LA YOGA: What do you set up in advance?
MS: I always set my Thanksgiving table weeks in advance. It’s the one
thing that can be set up for weeks and can’t go bad. You can even start
putting your floral arrangements together about five days out and they’ll
still look good come Thanksgiving.
LA YOGA: Do you have a favorite method of table setting?
MS: I always love to have a floral arrangement on my table to go with the
theme of the night. For example, during the holidays I love using rich bur-
gundy colors mixed with metallic. One tip is to make sure your arrange-
ment isn’t higher than your guest’s eyesight and if you add candles to your
table, make sure they’re different heights to create depth on your table.
LA YOGA: Do you have any supermomma secrets for fun appetizers for
fussy kids (or adults)?
MS: You bet I do! I have a section in my book on how to feed picky eat-
ers. Kids will eat anything that’s on a stick. You can turn anything into
a kabob. The kids love the fruit and berry kabobs, which include straw-
berries, grapes, blueberries and cantaloupe. For adults, you can make a
kabob with prosciutto, melon and mint. They’re always a crowd pleaser.
LA YOGA: When you’re invited to someone else’s potluck, do you have
favorite dishes that you bring?
MS: I make a mean Moroccan chicken. It’s a rich, flavorful chicken dish
that I serve over couscous. I believe that everyone needs to have one
signature dish and this one is mine.
LA YOGA: What are some of the things you do to make clean-up easier, ei-
ther while you’re organizing your event, or after everyone has gone home?
MS: Don’t be that person who is cleaning up after others as they’re walk-
ing around the house. It’s a party and you should enjoy it too. The clean-
up can wait until everyone’s gone.
LA YOGA: Are there methods you’ve used maintain a sense of style when
it comes to living with a family?
MS: My biggest tip I can give mommas is to reupholster your couches
with outdoor fabric. ALL of my furniture has outdoor fabric and it has
changed my life.LA YOGA: What are few things you’ve learned that help you stay orga-
nized?
MS: Use baskets. Ever since the Home Edit came into my life, they’ve
changed my life. Each of my kids have baskets for everything... toys,
snacks, shoes; you name it.
They also taught me to keep my drawers 80% full and 20% empty.
Never have a clutter drawer... you don’t need it! Also, when you’re
going through your closet, have three baskets: Donate, Keep, Ditch. If
there’s something that you really can’t get rid of but you haven’t worn
it in a while, put it in a separate section and if it you don’t wear it in six
months...then give it away.LA YOGA: What do you do in order to maintain your own balance when
you’re being pulled in multiple directions by friends and family during
the holidays?
MS: I’m not gonna lie, there are times where I run into the pantry to
escape it all. I’m a big believer of taking a big breath to deal with the
stress. It’s all about how you handle it. Take a few deep breaths... think
about what you need to accomplish and then do that. Take everything
one step at a time.LA YOGA: Do you have a non-negotiable daily routine or ritual to main-
tain your own energy level and commitment to happiness?
MS: Every morning I drink organic coffee with coconut milk. I’ve
noticed that the more kids I have, the more I need my coffee.For more information about Molly Sims and her books and to check out a variety of
lifestyle tips, visit: mollysims.com
All photos from EVERYDAY CHIC. Used with permission of Dey Street.
Copyright © 2017 by Molly Sims.Photo by Braedon Flynn