I love spring cleaning. Really, I love any excuse to clean and organize, but I get so busy with work that it is easy for me to fall behind. That makes this annual cleaning ritual a great time to catch up on things like vacuuming refrigerator coils and purging belongings I no longer need. This usually results in a few boxes of things to get rid of, which is not really enough for a garage sale but is a bit too much to set at the curb for folks to go through without upsetting your neighbors. This provides a perfect opportunity to combine spring cleaning and supporting local organizations.

The most direct way to turn your spring cleaning into support for local charities is to donate items directly to organizations that need them. For example, the Ojai Raptor Center (OjaiRaptorCenter.com) maintains wish lists on its website that include some common household items, like newspaper, masking tape, scrub brushes, shade cloth, and various medical supplies.

The Humane Society of Ventura County (HSVC.org) also maintains lists of items they need, including towels, blankets, office supplies, cleaning supplies, puppy pads, litter boxes with covers, flashlights, rubber toys, and unopened bags of dry food.

Organizations that accept donations of items they need to assist with delivering their services will only want specific items they can use. However, if you have a variety of items that are not on these wish lists, you can still donate the stuff you no longer need to help local causes. For example, you can donate household goods and clothing to the Goodwill in Oak View or you can donate them to the 2nd HELPings thrift store donation center in Ojai (370 Baldwin Road) so that the items can be sold to support the services offered by HELP of Ojai.

HELP of Ojai is also set up to receive donations through selling for charity on eBay. If you would like to support this organization (or another of your choice), simply go to eBay, use the charity search function to choose a charity to receive a portion of your earnings, sell and ship the items, and then receive a donation receipt for your tax files.

If that sounds like a bit too much work, you might consider consigning your items at The Lennon Closet to support the Brain Rehabilitation and Injury Network (B.R.A.I.N.) traumatic brain injury charity instead. Described as a “fine family consignment store” and located at 250 B East Ojai Avenue, The Lennon Closet accepts consignments on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 10:00am on Fridays and donates 1% of all sales to this cause.

You can also head to Ventura for other thrift shops that accept donations, such as SPARC Second Chance Store, Cats Cradle Thrift Store & Adoption Center, the Battered Women’s Thrift Store, Boys and Girls Club of Ventura Thrift Store & Vintage, ARC Thrift Store, or the Assistance League of Ventura County Thrift Store.

If you have a favorite charity you would like to support that is not included above, you can also gather your castoffs, have a garage sale, and donate the proceeds to them. There are so many great organizations and causes to support in Ojai. If you are not sure where to donate your garage sale cash, here are just a few you might look into to see if they align with your values: Ojai Valley Land Conservancy, OjaiCARES, Ojai Music Festival, Secure Beginnings, Turtle Conservancy, The Ojai Foundation, National Disaster Search Dog Foundation, All for Love Animal Rescue, Greyfoot Cat Rescue & Sanctuary, and California Coastal Horse Rescue.

 As we balance our desire to return to some sense of normalcy with the ongoing need to follow COVID protocols, we all need to figure out how we are handling Halloween this year. We certainly won’t be bobbing for apples, but there are plenty of other Halloween activities we can enjoy while staying safer.
 
1. Pick and carve pumpkins.
 
Picking pumpkins at a local pumpkin patch is an outdoor activity that can be enjoyed with proper social distancing and wearing a mask. Once you get your pumpkins home, you can also carve them outside, which means maybe a small group of your kids’ friends can come over for an outdoor pumpkin-carving party.
 
2. Host a backyard movie night.
 
Set up a backyard movie theater for an outdoor Halloween celebration.  Spread out some chairs or blankets, distribute individual servings of popcorn and snacks, and pick your favorite scary (or not-so-scary) movies to watch with your family or friends. If you do not have an outdoor movie screen or projector, there is still time to order one for quick delivery before Halloween.
 
3. Tell ghost stories around the fire.
 
Gather around your fire pit or patio fireplace to enjoy a socially distanced celebration filled with your favorite ghost stories.
 
4. Plan outdoor games and crafts.
 
If you are hosting a small Halloween gathering, keep it outside and plan themed games and crafts to keep both kids and adults entertained. When including crafts, make individual craft kits for each guest with everything they need to complete the project. If folks are not sharing supplies, they can more easily maintain social distancing and will not come in contact with the same surfaces as much.
 
