A controller and method for a premises system are provided. The controller includes processing circuitry configured to: receive a plurality of system setting groups for controlling a plurality of premises devices where each system setting group including at least one respective device setting for each of the plurality of premises devices, determine at least one setting characteristic, the at least one setting characteristic including a calendar date, and select one of the plurality of system settings groups for controlling the plurality of premises devices based on the determined at least one setting characteristic. The controller includes a transceiver configured to transmit a control signal to each of the plurality of premises devices to control the plurality of premises devices according to the selected one of the plurality of system setting groups.