Thanksgiving might look different this year because of the pandemic, but we're firm believers in making celebrations special regardless of guest count. 

Already, we've seen the articles circulating letting people know how to have a more low-key Thanksgiving holiday since they won't be socializing or hosting anyone outside of their household. 

You'd be surprised how often we need to remind our clients of that, particularly those getting married. Sometimes, couples get caught up in what their guests expect of them based on trends rather than what they'd actually enjoy. 

"I know we like cupcakes, but would people rather have cake served?"

"We don't ever use a photo booth at other weddings, but all of our friends like them."

If you like cupcakes, serve cupcakes. If your guests don't like cupcakes, they don't need to eat them. It's isn't their wedding. Their job that day isn't to be impressed by you, it's to celebrate you. 

Thanksgiving and a wedding are different, but the idea remains the same in the example I've given: Don't let outside forces dictate your decision-making or influence what would make you happy. 

Thanksgiving 2020 is going to look different in many ways. That doesn't mean it needs to take on a less exciting tone.  We'd love to surround ourselves with loved ones, but many of us can't this year. What we can control? Enjoying the other parts of the festivities that we look forward to all year. 

In our home, we're celebrating by making our favorite foods, spiffing up the house, and practicing a heck of a lot of gratitude.

Below, you'll find our preparation plan and tips on how to make a simplified celebration feel like a celebration no matter how many are in your household. 

Laundry isn't an exciting chore and is easy to procrastinate, quickly becoming overwhelming. I've outlined an easy-to-follow laundry system, below.

So easy that everybody in your house can handle it on their own... dirty clothing goes into the hamper and wet towels get hung. 

In my home, there's only two of us, and the laundry doesn't take especially long to get done. But, like you, I wasn't a big fan of prioritizing the laundry and so I'd pull it from the dryer and let it accumulate on the guest bed. No longer, friends. You're not doing anybody any favors, yourself included. 

Twice weekly, starting in the morning, get that laundry done start to finish. And when I say finish, I mean hung in closets and folded in drawers. Trust me, it'll feel so good to have it out of sight. 

In our house, we also wash the towels twice a week, specifically on Wednesdays and Saturdays (Saturdays are also sheet/pillowcase-washing days!). By choosing specific days of the week not only helps you remember to get it done, but it's fresh in other people's minds too: my husband often throws the towels in for me in Wednesday and Saturday mornings because he knows the drill! 

As the sister of a firefighter, I feel irresponsible not reminding you to empty your lint trap between loads of laundry. 

If you're someone who purchases laundering supplies at the grocery store, take a peek at your inventory before you leave so you can add it to the list. There's nothing worse than getting surprised by an empty detergent bottle after you've already poured clothes into the drum of the washer - I know you know what I'm talking about. 

In our home, we use plant-based products which can be diluted and last us a few months at a time so we assess our supplies on a monthly basis. Adjust your schedule to what you use and how often! The point is not to leave the house for shopping or going online to order without checking your supplies first. 

Another big part of preparedness is knowing in advance what you might need ready-to-wear. Nothing is worse than rummaging through your closet for a dress at the last-minute that hasn't been washed or remembering someone borrowed a favorite blouse- again, I know you've been there too. 

With the pandemic still rampant, it's unlikely your social calendar is as filled as usual this time of the year; however, making a calendar check part of your regular routine will only help get you into the habit of mentally and physically preparing your wardrobe for any upcoming events. 

Some other items you should be focused on washing monthly?

• Bath mats
• Pillows
• Fabric shower curtains

Personally, I rotate my clothes seasonally because our closet's aren't particularly large and I like to see everything. If this is you, add clothing rotation to your list.

Every member of your family should be paring their closet down seasonally, even if the items are there year-round: if it's outgrown or worn out, donate or toss it. If the item is one that gets a lot of use but no longer serves the individual, put it on a list of products to replace (and then purchase it!). Most stores offer seasonal holiday sales, so I always recommend aligning your list-building with upcoming holiday's and store promotions. 

It's also a good idea to wash your comforters seasonally. We often take ours to the local laundromat to do this because they have larger washers and dryers that make it  easier. 

Don't forget to clean your dryer's lint trap and vent! 

If going through your family's closets feels like an unthinkable task, consider hiring ACE Home! As we ease into the season of giving, it's the perfect time to address that seasonal task of paring down and donating.