5. Make a plan for safer trick-or-treating.
 
If you plan on taking your kids trick-or-treating this year, make it safer by having a plan and making sure everyone adheres to it. Your plan should include staying outside, social distancing, and wearing masks. You can make or buy masks to match your kids’ costumes to make this part more fun, but kids are so used to wearing masks at this point, that it probably won’t take much convincing. Keep your group small and determine a limited number of houses to go to before you head out so that your kids are not disappointed that they aren’t hitting every house on the street.
 
6. Give out candy safely.
 
If you are planning on handing out candy, take steps to keep your family and the trick-or-treaters safer. Consider making individual treat bags to set out on a bench or table and replenish throughout the evening. This is better than having little hands grab candy from a communal bowl, but if you would rather set out a bowl filled with treats, be sure to set out some hand sanitizer with a note asking folks to sanitize their hands before taking candy. Either way, you can still enjoy the parade of costumes by greeting trick-or-treaters from your door while they pick up their treat bag at the end of your porch or in your driveway.

The best way to limit the spread of the novel coronavirus is to stay home as much as possible and do our socializing online and over the phone. While virtual gatherings are still the safest, I know that summer is here and that many of you are looking forward to hosting your first barbecue of the season or finally hanging out with friends.
 
So, since we all know that backyard gatherings are happening more these days, let’s go over 10 ways you can practice risk reduction and make your next social gathering as safe as possible.
 
1. Keep the guest list small.
Virtual events are still the safest, but if you really need some in-person socializing, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention consider “smaller outdoor and in-person gatherings in which individuals from different households remain spaced at least 6 feet apart, wear cloth face coverings, do not share objects, and come from the same local area (e.g., community, town, city, or county)” as less risky than larger gatherings.
 
2. Send invitations.
Invitations have always set the tone for a party and let your guests know what to expect, but they serve an even more important purpose now. Sending a paper or email invitation is the perfect opportunity to spell out exactly how the gathering will work and what precautions everyone will be expected to follow. This will help invitees know what to expect and to determine if they feel comfortable enough to attend. Invitations are also crucial for a social distancing party where you might be asking folks to bring their own chairs, utensils, or drinks. Give your invitees all of the information they need for your party to be a success and for everyone to feel comfortable and prepared.
 
3. Host the gathering outdoors.
The risk of airborne transmission is lower outdoors, so that is definitely where you should host your gathering. This does not bring the risk to zero, but it is much better than sharing stagnant air indoors.
 
4. Designate a single entrance and exit.
One option is to host the gathering in your driveway or in your front yard, which will likely mean no one needs to touch doors or gates to get to the party. If you will be hosting it in your backyard, it is better to have your guests go through an open gate than to go through the house.
 
5. Prepare your bathroom.
Make a clear line to the bathroom to guide traffic and reduce folks touching things on their way in and out. Make sure you are well stocked on hand soap, and consider disposable guest towels. These are not the greatest option for the environment, but they may reduce the chance of exposure. Equip your bathroom with a trash can with a bag but no lid or with a no-touch trash can, which is a good thing for us all to be considering investing in at this point anyways. 
 
6. Consider making it a BYOP (Bring Your Own Picnic) party.
The less you have multiple people touching surfaces and utensils the better. One way to do this is to have everyone bring their own picnic basket or cooler with their food, drinks, utensils, napkins, and plates. You can even have them bring their own blanket or lawn chairs to set up at least six feet apart from other guests.
 
Most importantly, do not share food or utensils. Do not serve food buffet style or family style. If you are serving food or drinks, designate one person wearing a mask and gloves to do all of the cooking, grilling, and serving. This will help avoid multiple people touching utensils or bottles.
 
7. Choose activities that allow for social distancing.
Chatting from your respective picnic blankets is a good way to stay six feet apart at all times, but if you want to include some activities, consider those that still allow for social distancing. Horseshoes, cornhole, and bocce are examples of activities that allow you to be social while keeping your distance. Keep in mind that you will still be touching the same bean bags or horseshoes, so keep hand sanitizer on hand and wash your hands after the game.
 
8. Make it a theme party to make mask wearing more fun.
It is absolutely essential that you and your guests wear masks at all times when you are not eating or drinking. To make this more fun, consider making it a themed mask party or asking your guests to wear masks that are funny, ugly, or fancy.
 
