The new year is almost upon us and this is the time when many people plan out their resolutions. I have a better idea! Instead of deciding what it is you want to change about yourself, how about planning some fun things to do this year. For example, plan to read a new book every two weeks, learn to sew or decide to learn a new language. Maybe you could change up your social life a bit by creating a card club that meets once a month or even decide to entertain more. My parents have come up with a plan to host friends for a fancy dinner every month, rotating at each other’s homes. I love that idea!
Entertaining can be a lot of fun and pretty stressful, if you let it, but if that is on your to-do list this year, check out these great tips for making entertaining easier. Church and Dwight has a bunch of wonderful products that will not only make your life simpler, but make hosting your friends a breeze. 🙂
Establish a colour scheme
The secret to fabulous décor is to keep the colour palette simple and focus on two complementary colours. On trend for this season is pairing opposite colours together. Once the basic palette is set, add in a third accent colour, such as silver or gold.  This will help complete the look and bring it to life.
Some colour pairings that you can try this year include:
- Â Mint and blush for a feminine and vintage look
- Â Plum and teal for a sophisticated and elegant feel
- Â Navy (or turquoise) and red, which gives your typical nautical decor a festive flair
- Â Green and fuchsia to create something preppy and fun
- Â Red and gray for a chalet-chic look
Keep these colour schemes in mind when purchasing accent pillow covers, table linens, napkins and runners.
PRO TIP: If you’re hosting multiple parties, you can keep your colours looking new and radiant throughout the year by using OxiClean™ Colour Shield Laundry Stain Remover. It helps to fight tough stains (think red wine and gravy) while safeguarding colours.
Set the mood… and table
The dinner table is the focal point of any party or gathering! To make it more memorable, every tablescape needs the following:
Flow: Don’t overpack your table with too many decorations. Keep it simple so there’s plenty of elbow room between guests and enough space for dessert on the table!
Greenery and flowers: No dĂ©cor is complete without succulents or fresh cut flowers. This year, try creating your own unique centerpieces by layering branches with nature’s own ornaments like pine cones and rocks.
Table linens: Take a more casual approach to your brunch table linens this year. Mixing and matching colours and patterns keeps the meal light-hearted and bright. Notice a spill or stain once your guests have gone? Use OxiClean™ Max Force™ Foam Laundry Pre-Treater to help tackle even the greasiest spills and stains left behind.
Rethink your serving plates: For a casual and natural feeling buffet style brunch, set aside the traditional serving platters and opt for more rustic materials such as slate, wood or marble. You can also try mixing vintage dishes with new items for classic yet modern feel.
PRO TIP: To make cleaning up even easier, start with a clean dishwasher when your guests arrive and load it throughout the meal. Using OxiClean™ Extreme Power Crystals™ Dishwasher Detergent and Triple Action Dishwasher Booster is also a must as it removes tough, stuck on stains and keeps your precious dishes looking sparkling.
Think beyond the big pictureÂ
Don’t forget about the rest of your house! We have a tendency to focus on the one or two areas where our guests may spend the majority of their time, but the rest of your space is just as important. Add some fresh flowers to your bathroom, alongside the good towels and brighten up your hallway bench with a nice pillow or two. If you are entertaining outside and have a pool, why not put some floating candles out to set the mood or string up fairy lights around the back door. These look just as sweet inside the house too!
To help you get ready for entertaining this year we have put together a fun giveaway, including:Â
- OxiClean™ MaxForce™ Foam Laundry Pre-Treater – To help blast away even the greasiest of stains with its foaming action.
- OxiClean™ Extreme Power Crystals 26 PAK (468 g) Pouch – To remove stuck on stains and help your dishes sparkle!
- OxiClean™ Versatile Stain Remover – To to get rid of tough stains and ensure your home is ready for guests!
- Arm & Hammer™ Truly Radiant™ Clean & Fresh Toothpaste and Spinbrush Battery Toothbrush – To ensure your smile is bright and white for any holiday parties! (I always give these away as stocking stuffers – it’s a tradition!)
To be eligible to win please complete the Rafflecopter below with your qualifying answers. This giveaway is open to Canadian residents over the age of 18. Please read our giveaway rules before entering. This giveaway will end on January 13th, 2017 . Good luck!
What is one way you plan to change up 2017?
Happy New Year!!
FT&PD
Suz
**Be sure to enter the many giveaways we have going on right now!!
Disclosure: I am a 2016 Church and Dwight Ambassador and have been compensated for this post. Â All opinions expressed are my own. ?
Elaine G says
I plan to exercise more. I started earlier this year then had to stop. But I am going to get back into it and get in shape.
Becky Best says
I am going to start taking better care of me. Healthier eating, exercise and giving up a bad habit or 2! 🙂
Glogirl says
I plan to make healthier eating choices and to aim to exercise daily.
Katrina says
I plan to declutter a lot
Tara Betterley says
I plan to be more watchful of my money and try to pay cash for everything..
Alison Braidwood says
I’m going to try to stop eating junk food. And I’m going to exercise more.
Lynda Cook says
I plan on saving more money and not to be spending money on stuff I do not need!!
