The holidays have a way of sneaking up on even the most organized among us. One
minute you’re carving pumpkins and the next, you’re racing a calendar stuffed with
parties, guests, and last-minute errands. Prepping now — while the weather’s friendly
and the stores aren’t slammed — lets you enjoy the season the way it was meant to be
enjoyed: with cocoa in hand and your feet up. Consider this your practical, no-panic
blueprint.
1. Start at the curb. Your exterior sets the tone for everything that happens inside. A tidy
lawn, fresh mulch along the walk, and a quick sweep of the driveway go a long way
toward “holiday ready.” If you’re working with garden beds, a fast refresh with pine straw
or decorative rock cleans up edges and suppresses weeds. Replace tired annuals with
Florida-friendly options that won’t wilt after a warm spell. A pair of planters flanking the
front door — planted now with evergreens or seasonal color — becomes your base for
December accents. Add a lantern, a bow, or clip in some fresh cuttings when it’s time to
“flip” to full holiday mode.
2. Light the path. Simple solar or low-voltage landscape lighting along the walkway looks
festive and helps guests find their footing after dark. A single spotlight aimed at a wreath
or front-porch pot reads classic and calm — not overdone. If you plan to outline eaves
or railings in December, test those strings now. Replace anything frayed, label storage
totes, and you won’t be untangling mystery piles on the day of your cookie swap.
3. Declutter with purpose. Inside, focus on the rooms people will use most: entry, living
room, kitchen, and powder bath. Clear surfaces, stash non-seasonal knickknacks, and
make space for greenery and serving pieces you’ll bring out later. Build a little “guest kit”
— extra hand towels, a fresh candle, matches, and refillable hand soap — so the
powder room looks tended without effort.
4. Stage your stations. You know your household’s traffic patterns. Add a boot tray by the
door before rains arrive. Set a basket with throws near the sofa. Designate a “wrap
zone” now: scissors, tape, tags, ribbon, and a roll of neutral paper that works for
everything. Future you will thank you when gifts start piling up.
5. Greenery without the scramble. December lines get long and stock can run thin.
Pre-ordering greenery means you’ll spend less time shopping and more time relaxing.
Liberty Landscape Supply’s Christmas Presale lets you reserve premium poinsettias,
mixed-green wreaths, and Fraser fir Christmas trees in October at 25% off, with free
local delivery or 50% off delivery. You choose a delivery date, so everything lands exactly when you want it. Poinsettias are available November 9–December 13; trees and wreaths
November 21–December 13. Order October 1–31 to lock it in. That’s the opposite of a
last-minute dash.
6. Batch your hosting essentials. Do a pantry scan and stock shelf-stable MVPs: sparkling
water, snack mixes, nuts, crackers, and a couple of crowd-pleasing condiments. In the
freezer, park a baguette or two and a backup appetizer. Wash and store glassware
now, and count serving platters so you’re not juggling dips in cereal bowls.
Make December easy for future you. Add two placeholders to your calendar: “Deck the
porch” and “Inside greenery.” When your pre-ordered wreath and tree arrive during your
chosen week, you’ll have thirty minutes blocked to hang, water, and admire. If you’re
the “big tree decorator,” set up the stand and extension cord the night before delivery so
all you’re doing on arrival day is trimming.
7. Protect your sanity with micro-traditions. Pick one easy ritual: cocoa on the porch after the first lights go on; a holiday playlist over Saturday coffee; handwritten tags for the first gifts. Tiny beats of intentionality make the season feel savored, not sprinted.
8. And finally: give yourself permission to do less. A simple wreath, a few planters, and a sparkling entry are more than enough to say “welcome.” Everything else is optional.
Ready to make December smooth? Pre-order your poinsettias, wreaths, and Fraser firs
during Liberty’s October Christmas Presale — 25% off with free local delivery or 50% off
delivery. Enjoy the calm and actually sip that cocoa.
Liberty Landscape Supply is Northeast Florida’s full-service garden center and
landscape partner with four retail locations serving Jacksonville (North Main Street and
San Jose Boulevard), Fernandina Beach, and St. Augustine, plus delivery across the
region. From plants, trees, sod, soil, mulch, rock, and gravel to hardscapes, pottery,
lighting, irrigation, design support, and expert advice, Liberty helps homeowners and
pros plan, shop, and install with confidence. making landscape projects easy.
To learn more, visit www.libertylandscapesupply.com.
Media Contact:
Drew Peterson
Digital Marketing Specialist
drew@libertylandscapesupply.com