9. Have hand sanitizer readily available.
Make sure you have hand sanitizer at the entrance so that your guests can sanitize their hands before entering the party space. If they might be going inside your house to use the restroom, keep hand sanitizer at that entrance as well, and ask your guests to use it before entering.
 
10. Make the space as safe as possible.
Sanitize all surfaces, doorknobs, chairs, gate latches, handles, faucets, toilets, trash cans, and anything else your guests might touch both before the party and after your guests leave. Make signs to remind your guests to wash their hands often. Have a no-touch trash can or a trash can with a bag and no lid in the party space so that your guests can easily throw things away and you can safely dump the trash after the party.


Remember -- staying home and hanging out with the folks you are isolating with is the best way to reduce transmission. So, use these tips to reduce the risk if have to get together, but stick to virtual gatherings as much as possible.

Find local COVID-19 information and resources here.

The spread of the novel coronavirus has brought with it a new reality of physical distancing and isolating at home. All of us are in a period of adjustment, and we cannot be sure what the future holds, but in these trying times, one thing we can do is band together to get through this.
 
This means doing what we can to keep ourselves and our neighbors healthy and, for those who are able, it also means coming together to support the community so that we may come out stronger in the end. This may mean sewing masks, donating to food pantries, encouraging larger companies to take care of employees who cannot work, or bringing groceries to vulnerable neighbors.
 
For those who have expendable incomes that will not be significantly impacted in the coming months, another way to help is to support small, local businesses that are being affected right now.
 
Here are eight ways you can help:
 
1. Buy gift cards and gift certificates.
 
Purchase gift cards or certificates from restaurants, hotels, salons, yoga studios, and shops that you love. While you might not be able to use them now, this will provide some much-needed revenue to local business owners, and you will be able to use them once our period of isolation is over. You can also purchase gift cards to give to others for birthdays, holidays or thank you gifts.
 
2. Shop local online.
 
While you are stuck at home anyways, why not get some birthday and holiday gift shopping out of the way? Not all Ojai businesses have online shops, but some do and others are now considering it. Hop online to purchase gift certificates for wine tasting or local restaurants, clothing and jewelry from local boutiques, spa treatments for future visits, or maybe some special treats to make your isolation a bit more comfortable.
 
3. Order food for pickup or delivery.
 
Several restaurants in Ojai are offering food delivery or curbside pickup for prepared meals. This means you can still enjoy some delicious takeout and support local restaurants while isolating. If possible, tip extra.
 
If you are concerned about exposure from ordering pickup or delivery, do a quick Google search for best practices. There are several online posts about ordering and receiving prepared meals safely.
 
4. Maintain your current services.
 
If it is possible to continue your current services while maintaining physical distance and obeying shelter-in-place orders, this is an easy way to support the local businesses providing these services. Landscape maintenance, pool care, and pest control are examples of essential services that are allowed to continue under the current shelter-in-place order.
 
5. Hire local contractors.
 
Contractors and tradesmen also fall under essential services, so if there are home repair or improvement projects on your list, now might be a good time to hire out this work. Since you are isolating in your home, you probably do not want to do a major remodel on your primary residence, but if you have an unoccupied guest house, a second home you are not using, or exterior work that allows for safe distancing for both you and the contractor, this might be an opportunity to complete these repairs and give work to a local business.
 
To limit exposure for all parties, do as much as you can via phone or email, and discuss how you will maintain distance and sanitize surfaces during the job.
 
6. Pay ahead for services you cannot use right now.
 
If you are able, consider paying your regular service providers for future services. This might be your dog groomer, housekeeper, auto detailer, or dog walker. While you might not be able to use their services right now, paying for a few future services will help them make it through this tough time.
 
7. Support local farmers.
 
The weekly farmers market behind the Arcade is still offering fresh, locally grown produce every weekend, so stop by Sundays between 9:00am and 1:00pm to restock your fridge and support local farmers.

There are also several CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) programs where you can sign up for a weekly box of local produce.
 
While their produce might not always be from local sources, you can support local grocery stores by stocking up at Westridge or Rainbow Bridge. Ojai Food Taxi also offers grocery delivery from these grocers if you would rather stay at home. 
 
