.
For parties, a plate of hors d'oeuvres, bread, and a slow cooker with chili or a hearty soup can go a long way towards filling your guests. Potlucks are an excellent budget-friendly option to ensure a party has enough food and drink. You don't need to go overboard, but a little mealtime planning can save a lot of stress.
Too Many Guests? Host an Open House
Small living spaces can pose logistical problems: Fitting family, extended family, friends, and coworkers into a two-bedroom apartment can quickly turn into a nightmare. Renting a room in a restaurant can be prohibitively expensive. Instead, consider an all-day drop-by party. This is where the crock pot will come in handy: keeping a large serving of stew hot for visitors throughout the day is much easier than cooking two or even three meals. If your guest list includes vegans or vegetarians, consider adding a vegetable or meatless soup for a hearty and accessible option. To complete the spread, include fruit and cheese plates, nuts, and other small dishes.
We also recommend making a cocktail or two in bulk. This saves much time and energy, spending all your time playing bartender, mixing intricate cocktails, and not attending to your guests. Your guests can drop in and out, grab a drink, and still see and chat with you.
Don't be Surprised with A Need for a Gift
Buy a couple of somewhat general (but still nice) small gifts just in case you need a quick gift for a guest, or you have to have a last-minute invite to a party this holiday season. Old-school "Host or Hostess" gifts (candles, tea towels, books, high-quality, low-cost wine, tea or coffee, chocolate, or cookies are always appropriate for that last-minute need for a gift. There's nothing worse than when Janet from work decides to get you a gift, and you have to scramble for an excuse. It's better to be overprepared. It can also save you money when you buy on sale or in bulk. If you're creative and have a knack for baking, homemade baked goods make lovely holiday gifts, as do handmade crafts.
Have Fun with Wrapping
Buying a couple of bows or even home-making cards or labels can go a long way toward making gifts feel personal. Wrapping gifts with a theme or a matching aesthetic can set your gifts apart. Whether you spend just a couple extra bucks on ribbons or bows, wrap everything in butcher paper or newspaper, or use vintage cards, feel free to make memories with your aesthetic choices.
One simple way to enhance your gift is by using nature—such as a twig of holly, a berry branch, mistletoe, or even small branches from your holiday tree intertwined with ribbon. These elements make beautiful additions to any holiday package.
KGW Great Toy Drive
It's time for the KGW Great Toy Drive! Downtown Self Storage is honored to once again participate in this over 40-year tradition by hosting gift drop-off boxes at both of our locations. The Toy Drive collects toys for Oregon and SW Washington families. When we all work together, thousands of children in need receive presents this holiday season. The drive runs through Tuesday, December 17th. Drop off your unwrapped new gifts at either Downtown Self Storage location, 1305 Davis Street or 1304 Johnson Street, in the Pearl District, Portland. All donated toys will be distributed with the help of hundreds of local nonprofit organizations and dedicated volunteers.
As the holiday season ramps up, and you need space for all that festive gear—and Downtown Self Storage has you covered! Proudly serving the Pearl District for 30 years, we're the Pearl District and close to Portland's go-to spot for storage solutions.
Monthly Special!
Now's the time to save BIG with our exclusive deal!
Size and availability restrictions apply.
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U-Haul
Need help moving? Both Downtown Self Storage facilities are certified U-Haul rental locations.
DOWNTOWN SELF STORAGE - DAVIS STREET
Website: Davis Street
1305 NW Davis Street
Portland, OR 97209
503-388-4060
DOWNTOWN SELF STORAGE - JOHNSON STREET
Website: Johnson Street
1304 NW Johnson Street
Portland, OR 97209
503-388-4061
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