But you want your parties to be raging, not your supplies. If you can't find the fun-makers then you'll never use it. Here’s a guide to getting your holiday and party supplies in order, so you can focus on the fun.

1. Gather EVERYTHING 

First things first, round up all your holiday and party supplies. Yes, all of it – the garlands, confetti, disco ball, streamers, and everything in between. You can also add in special serving ware (platters, drink dispensers) if you so choose. Piling everything in one spot may seem daunting, but it’s a crucial first step.

2. Sort and Declutter

Next, it’s time to sort. Group items by holiday or event:

• Holidays: Separate into each holiday or season. For example I have Halloween, Thanksgiving and a box called Fall-nuetral, which can be used for either/both holiday. 

• Birthdays: Only things that are specifically birthday related, like banners that say Feliz Cumpleanos, candles for the cake, party hats, "birthday girl" crowns, etc. 

• Celebrating Anything: this is the box I'll look at ANY time I'm getting people together. So this has my mood enhancers (that sounds like I'm talking about something illicit but I just mean lights and candles), crepe paper, honeycombs, paper lanterns, display chalkboards, balloons and balloon accessories, letterboard, and all sorts of weird stuff that has my husband wondering what is wrong with me. See: a set of faux messed up teeth. 

• Specific Celebrating - Other: Normal people might not need this. But then again, normal people aren't here looking for help from yours truly. This box is where I keep things for specific gatherings: bridal showers, graduations, anniversaries, period parties, dog birthdays, divorce celebrations, etc. 

Now that you've got a grasp on how much you have of this stuff, consider purging whatever you can. Ask yourself:

• Are the string lights tangled and half-working?

• Do those crumpled napkins from last year still spark . . . festive vibes?

• Most importantly, do I have room for this much stuff? 

3. Bin There, Done That 

Storage solutions are key. Clear, stackable bins would be the ideal, but I'm not a fan of running out and buying tons of new product, especially if your budget is tight. So using what you have is perfectly fine.

• Label Clearly: You need to be able to find what you need without upending your entire storage area. For this type of stuff, I like BIG labels. Write or print on a full piece of paper. Even better, use two papers. One paper would say, in big block letters, "BIRTHDAY SUPPLIES" and another paper would have a bullet list summary of what's actually inside the box.

• Use Smaller Containers: Use smaller containers or bags within the box to group like with like. These bags are a favorite of mine - like ziztop bags but way more durable. Great price too!

• Close at Hand: Every day is worth celebrating, IMHO. So if you have a space in your cabinets, maybe the highest shelf, put some of your favorite go-to items. Maybe your champagne flutes, votive candles, those loud popping streamer thingies, and my personal favorite - this colorful little light that turns your kitchen into 'da club in an instant. Also, a few birthday candles should always be in the junk drawer because nobody remembers until the last minute.

4. When You Don't Have Space for all the Festive 

Please be realistic, yet hopeful, about your future in hosting. I'm someone who mentally plans about 25 parties for every ONE that I actually throw. I've had to start paring down so my garage can be a place of relative sanity. My main advice:

• Get neutral things that work with everything. Listen, I get that "festive" and "neutral" don't belong in the same blog post. But let me show you how to make it work. Unless you have a fabulous budget and ton of storage space, don't buy Christmas tablecloths and plates. A red tablecloth will work for Christmas, Valentines, a Super Mario birthday party and your annual PTA dinner. When it's Christmas, add lots of green trimmings from your tree and your brass candlesticks down the center. Wrap napkins in red ribbon and sprig of rosemary. Make place cards trimmed with gold glitter.  So look for things that can be transformed for different occasions, by adding on things that you don't have to store at all.

6. Take Stock, Hangover Be Damned

After the party or holiday is over, get real with what you used and what will likely get use in the future. 

• Get real: How many seasons has that hot pink velvet reindeer lived in your Christmas bin but never made it to the mantle? Make like Elsa and let it go. 

• Hit the sales: I told you I'm the bad girl of professional organizing. I'm supposed to tell you not to shop. But I'd rather have you do it NOW, while your bins are out, the holiday is fresh in your mind, and the prices are low. But you have to promise me you won't buy more when said holiday starts coming back around! 

Enjoy (Mostly) Stress-Free Celebrations

 We. Must. Have. Fun. That is my mantra. I don't see the point of a life without celebration. But it really is intimidating to invite people into your home. Get your celebratory STUFF in order so you can dance more and whine less. Just organizing those supplies will get your dreaming of your next suaree. Do NOT disappoint the one and only Mariah Carey or you'll never forgive yourself.