© Meredith CorporationDecorate! Entertain! Shop! Ship! These tips will help you feel less rushed.
- Color Convenience Choose one go-with-everything color—such as white, silver, or gold—for gift bows.
- Quick-Clean Routine Skip whole-house deep-cleaning before a party. Just swipe surfaces, vacuum, and hide clutter. One exception: the bathroom guests will use.
- Flexible Gifts Avoid being caught empty-handed. Stock up on a gift that can be given to just about anyone, such as a kitchen gadget, set of dish towels, or reusable bag for groceries.
- Package Deal Use the United States Postal Service's flat-rate boxes to ship gifts. The boxes are free, and you can order them online.
- Edible Accents Display a simple table centerpiece of nuts. Bonus: It doubles as a snack tray
- Purchase Prep Keep a notebook listing recipients' names and gifts purchased and an envelope for receipts with you.
- No-Fuss Fruit Make mantel decorations using glass cylinder vases filled with fresh cranberries or limes.
- Greens for the Season For free and easy decorations, snip greenery from your yard. Spruce, holly, fir, juniper, and arborvitae can stay green for weeks in a house that's not too warm or dry.
