The craziness of the holidays is behind us now. I don`t know about you but my December was frenzied. So I`m happy to welcome the slower, more civilized pace that January brings. But I don`t need to come to a complete halt either. If you`re looking for easy, practical things to do around the house this month, you should check out our story, 10 things to do in January, written by styleathome.com contributor Carmen Taylor. I`ll give you a sneak preview, but to read the rest, click here.

1 Review presents and hostess gifts Of course your friends and family love you and were grateful for your hospitality, but no doubt you don't really need all the tokens of affection you received. Surely someone else could make better use of that collection of tea, those pot holders or that picture frame? Hold on to what you love, by all means, but get rid of the rest by dropping it off at Goodwill, Value Village or your favourite charity.

2 Tapers, tea lights, scented ... Candles make the season and since you've probably gone through a whack of them, replace your stock now. They don't have a shelf life so it'll be one less thing to shop for next year.

3 Move the furniture You may be surprised what you find there. Take the cushions off sofas and chairs, vacuum along the wall behind the furniture and then turn your attention to the inside of the furniture itself. After the hosting you've done, no doubt it needs it.

Image courtesy of Crate and Barrel

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