Melanie Borhi says
Being less negative and cutting out all toxic things from my life, living a more pure life full of happiness
Chandra Christine O'Connor says
I’m going to enjoy my granddaughter more.
Soozle says
I am venturing out of my comfort zone this year
Juliee Fitze says
I am going to get some of this extra weight of this year.
Vivian D says
I plan to be more active and embrace the outdoors more often.
409cope says
I plan to be more careful with my spending this year.
Carly Williams says
I plan on being more active in 2017.
Seham M says
getting a gym membership and eating healthier
Julie-Lynne McCann says
I am looking for a new job, one that is going to make me happy, while helping others!
loriag says
I plan to work towards being kinder in 2017.
Treen Goodwin says
I plan to eat healthier and exercise more , i need to get some of this weight off !
loucheryl says
I plan on taking more “me” time in 2017.
Julie F says
I am going to walk and exercise more!
Wendy hutton says
I am planning on eating healthier and losing some weight
kathy downey says
one way i plan to change up 2017 is spending on impulse
Elizabeth Matthiesen says
I don’t plan on changing one single thing, I’m just going to do my best to stay fit and healthy. 🙂
Jody D says
I am looking forward to spending more time with family in 2017
Rhonda W G. says
I plan on having lots more fun this year…”Ladies” nights and dates with my husband!
joy says
I would like to serve my family healthier, homemade meals
Sherry K says
I am going to get stronger this year.
Rosanne Robinson says
I plan to get outside for walks, stop buying junk & processed foods, and spend more time with my precious grandson.
Janet M says
I plan to try more cardio workouts this year.
Joni W says
I plan on becoming less (ei. loose weight)
Jeannie says
I plan to cut out pop and drink more water.
Linda Szymoniak says
Every year I say I’m going to get my house organized, and every year I don’t. However, I have a better start this year as I have been looking at some cabinets from IKEA that I want to put in my laundry room (along a wall that has nothing, and right now just some boxes stacked against it). I also have shelves picked out for my TV room, so once i get those things, I’ll have a better start than most years.
Kim K says
I plan to pamper myself more this year
Florence Cochrane says
I am going to get more organized at home. Throw or give away items I no longer use.
Robyn L says
I will continue on the journey of giving away items I haven’t used in some time or items I forgot I had and had packed away.
S. Jackson says
I plan to quit smoking and start to do go for walks daily!
Lisa Lundstrom says
Stay off my cell phone
Mandala says
We plan to take more trips as a family. Happy New Year!
Piroska says
I’m going to work on my organization. It’s about time.
LisaM says
My goal is to be more mindful – to enjoy what I am doing when I am doing it and not worry so much about all the other stuff going on
Judy Cowan says
I plan on spending less and trying to get some bills paid off for 2017.
OpheliaC says
I plan to eat healthier and start going to the gym! Committed to sticking to those this year!
jan says
I hope to obtain new employment in 2017
Cheryl says
I plan on getting more reno projects done 🙂
Lori L. says
This year I’ve made a commitment to myself to treat myself to a pedicure once a month since I don’t really do anything else for myself.
Jennifer Lucas says
I plan on getting healthy
Elizabeth Miller says
I plan to quit smoking and to stop drinking Mountain Dew by the gallons.
Karla Sceviour says
I plan on making my life better.
Sandra McG says
I will try to not be so negative about everything!
Nicole Jubleew says
I plan to start using walking for half an hour at least 5 times a week.
Heather Ritz says
more exercise, fresh air and proper eating
Jonnie says
I plan on expanding my cooking repertoire. I feel like I make the same things week after week right now!
KENNETH OHL says
take better care of myself
tammy ta says
This is the year I finally get my healthy self back.
Athena says
To get in shape.
Cathy Oppedisano says
I’d like to get rid of anything negative so that things go my way a whole lot better.
Melissa Black says
I am saving more money so I can go on a little vacation with my mom
Edmond says
I like to start exercising to get well & healthy again.
Victoria Scott says
To spend more one on one time with my children 🙂
Amber Y says
I plan to change up 2017 by doing more THINGS!! Going to more concerts, festivals and conventions is a start, Maybe taking a class of some sort. I spend so much time at work or sleeping that I haven’t made much time for any sort of hobby.
erin mcsweeney says
I’M GOING TO STOP MAKING EXCUSES AND START EXERCISING
Mary Boudreau says
I have to cut out junk food like chips and candy
Nicole B says
I really want to get more variety in our vegetables and healthier meals (that the kids would eat!)
Nancy says
I want to have a lot less clutter around.
ducky says
I need to clean up the paper clutter in the house. Do I really need 10 year old receiptsÉ Not.
Rachael Bhardwaj says
i plan to save more money and pay off more bills. Be more smart about my money!
Linda H says
I plan to spend more me time such as walking and reading and trying new recipes.
kim says
I plan to get more active.
Anne Derkat says
I plan to be kinder and more generous.
SarahJ says
I plan to continue working out. but step it up.
Morgan Stewart says
I plan on saving money and working out as often as possible!
