The Christmas Countdown is Well Underway. How Can We Help?

Photo by Bob Jagendorf

This year, be sure the holidays are less frantic and more fun with one phone call or email to My Personal Valet. Here are just a few ways we can smooth out the bumps in the season.

• Putting up (and taking down) the tree.
• Calling the caterer, the valet parking service, the house cleaners, and being sure everything is in place before the party starts.
• Shopping for gifts–and wrapping them. (We can even give you some suggestions for those hard-to-shop-for people on your list.)
• Getting packages boxed up and in the mail so faraway recipients get them right on time.
• Making arrangements for the holiday feast and delivering it when you want it.
• Helping you get guests (or yourself) to and from the airport.
• Finding interesting things to keep your out-of-town guests entertained, then getting the tickets you need for those events (we even offer discounts on some tickets, so add “saving you money” to the list!).
• Making hotel reservations and reserving rental cars.
• Addressing and mailing Christmas cards.
• Getting your car washed, picking up the dry cleaning….doing all those little things that add up to no time to take care of holiday tasks.
• And lots more.

Pretty much, if you need it done, we’ll find a way to do it. So make your list. Check it twice. Then give it to us. (And if you can’t even find time to make that list, we can handle that, too. Just give us a call.)

Dallas Does Thanksgiving: Easy Options for a Happier Holiday

Photo by CarbonNYC

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and you know what that means: hours (or days) in the kitchen cooking, then more hours cleaning up while the rest of the family watches football. Or not. This year, why not start some new traditions?

• Family Affair. If Grandmother wants to rule the kitchen, let the kids break up bread for the stuffing, stir the gravy, or set the table. Dad can show everyone his cool carving moves—and then the son-in-law can take over the knife for a slice or two. Share some recipes, divvy up clean up, use cooking and cleaning time for storytelling where everyone is involved and Mom isn’t alone in the kitchen.
• Potluck and proud of it. You provide the turkey. Everybody else provides the sides and desserts, showing off their skill with a pie crust or making the best green bean casserole on the block. Have people sign up beforehand just to be sure all categories are covered, but welcome “signature dishes” and the stories they’ll bring with them.
• Order in instead. Everybody loves traditional recipes and mom-made food, but if time is tight or you just don’t feel up to facing the kitchen, take advantage of our great resources in the metroplex. Central Market, Whole Foods, and Tom Thumb will all prepare a delicious feast that’s ready to heat and serve. Central Market’s holiday guide shows you lots of options, and you can even order online, as you can at Whole Foods. Both cater to a variety of tastes, including vegan. Or try Bolsa Mercado’s Turkey Feast with sausage, fennel, and apple dressing and bourbon chocolate pecan pie. Don’t have time to place your order and/or don’t think you’ll be able to make it to the market to pick it up? My Personal Valet can help. Call us for the complete Bolsa Mercado menu and price list, give us your choices for any of the other options, or just tell us to handle it (wouldn’t that be an easy solution?!).
• Eat out. Skip both the cooking and the clean up and take your show on the road. Bucca di Beppo, Cadot, Charlie Palmer at The Joule, Cool River, III Forks, and The Old Warsaw are just a few of the Dallas restaurants offering special Thanksgiving menus. Call My Personal Valet for menus and suggestions, then let us make the reservations.
• Extra servings. Want to skip the feast altogether but still want to get together with family and friends? Have your crowd help feed the crowds at an area soup kitchen.

Many of these options – and others – are available for your Christmas celebrations, too. And, of course, My Personal Valet is always on hand to help you have the happiest of holidays (and every days!). Call us and let us show you how.

Are Your Last Minute Christmas Tasks Causing You Panic?

Is panic setting in as you think about all the last minute things on your to do list? You haven’s gotten the Christmas cards finished, there is that last minute present that you hadn’t planned for and you still can’t find the perfect gift for Aunt Irene!

Relax and let My Personal Valet simplify the process by giving us your last minute ‘to do’ list! We can find that perfect gift for your Aunt and finish up the Christmas cards in a snap! Try us out and discover what your neighbors know about having a perfect holiday, you won’t be sorry that you did!

Tis’ the Season to be Jolly- Let Holiday Requests Come to Life!

It’s that time of year again- The list has begun to exceed its limits and you feel bogged down by your holiday gift list to the point of exhaustion. Do not fear- My Personal Valet services will assist you with your holiday decorating and event planning for the season? We will be coordinating your shopping list to save you time and money. Put your mind at ease- take a seat and relax next to the fireplace; let My Personal Valet locate, pack, wrap and mail your gifts for you!
We can also coordinate those household maintenance jobs that need to be completed before your holiday company arrives. Why not alleviate the stress that comes with doing hefty projects around the house; especially during this hectic holiday season?