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Don't stress your back -
When wrapping gifts, put your ironing board to good use. It's the
right width for wrapping all the small or medium size gifts without
hunching over. Plus, the height is adjustable and it's portable, so
you can move it into any room you wish and even adjust it so that you can
wrap while sitting in your most comfortable chair and watching TV
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Don't tangle with the wrapping
paper - Try standing open wrapping paper rolls in an empty wine or
liquor box, or stand them up in a clean plastic trash bin. To keep
them from unrolling when not in use, slide the rolls into the legs of old
panty hose.
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Don't worry if you run out -
Have a last minute gift to wrap and no gift tags left? Recycle
Christmas cards from the previous year. Remove the front of the card
and fold over. You can keep the personal note intact.
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Avoid the mess of watering the
tree - Instead of risking a small flood when giving your tree a drink
before the party, use a turkey baster to take aim. The length of the
instrument will allow you to get every drop into the bottom of the tree
base and it is thin enough to maneuver in between tree branches.
Also, a few ice cubes in the stand daily will keep the water level up
without splashing the carpet or flooring underneath.
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Prevent wobbling candles -
Put a little modeling clay in the bottom of the holder first.
Carefully press the candle into the clay. It will stay in place and
it is easy to remove after the candle has burned down.
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Get the wax off - Glass or
crystal candleholders covered in wax and guests are arriving in 15
minutes? Hold the holder under the hot water faucet. The water
should be just hot enough to soften the wax. Wipe off the wax with a
paper towel. For a metal candleholder, place it in the
freezer. When the wax becomes brittle, it will pop right off.
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Childproof your tree - There
is nothing that can cause more stress while entertaining than having to
police your guests children to prevent damage to your Christmas breakable
ornaments. Start with some planning when decorating the tree by
keeping the non-breakables in the bottom third of the tree. Next,
use pipe cleaners or embroidery floss to tie the breakables onto the tree
instead of metal hangers.
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No one will know but you -
This is the golden rule of stress free entertaining. Remember that
you are the only one who knows every menu item planned or dessert item
prepared. If that beautiful chocolate cake falls or the frosting
runs, keep in mind that your guests can't miss what they didn't
expect. Always have a back up food item in each food group to cover
any last minute kitchen disasters.
