Austin’s Holiday Prep Checklist
‘Tis the season to start prepping for the holidays! While we can hardly believe November is already here (and December is just around the corner!), we’re looking forward to the merriest season of the year and getting ahead on holiday prep. Of course, this season will look a bit different than Christmases past, but it’s still the best time to support local and celebrate with cheer. To help you get prepped before the holiday madness truly starts, we’ve rounded up everything you need to kick off the holidays locally – including the giveaway of our dreams for one very lucky Austinite.
Keep reading for everything you need to celebrate the season stress-free in Austin and how to enter our very merry holiday giveaway in partnership with a few of our local business friends!
PICTURE PERFECT
Picture Perfect Moments
Vannagram & Co. is teaming up with Lauren Reynolds Photography + Gracious Garlands to create gorgeous seasonal backdrop for family photos on November 8th. Psst! The 20-minute, festive sessions are perfect for little ones with pint-sized patience!
Very Merry Mini Sessions
By popular demand, Paige Newton is bringing back her Holiday Mini Sessions with safe and socially distanced festive vibes over 2 days at The Prospect House. Pick from four vibes to create magical holiday or New Year greeting cards that will remind your far-flung relatives what you look like outside of a Zoom screen!
Going Glam
To prep for your picture-perfect moment or a socially-distanced holiday party, treat yourself to a blowout courtesy of Birdie. The service comes to you anytime, anywhere and is the perfect way to go glam – even if only ten or so people will see!
COME TOGETHER (SAFELY)
Your Finest Meats & Cheeses
Having bites on hand – whether it’s for two or ten – is always a must, and Grazeology’s mini single-serving grazing cones are a safety-conscious way to share in the charcuterie. P.S. personalize your order with a logo or design to take your socially-distanced gathering to the next level!
Stylish Soirees
‘Tis the season for gathering and Loot Rentals has launched the perfect Holiday Package to help you celebrate with loved ones, no matter how small your soiree. Pick from their gorgeous selection of rentals for your most beautiful holiday gathering yet!
Set With Style
Set your table with style courtesy of Table Manners beautiful selection of dinnerware, serveware, chargers and glassware. And, if you’re planning way ahead, how fun would these be for a New Years gathering?
Go Big and Stay Home
Max out the decor for your micro party by tapping Carolina Villareal of Mint Event Design. Whether it’s a gingerbread decorating party for your littles or a White Christmas photbooth (how cute would a drive-up, neighborhood holiday photobooth + cocktail party be!?), Carolina is bursting with creativity + talent to make your vision come alive.
Not-So-Old-Fashioned
2020 has been the year of many things, our favorite of which is no-fuss cocktails like Treaty Oak Distilling’s Old Fashioned Cocktail. It’s the perfect option for social-distanced holiday gatherings and last-minute gifts or stocking stuffers. Plus, don’t forget to plan ahead order a case for this year’s eggnogg consumption!
Full of Holiday Spirits
It’s time to pre-order Fronks Organic Nut Milk’s holiday eggnog (hurry, it sells out quick!). Find Fronks here and keep an eye on her feed for ways to add a (few) holiday spirit(s) – whether it’s to her delicious vegan eggnogg or her delicious year-round offerings. Cheers to these seasonally-approved sips!
PLAN AHEAD
Plan to Be Personal
The best things take time, so be sure to plan ahead on commissioning a gift of artwork from your favorite Austin artists, like Erin Donahue Tice, Halie Eubanks, Livingston Made and Shawn Cox!
Book Your Tables
With limited space, it’s time to get a move on booking dinner reservations during the holidays. Whether it’s a mid-week meal or a Christmas dinner, you’re going to need a break from cooking + entertaining out-of-town guests! Trouble narrowing down from all the fabulous culinary options in town? Keep an eye out for our restaurant guide dropping with Volume 8 (very soon!)!
Something Sweet
The holidays are never a time to reign in your sweet tooth. Pre-order something special (and festive!) from 2tarts Bakery and make pickup a special occasion by visiting the charming town of New Braunfels or the Johnson City Lights en route!
Season’s Greetings
You’ve snapped your holiday photo, now it’s time to tap the local experts at Paper Place to put the finishing touches on your most beautiful holiday cards yet. Schedule a complimentary virtual consultation to get started on your season’s greetings!
START SHOPPING
Seasonal Styles
Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hannukah, New Years – OH MY! Don’t miss out on the opportunity to dress your mini-me to the nines (and shop their new favorite holiday gifts!) courtesy of Olivia Shoppe! With oodles of outfits, gifts, toys, PJ’s and more, it’s a one stop holiday shop! No little ones? We’re eyeing this PJ set for Christmas morning!
Picture Perfect Looks
Whether you’re planning on coordinating entire outfits or just accessories, it’s time to buy those picture-perfect holiday outfits from Picket Fences before they sell out! Shop in-store or via their Instagram for the most adorable seasonal garb!
Gifts on the Go
We make our list, check it twice – but always manage to forget a few friends! So, Fluff Meringues is our go-to for on-the-go-gifts, whether it’s a gift for a teacher or a neighbor down-the-street! Our favorite this year? Madeleine gift boxes!
Get Your Greens
Order your tree, garlands and wreath from the local lady, Elle Worsham of Gracious Garlands – just choose your delivery date & shipping option and you’ll be set! Want to skip shipping? She always orders a little extra and will be selling her inventory on Instagram Stories for those who decorate last minute!
Something for You, Something for Me
While you’re shopping for others, don’t forget to get something special for yourself! Or at least leave your wish list from Wood & Rose for your family to find! Like these adorable flats…
Haute for the Holidays
Whether it’s for your holiday card, family gathering or office Zoom holiday party, get your holiday look (for her and him) at Estilo. Shop new arrivals online or in-store!
DECK YOUR HALLS
Everything’s In Order
Curb holiday stress before it starts by tapping local expert Neat + Tidy to get your house in order before Thanksgiving cooking starts, decorations come out and guests arrive. Last year, we tried to get organized after Christmas and every container was sold out! Lesson learned.
Comfy & Cozy
Don’t forget to call the local experts at Altruistic AC + Heating to check your heater after a long, hot summer. They’ll keep you comfy + cozy all season long!
All the Trimmings
Put the final touches on your holiday decor with fresh greenery from Bay Hill Design – from magnolia wreaths to boxwood garlands and more! Just don’t forget to order before November 12th for pickup at their Westlake location!
MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