8. Look for creative opportunities to support local businesses and your well-being.
 
While you have some extra time on your hands, look for ways to promote your family’s well-being while also supporting local businesses. For example, while Bart’s Books is technically closed, there are still books on the exterior bookshelves and a slot in the door where you can drop payment. So, you can find books to enjoy during isolation while contributing at least a few coins to the local economy.
 
Or, another option, is to look for yoga studios, fitness centers, and similar businesses offering classes online while the studios are closed.


For more COVID-19 information, resources and tips, visit the COVID-19 Resources and Information page.

Summer has arrived and our furry friends are definitely feeling the heat. Dogs do not have as many options as humans when it comes to cooling off on a hot day, so it is up to us to make sure they are safe and comfortable when temperatures rise.
 
Aside from obviously never leaving your dogs in the car on a hot day, here are thirteen ways you can help your pups beat the heat.
 
1. Know the signs of dehydration and heatstroke.
 
If your dog is experiencing any of the following, take them inside, cool them off with a fan or wet towels, and call your vet.

• Excessive/heavy panting
• Excessive salivation
• Fatigue or lethargy
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Unsteadiness or lack of coordination
• Disorientation
• Seizures or tremors

2. Make sure they have cool, clean, fresh water.
 
Before you head out for the day, make sure your dogs have at least two large water bowls with cool, fresh water. If you have multiple dogs, you may need more bowls; just make sure you have more than one option in case they knock one over or empty it before you get home. Make sure the bowls are in the shade, and you can add ice cubes to help keep them cooler longer.
 
3. Bring water and a water bowl everywhere you go.
 
If you are leaving home with your dogs, make sure to bring water and a water bowl with you. There are many portable options available, such as collapsible water bowls or water bottles with an attached receptacle for drinking. Offer your dogs water regularly while you are out.
 
4. Check the ground temperature before walking them.
 
If the dirt, sand, concrete or asphalt is too hot for you to walk on barefoot, it is too hot for your dogs to walk on as well. Wait until the sun goes down and the ground cools off or purchase protective booties to help keep their paws safe.
 
5. Make sure they have plenty of shade.
 
If your dogs need to be outside, make sure they have plenty of shaded options where they can lie down and cool off. If you do not have a covered patio or trees to do the trick, inexpensive shade sails are a great way to quickly add shade to your backyard or dog run. Also keep in mind that doghouses can get hot and stuffy on hot days, so while a doghouse is great for protecting your dogs from the rain and colder temperatures, they are not always the best shade options for your pups. You can also purchase a canopy for your dog’s bed to make sure their favorite spot to hang out is in the shade.

6. Keep them inside with fans or air conditioning.
 
If at all possible, keep your dogs inside during the hottest parts of the day. They will appreciate cooler temperatures and better air flow from fans, swamp coolers or air conditioning units just as much as you do. If you do not have central air conditioning, you can purchase one or more inexpensive fans and place them in areas where your dogs like to hang out.
 
If you are using fans to help keep your dogs (and you) cool, make sure they have grates with small openings to protect your dogs or other pets from the fan blades. You can also place a bowl of ice behind the fan to cool off the circulating air even more.
 
7. Offer them cooler places to lie down.
 
Save the fluffy dog beds for winter (or cooler summer nights) and opt for cots. Raised cots allow air to flow beneath the bed, which will help keep your dogs cooler in summer. Place the cot in the shade and, if possible, avoid placing it on concrete or asphalt. Some cots come with attached canopies to make sure your dogs can enjoy shade throughout the day.
 
8. Offer your dogs frozen treats.
 
Frozen treats made just for dogs are widely available at pet stores and can help your dogs cool off on hot days. If you don’t happen to have any store-bought, frozen treats on hand, you can also try offering them plain ice cubes or you can make frozen treats with broth and water or blended berries and plain yogurt.

9. Give them a wading pool or swimming pool.
 
Some dogs love splashing and playing in water, which makes this an easy way to help them cool off on a hot day. Depending on the size of your dogs, you could use something as small as a dishpan or something as large as a horse trough. Plastic kiddie pools do the job nicely as well. And, of course, there are plenty of products available online that are specifically sold as swimming pools for dogs. Some of these are even shaped like bones. Personally, I use an inexpensive, low-walled stock tank.
 
If you decide to help your dogs stay cool in summer with a swimming pool, remember that they should never be left unattended while swimming or playing in the water. Also, when it is time to empty the pool, grab a bucket and use the water to irrigate ornamental landscaping so that the water is not wasted.
 
