Homeowners preparing for guests during the holiday season from October to January may wonder where to begin if they want to get their houses cleaned and decorated in time for this year’s parties and dinners. Whether homeowners are sprucing up the house, preparing meals or shopping for unique decorations at a holiday market, many businesses and groups in the Conroe and Montgomery area can help.

Carpets and floors

Stylish Carpets 212 N. Frazier St., Conroe 936-441-2026 • www.stylishcarpets.com

The business offers full-service carpet and flooring installation services, including seasonal and holiday improvements for all types of floors.

Cleaning

A British Touch 936-203-1473 • www.britishtouch.net

This small business offers residential home cleaning packages, including pre- and post-party and open house cleaning.

Home improvement supplies

Tri-Supply Conroe 5457 W. Davis St., Conroe 936-539-3341 • www.trisupplyhometeam.com

Do-it-yourself supplies are available at this Conroe business, including ceiling fans, lighting, fixtures and other household hardware.

Interior design and decorating

BB Interiors and More 124 Dawns Edge, Montgomery 832-473-3410 • www.bbintm.com

These interior decorators assist clients with holiday decorating and space planning. Designers can help rearrange furniture to display a Christmas tree and can use a client’s own decorations or assist to buy new ones.

Debra Cruz 2912 W. Davis St., Ste. 321, Conroe 936-828-7095 • www.designsbydebracruz.com

Cruz helps homeowners with room staging, including preparing guest bedrooms and decorating for holiday parties as well as other seasonal decor changes.

Outdoor lighting

Daniels Exterior Illuminations 936-228-2969 • www.lightsbydei.com

This Conroe-based company specializes in outdoor light displays for all holidays, including Diwali and Christmas. Designers work with homeowners to create landscape, patio, walkway and porch lighting for holidays, seasons or year-round displays.

Party supplies and rentals

Premier Wedding and Party Rentals 700 McCaleb Road, Ste. F, Montgomery 936-588-1730 • www.premierweddingandparty.com

This Montgomery-based company provides party supplies and rentals, including tables and chairs for seasonal and holiday events.

Wally’s Party Factory 705 W. Davis St., Conroe 936-756-2110 • www.wallyspartyfactory.com

Party supplies are available year-round, but seasonal and holiday decorations are featured through the end of the year.

Windows and drapery

In Stitches Drapery Workroom 14427 Liberty St., Montgomery 281-798-8315 • www.institchesdrapery.com

The business offers drapery design and installation and other soft home furnishings, including furniture reupholstering and seasonal items, such as Christmas tree skirts, valances and table runners.

R&B Window Fashions 14543 Hwy. 105 W., Ste. 404, Conroe 936-588-0743 • www.randbwindowfashions.com

The Conroe-based business offers repairs and installations to window treatments, blinds, shutters and drapes.

Holiday markets

Nov. 5 • Winter market and craft show West Conroe Baptist Church presents its fifth annual show, with exhibitors offering holiday home decor, handmade items, jewelry, beauty  products and gifts. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. West Conroe Baptist Church, 1855 Longmire Road, Conroe. 936-760-1911. www.wcbc.us

Nov. 12 • Montgomery County German Nutcracker Market The event features over 120 vendors offering women and children’s boutique clothing and accessories, jewelry, food, and home and holiday decor. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free (admission). The Lone Star Convention & Expo Center, 9055 Airport Road, Conroe. 281-610-8577. www.facebook.com/montgomerycountyholidayextravaganza

Dec. 10 • Arts and Crafts Holiday Market The Montgomery Chamber of Commerce sponsors this event, offering unique, homemade Christmas gifts. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. Lone Star Community Center, 2500 Lone Star Parkway, Montgomery. 936-597-5004. www.experiencemontgomery.com

Catering

All-Star Catering Company 1201 North Danville St., Willis • 936-228-0440 www.cateringbyallstar.com

Offering a 13-page menu, including holiday dinner items, this catering company has a variety of options for parties and events.

Clint’s Kuntry Katfish Catering 5855 W. Davis St., Conroe • 936-760-2737 www.kuntrykatfishcatering.com

In addition to providing catering for parties of 50 or more people, this Conroe company offers Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners.

Darrel’s Catering 101 Silverdale Dr., Conroe • 936-760-2449 www.darrelscatering.com

This Conroe-based company caters events of 50 or more people, including events at the homes of clients and holiday catering.

Red Onion Catering Company 410 Moonwalk St., Montgomery • 936-494-5480 www.redonioncompany.com

The family-owned company works with clients to cater parties and events of all sizes, including holiday parties. The chef works with the customer to develop a menu for the occasion and can accommodate special dietary needs.

Spectrum Catering 9055 Airport Road, Conroe • 936-539-5250 www.spectrumconcessions.com

The company works with customers to design a menu for events of all sizes, including holiday parties and dinners.

TIPS

Hosts planning to hire a caterer for a holiday dinner or party should keep these tips in mind to make sure they are prepared during the year’s most busy and stressful season.

Communication with the caterer is key. Clients should have a good idea of how many people they expect to attend their event.

Hosts should consider in advance if they want the caterer to supply plates and silverware and if they are planning a buffet or seated service.

Check the menu to make sure the caterer is flexible regarding the dietary needs of their guests. If hosts plan to include alcohol, they should ask if the caterers handle that or if they need to make separate arrangements.

Hosts should try to include a couple of dishes of their own. A family favorite will help to create a memorable experience.