Not only will your home look overstaged but you can't possibly decorate the whole thing and get through your other holiday activities. Here are a few tips to lighten the workload.

• Decorate only the common areas that will be frequented by friends and family.
• We shouldn't have to say this, but here goes. If the Christmas tree is against a wall, do not decorate the part that is not seen by visitors.
• Add a holiday bow to a plain evergreen wreath. You can get very nice pre-made bows at any store that sells holiday decorations. Place it on front door and put poinsettias in the foyer.
• Add holiday trim to everyday decorations that are already in place.
• For an elegant but easy-to-do centerpiece, fill a crystal/glass bowl with water, add fresh cranberries, holly and floating candles.
• Stage holiday scented candles throughout the house. They will make the house warm and cozy.
• For outside decorations, take plain white lights and extend them around the railings. Buy a roll of festive ribbon and matching bows. Use the ribbon to secure the lights to the railing by wrapping it around. Attach the bows to the end of the railings.

Indra Books

Indra Books, owner of ON THE GO 4 U, LLC, Personal Shoppers & Concierge Service, is an expert in life management. With a background in fashion, music & the arts, travel, education, technology and management, she brings a unique combination of skills required to provide valuable stress reducing services to her clients. As a former DC Metro commuter, beleaguered by too many "to do" lists and not enough time, Indra understands what her clients need.

Indra is the 2006 Vice President of the International & Concierge Association (ICEA) and give back to the business community that gave her a start in business as the chairperson of the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce's Women in Business Alliance (WIBA).

In addtion to providing life management services, Indra writes a monthly e-zine for ON THE GO 4 U, LLC and conducts workshops on wardrobe rejuvenation, entertaining and reprioritizing your life to get the most out of your personal time.