10. Avoid strenuous activities in the afternoon.
 
Whenever possible, schedule your walks or play time earlier or later in the day when the temperature is cooler. If you have working dogs, make sure they have access to water and shade, and give them breaks throughout the day to let them cool off. If possible, schedule herding and other strenuous activities in the morning or evening.
 
11. Brush them often.
 
While it is tempting to shave dogs to help them stay cool in summer, with many breeds, it is actually best to leave their coat in place, which will help keep them cool and protect their skin from sunburn. However, you do want to groom them regularly to remove tangles and mats. If you are considering shaving your dog for summer, talk to our vet first to make sure it is the best way to help them stay cool in hot weather.

12. Offer them a wet towel, ice pack or jar of ice.
 
When I was younger, we used to put mason jars filled with ice in the rabbit pens so that they could wrap around them and keep cool on hot days. This also works for smaller dogs who might appreciate a jar of ice to wrap around or lie near to help them stay cool. Alternatively, you can fill a hot water bottle with ice and cool water or you can offer them an ice pack wrapped in a towel. If you don’t have any ice handy, wet a towel with cold water, wring out the excess and lay it in a shady spot where they like to hang out or on top of a raised cot for extra cooling.
 
As a side note here: If your dog is showing signs of heatstroke, do not use ice to cool them off. This can cool their body temperature too quickly and cause them to go into shock.
 
13. Expand their wardrobe.
 
You can help keep your dogs cool is summer with cooling bandanas or cooling vests. Using these options does not mean that you can hit the hiking trail in 100-degree weather, but they will help your furry friends stay cooler if they have to be outside on hot days.
 
While you are expanding their wardrobe, you might also look into a visor or sunglasses. These can also help keep your dogs comfortable in summer.
 
 
Side note: Dogs primarily cool themselves off through their respiratory system. If you have snub-nosed dogs, such as bulldogs, Shih Tzus and pugs, their smaller nasal passages make it more difficult for them to release heat through panting. You will need to be even more diligent to make sure your snub-nosed dogs are safe and comfortable on hot days.

Gardening is good for the soul – as well as the body and the mind – but, while there is nothing quite like spending a Zen-like afternoon tending to your garden beds, spending too much time outdoors without the proper protection is not good for your skin.
 
Excessive sun exposure can cause sunburn, sun damage, wrinkles, and skin cancer, so, before you head outside to pull weeds, prune shrubs or tend to your herb garden, be sure to follow these seven tips to protect your skin from the sun.
 
1. Always wear sunscreen.
 
This one should go without saying, since you should be wearing sunscreen every time you step outside, but no list of skin protection tips would be complete without at least mentioning the importance of applying sunblock. This one task reduces your risk for sun damage, sunburns and skin cancer, so don’t forget the sunscreen before heading out to work in your garden.
 
2. Schedule your gardening tasks.
 
It is difficult to avoid the sun when living in Ojai, since there are few options for scheduling gardening tasks on cloudy or overcast days. However, you can limit your sun exposure at least a bit by completing outdoor chores in the morning or evening to avoid spending too much time outside in the middle of the day when the sun is directly overhead.
 
3. Wear lip balm with sunblock.
 
Apply lip balm with sunblock repeatedly while working outside to protect the thinner, more delicate skin on your lips from chapping, burning and sun damage.
 
4. Set up a shaded work area.
 
Set up your potting bench under a shade tree, inside a garden shed or beneath an umbrella to minimize sun exposure while tending to your container garden.
 
5. Wear sunglasses.
 
Grab your sunglasses as you head out the door to shield your eyes from UV rays and protect the delicate skin around your eyes.
 
6. Cover your hands and arms.
 
I know you don’t want to wear long sleeves or gloves when it is this darn hot outside, but wearing the appropriate clothing now can save you from sunburns, sun damage, wrinkles, or even skin cancer later. Look for lightweight, breathable fabrics that are designed to offer sun protection during outdoor activities. For gloves, choose a flexible but durable option to also provide protection against scrapes, cuts, blisters, and calluses.
 
7. Show off your garden fashion with a wide-brimmed hat.
 
Showing off your style with a wide-brimmed hat helps protect your face, ears, scalp, neck, upper arms, and chest from the sun, so don’t forget yours when you head outside to tend to your garden.