Kim M says
I want to eat more healthy snacks.
janine a says
by having a baby! 🙂 haha
christine murray says
I plan on drinking more water, exercise more and eat less sugar.
Marlene V says
I plan to take of my health more this year. Eating better and exercising more often.
Tabby72 says
I plan to declutter my house!
ivy pluchinsky says
I plan to eat more fruits and veggies and stick to a healthier diet.
Vanessa L. says
Mine might be simple, but it’s to wear more lip colour!
Karine says
Change my attitude lol
Clare O'Brien says
I’m going to try to be happier and treat my family nicer.
Sandi Tymchuk says
I will use less profanity this year.
angela m says
I am going to enjoy life more and try new things.
LILLIAN BROWN says
I am going to get organized starting with all the jewelery laying around my bedroom.
dave says
plan to exercise more.
Sandy Couzens says
I plan on having more fun 🙂 I have always been one to put my chores first. Now I want to put Fun first. Get outside more and enjoy my life. Thank you and Happy New Year !!
Edith Rennes says
I am going to work on being fitter
Wanda Jean p says
I am going to spend more time on myself and more time out of the house.
Tainan Lu says
I plan to be a vegetarian .
Cairine says
I supposed there is always room for improvement but I enjoy my life as it is so wouldn’t want to change it too much.
Donna Durie says
I will walk more outdoors in 2017.
Doris h says
I’m planning to go to the gym more often.
Heather Swanson says
to declutter
maria says
I plan to clean more.
Amy C says
I’m going to try and not worry so much about the little things.
Linda SVAROVSKY says
I plan to continue working out
Mary Warner says
To make a weekly activity chart
Calvin F. says
Im going to sleep earlier, maintain and healthier lifestyle overall.
dayle B. says
Will visit our grandson more often.
He lives away and he is growing up fast.
Shelley Nelson says
I plan to try to get a new job and finish my college courses.
Julie G says
I plan to declutter the house. I got a good start today by cleaning out my dresser drawers – so much more space!
Karen Thaeter says
I have some health issues to overcome and hope to be healthy the rest of the coming year
Kaitlyn F says
I plan to read more and watch less Netflix in 2017.
M says
I plan to incorporate for physical activity into my life
Lee-Ann says
I don’t make resolutions, they just never work or happen.
Mike Gismondi says
I plan to become vegetarian
l p says
more veggies and fruits in the diet. thanks
missbobloblaw says
I plan on changing it up in 2017 by being more active. Daily walks & starting to use weights!
Brenda Lacourciere says
I am planning to be more active.
Julie says
Better eating habits are a must! Christmas always gets me in to some bad habits!
lori butler says
I plan to declutter and live with less
Jenn beckett @jennpup says
I will better manage my time using APPS and timers so I accomplish more.
Karin Dollery says
I am going to really try to eat more healthy this year and also try to minimize my sugar content.
Aarone Mawdsley says
lose weight
heather sibley says
I am planning to exercise more
Jeanette Jackson says
I have to lose weight for my health this year.
Christopher Snodden says
I plan on winning this contest in 2017
Jen L says
I am going to try to consume less water and energy in 2017.
Paula says
I’d like to live simply; I will be getting rid of many things that I no longer use or need.
Scott MacMillan says
I will be improving my health through better quality foods and more exercise.
Erinn Lishman says
I am changing up 2017 by starting a new money making venture with my sister! Any little bit helps and we are hoping for the best!
Karen Thaeter says
I plan on cleaning out my cupboards and decluttering
Marina says
For me, 2017 is going to be a time for adventure.
Monique L.S. says
We have renovated our house into our ‘forever home’, and will be moving back in in a few months,
Maria says
going to try to stop eating junk food
Sarah Alexis says
I plan to reduce my stress by focusing on self care!
Tammy Dalley says
I am going to start eating healthier
valerie theberge says
I plan to make eating healthier!
K Yee says
I plan to smile more.
Stephanie says
I want to start exercising more and reach my desired weight 🙂
Mikki murray says
I plan to try to chill out and not stress out as much
Daniela Plume says
i plan to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro in 2017
Brenda Witherspoon-Bedard says
we are going to work on our finances and budget
Andrea says
I plan to eat healthier!
elaine douglas says
i plan on being myself
Carol Denny says
Declutter my home.
Erin W says
I’m going to hike more! I’ve joined a 365 mile challenge!
Jessica eapen says
I plan to eat healthier!
Robyn Bellefleur says
I plan to change my career.
Yuen C says
I plan to document what I eat
Christine Da Silva says
We are hopefully changing our seasonal small business to all year round because every winter is very tough on our family.
Shelley says
I would like to travel more.
crystal porter says
Bike rides and just an overall focus on balance and lifestyle.
Sandra S says
I plan to get out more
barbg says
I plan to eat and drink healthier this year. So far I have been doing really good.
Karrie says
How often i clean
Laurie W. says
I plan to become more organized in 2017.
Aimee says
I’m planning on going for a walk everyday after dropping kids off at school
Caryn Coates says
I plan to become more organised this year and try and manage my time better
Stephanie LaPlante says
I plan on taking better care of myself. Vitamins, protein and smoothies!