Hack the Holiday Season with These Pro-Tips from Locals!

Wish you had a team of elves to help you get everything done? Look no further than these local businesses that will help you tackle your holiday to-do list!

While you’re here, why not check out some great holiday things to do in Orlando, like family-friendly shows, Christmas lights, free events, and more!

Need Help With Christmas Trees and Holiday Décor? Try:

The Preppy Hostess

Molly Shapiro Boe, the mom behind The Preppy Hostess, a local event and party planner, has a knack for decorating as well. Whether you want a deluxe tree outfitted with ribbons, lights, and embellishments, interior services where she dresses up mantels, staircases, and more, or shopping and styling assistance, she’ll make sure your home is turned into a wintery wonderland.

To Book: Email thepreppyhostess@gmail.com or call 321-266-2186

Holiday Hack!

How To Install Lights to Make Your Tree Sparkle:

1. Start at the bottom near the trunk.
2. Work up and down vertically in sections, creating loose zig-zags.
3. Push some lights deep into the branches and leave some toward the tips.
4. Move to the next section and repeat.
5. Keep the spacing even, about 4-6 inches apart.
6. When you reach the top, work back down if you have extra lights.
7. Add floral wire throughout the tree to tie the light strands to the branches for a nice, clean look. 

The Elves Did It

This professional decorating team is really like having a squad of Santa’s helpers at your disposal. Not only will they trim your home, but they’re also great for corporate businesses if you’d like the office to get in on the holiday cheer.

To Book: Email theelvesdidit@gmail.com or call 407-820-9757

Holiday Hack!

A simple way to make a Christmas Tree feel cohesive is to layer two complementary ribbons together and cascade them in and out of the tree to add dimension. Finish off by tying them to the tree with floral wire. Use a wide ribbon of three or more inches with a narrow ribbon of one to one and a half inches on top.

Need Help with Wrapping Gifts? Try:

Paperly Goods

Here’s a mobile gift-wrapping service that transforms gift boxes from drab to fab. They also host gift-wrapping workshops, so you can perfect the art of the present!

To Book: Visit paperlygoods.com

Holiday Hack!

When it comes to elevating your gift wrapping, double-sided tape is your best friend. Concealing the adhesion points on your gift can take your gift from wrapped to WOW!

Soulshine Handmade Goods (featured image)

New to the scene this season, Soulshine Handmade Goods offers holiday gift wrapping services in Central Florida. Owner Jamie Kay Bennett has made the process seamless: Select from their curated style packages, choose your desired quantity, and any add-ons, like a higher quality bow, decorative charm, or premium gift tag, then you’ll be connected via email to organize drop-off and delivery.

To Book: Visit @soulshinehandmadegoods on Instagram

Holiday Hack!

Build an at-home gift-wrapping essentials kit with:

1. Scissors: Have a dedicated pair just for paper! Nothing expensive, but knick-free scissors cut paper smoothly and more quickly.
2. Solid or Neutral Paper: A roll of white or kraft brown paper can be used year-round, then tailored to the occasion with a ribbon in a seasonal color or pattern, or a bold gift tag.
3. Cellophane: It’s all you need if the contents of your gift are already beautifully packaged — like a decorative bottle of olive oil. Simply place items in a decorative basket with paper grass, wrap in the cellophane, and finish it off with a big ribbon. 
4. Unique Gift Tags: They’re a great way to accessorize a present, and they can even double as a gift. A monogram keychain makes for a great name tag, and bonus points for a handmade craft you can do with your littles.
5. Small, clear elastic ties: While basic, they’re ideal for securing a large bow once the ribbon has been wound around the present. This helps keep a decorative bunch of ribbon secure.

Need Help with Festive Christmas and Holiday Snacks? Try:

Southern Home Bakery

Say goodbye to burned cookies or having to borrow some obscure ingredient from your neighbor. Outsource dessert to Southern Home Bakery instead. They offer a Christmas cookie box, which includes eight large, decorated cookies and four packs of dots, all in a festive scheme, or opt for their monthly subscription box, which will ensure you’re always ready to host or share a seasonal treat. 

To Book: Visit southernhomebakery.com or stop by their storefronts in College Park and Winter Garden

Holiday Hack!

Having a party? Customizing the cookies with your guests’ names is a great way to add personalization, and it’s a thoughtful touch to a holiday place setting.

Graze Craze

Graze Craze in Winter Park is your one-stop shop for appetizers. With charcuterie boards and boxes, they turn a cheese and cracker spread into a work of art. Whether you’re having an intimate gathering or hosting a huge soiree, the Graze Craze team has seasonal snacks covered.

To Book: Visit grazecraze.com or call 321-316-4331 (New customers get 10% off their order of $100 or more with the code WELCOMENEW6271)

Holiday Hack!

Skip the flower centerpiece this year and go edible instead! Edible pieces double as gorgeous holiday décor and keep guests happily grazing from the moment they arrive, saving table space, prep time, and dishwashing duty.

Originally published in the November/December 2026 issue of Orlando Parenting Magazine.