1. Set out your houseplants.
 
Plants prefer rainwater to tap water, so they are sure to thank you if you set them outside during gentle rainfall. Anything too heavy can damage the plant, so only set your plants outside if light to medium rain is expected. If you have plants on a covered patio that are not too heavy to move, you can also set them out in the open to enjoy the rain.
 
2. Turn off automatic irrigation systems.
 
If you do not have a rain sensor that automatically turns off your irrigation system when it rains, make sure to turn it off manually when rain is expected.
 
3. Fill water bowls with the rain.
 
Take your pet’s water bowls from in the house or on covered patios and set them outside to fill them with rainwater. Keep in mind that contaminated rainwater can make your pets sick (or worse), so make sure the bowls are in an area where they will collect pure rainwater falling from the sky. Keep the bowls away from areas where they may collect runoff from your roof or other structures.
 
4. Collect water in buckets.
 
While runoff from your roof or canopies is not potable and should not be used for drinking or to irrigate food plants, it can be used for other purposes, such as rinsing recyclables or watering ornamental landscaping. So, if you do not have rain barrels or have some corners where gutters do not divert the water, set out buckets to capture the water in these areas. You can also set out buckets away from structures to capture pure rainwater to irrigate food plants.
 
5. Do your planting just before it rains.
 
Any time you plant seeds or transplant plants in your garden, they need a good watering. So, one easy way to save water when it rains is to hold off on your planting until the forecast calls for rain. This is a good time to reseed patchy lawns, plant new flowers or seeds, or transplant plants from your container garden into borders or garden beds. Just be sure that we are not expecting heavy rain, since this might wash your seeds away.

Find more ways to converse water;

10 Ways to Use Water from Rain Barrels

11 Ways to Save Water in Winter

10 Easy Ways to Save Water

Join us Saturday, September 9 for the First Annual Homes for Dogs Project adoption event hosted at Coldwell Banker Property Shoppe in Ojai!

Date: Saturday, September 9
Time: 11:00am to 3:00pm
Location: 727 W. Ojai Avenue in Ojai

There will be food, micro chipping, grooming, pet merchandise available for purchase and, of course, the chance to adopt a dog.

You just might find your new best friend!

We hope to see you there!

In most cases, hosting outdoor parties in Ojai in winter is not much different than entertaining outdoors in summer. It may be a little colder and it certainly gets dark earlier but, aside from that, we are fortunate to live in a temperate, near-coastal community that allows us to enjoy outdoor living any time of the year.
 
However, Ojai’s amazing weather may decide not to cooperate that day and it might be a bit too cold for comfort -- or it might even rain (let’s hope!). Fortunately, you do not have to let a little inclement weather get in your way and, with the proper party preparations, your winter shindig is sure to go off without a hitch.
 
To help ensure that your outdoor Christmas dinner or Chanukah party is a fun, memorable event, here are 10 tips to help you keep your guests comfortable and filled with holiday cheer.

1. Create a kids’ area.
 
Whether you are hosting your party indoors or outdoors, if the invitations say it is an all-ages gathering, you are sure to have at least a few children there. This is particularly true if you are hosting this year’s family dinner. When there are gifts and games involved, it is definitely more fun to have the kids involved, but you will also want to be prepared to keep them entertained when the adults need a break or are partaking in other activities.
 
Some easy ideas include setting up a temporary movie theater on your patio where you can show holiday movies, creating a kids’ space with a craft table or cookie decorating table, putting together a holiday scavenger hunt or putting one of the older kids in charge of games with fun prizes.
 
2. Set up a self-serve drink station.
 
If you are hosting more than a few family members or close friends, you could find yourself running inside to the kitchen to refill drinks throughout the night. To make your hosting duties a bit less stressful and make sure your guests are well hydrated, set up a centrally located self-serve drink station. Keep in mind that if you are serving alcohol and have children in attendance, you should set up two drink stations to keep alcoholic beverages out of little hands.
 
Since it will likely be a bit chilly outside, be sure to include at least one or two warm beverage options, such as coffee, spiced cider, hot chocolate or tea.

3. Determine how you will keep your guests warm.
 
Patio heaters, outdoor fireplaces, fire pits or chimeneas are all great options that can create a welcoming, wintery environment while helping ward off the cold. If you have a fire feature as part of your outdoor living area, be sure it is clean, in good repair and well stocked with the appropriate fuel. If you have propane-fueled patio heaters, be sure to have extra propane tanks on hand.

If you do not have any of these options already on hand, you can purchase an inexpensive, portable fire pit at Home Depot or Lowes, buy patio heaters at either of these stores, or rent patio heaters just for your party.
 
If you will not have too many guests in attendance, another fun idea is to pass out cozy slippers and throw blankets as party favors.
 
4. Be prepared for rain.
 
We don’t have that many rainy days in Ojai, but the holidays do happen right in the middle of our rainy season. You may not know the weather report when you pick the day for your party, so it is possible that this could mean some much-needed rain might coincide with your holiday gathering.
 
If you have a covered patio, you might be okay, but if you are expecting a lot of guests, you may need to consider purchasing or renting a canopy or tent to expand your covered entertaining space. If this is your plan, look for one with curtains, since this will allow you to close one or more sides to help keep your guests warm and dry.

5. Have a back-up plan.
 
Your heart may be set on an outdoor Christmas, but Mother Nature may have other ideas. Just in case the weather really does not cooperate and it is simply too cold or rainy for your guests to comfortably congregate outdoors, make sure you have a back-up plan. The easiest option for most folks is going to be having an indoor room ready to go in case you need to move the party inside.
 
If possible, pick a room that is adjacent to the outdoor area you plan to use. That way, it will be easy for guests to move between the spaces. It will also make your hosting duties a bit easier if your guests are not spread all over the house.
 
6. Create a festive, cold-weather menu.
 
If you are hosting a family holiday meal, tradition may dictate most of the menu. However, there is probably at least a little wiggle room for adding something fun and festive to the feast. And, of course, if it is just a party celebrating the season, you are free to plan a menu that compliments your theme.
 
When entertaining outdoors in colder weather, comfort foods and hot beverages are always a safe bet, which means fondue, chili, warm desserts, hot apple cider or Irish coffees all work for winter menus.

7. Consider extra lighting.
 
Depending on the time of day you choose, it may be dark before your guests even arrive. This calls for extra lighting to guide the way and create a festive ambiance. Most any lighting will do, but the holidays give you a great excuse to go a little crazy with the string lights.
 
If you are considering solar path lights to illuminate walkways, be sure to put them in place at least a few days in advance to make sure they all work and have plenty of time to get a good charge.
 
8. Stock your gift closet with a few extras.
 
If your gathering will include a white elephant gift exchange or friends and family exchanging gifts, your hosting duties include keeping a few extra gifts on hand. This ensures that everyone will have something to unwrap – just in case unexpected guests arrive or someone forgets their white elephant gift at home.
 
You can pick up a few last-minute gifts at any of the boutiques in downtown Ojai. 

9. Determine how to handle gift wrapping materials.
 
Another consideration for parties with gift exchanges is how to manage the inevitable piles of wrapping paper, ribbons, gift bags and tissue paper. Have receptacles ready to receive trash, recycling and reusable wrapping materials and make sure they are clearly marked to make your job easier.
 
10. Make it memorable.
 
Make your holiday celebration all the more special by adding an element that makes it more memorable. This could be something as simple as having an ugly sweater theme or handing out the perfect party favors. Or it can be a bit more involved, such as inviting your guests to create seasonal crafts to take home with them, playing festive party games, or helping a good cause by collecting donations of toys or food.

The Topa Topa Mountain Folk Fest takes place Saturday, October 1st at Libbey Bowl in downtown Ojai. Gates open at 11:00am for this day-long festival featuring folk, American, country and roots music, so you have plenty of time to enjoy coffee or breakfast downtown before heading to the festival.
 
This first annual folk fest benefits the Turning Point Foundation, which offers services to adults with mental illness.
 
Here are just a few of the bands playing at the festival:
 

• The White Buffalo
  
• Grizfolk
  
• Jaime Wyatt and the Bang Bangs
• Bryan Titus Trio
• Dear Lemon Trees

 
For more information, or to buy tickets, head over to the festival website.
 
If you are interested in helping out at the event, volunteer information is also available on the website.

 
Date: October 1, 2016

Time: Gates open at 11:00

Location: Libbey Bowl (Libbey Park in downtown Ojai)

Admission: $14.95 for lawn seating (sold out) or $20 - $75 for reserved seating (plus $6 facility fee)