Tips for Holiday Decorating.

Consider using a extension cord, with an on-off  switch, for the Christmas tree. It is a lot easier to operate the switch, with your foot or hand, than to unplug the cord each time.  Another tip is to use a remote control  plug to control lights inside and out, or put all lights on timers.    
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Collect a few gift cards throughout the year for thoughtful unexpected presents. Pull out a $ 25 or $50 cards and have no-stress shopping at your fingertips, and Fast food gift cards make great stocking stuffers.
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Take the time to label and organize your decorations when you put them away. Big popcorn tins, like the kind you get at Christmas, make great containers that are easy to spot in the attic or closet. Colored containers are also good, and will also help with the organizing process.
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Totes are also a very good idea to store different “themes” you might have for the Holidays. Different colored totes for different themes, makes them easy to find and easy to add too during the year.
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Another idea is to store Holiday Decorations that are labeled for each room. Doing one room at a time saves time, and makes for family surprises.
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Perhaps giving a home baked gift after Christmas, will be very appreciated. Send out cards stating that you will be sending your Christmas goodies in January because December seems to overdose most of us with too many sweet treats.
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Try not to run out of cheese and crackers for those friends that just “pop in”. Also munchies like Veggies and a quick dip makes most people happy.
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Use doilies as inexpensive and disposable placemats. Check the bargain stores for these.
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Need more chairs for extra guests? Folding chairs can be easily covered to make them look special. Buy a 70-inch round holiday tablecloth and throw over the chair. Get braided rope with tassels on the end and put it around the chair to create a belt. Easy!
More formal coverings can be sewn using a commercial pattern. ( try McCall’s)
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Want something from nature for your centerpiece? Combine red and green apples in a large basket. It is very festive looking and can later be used for Apple Pie.
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Everyone loves the smell of an apple pie from the oven. If you don’t have the real thing ,put a large pot of water on to boil and add cloves and cinnamon. The house will smell wonderful. ( Be careful not to let the pot run dry, however)
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Make a holiday dessert buffet to entertain before of after a holiday or any occasion.  Wrap boxes or other containers in colorful holiday wrapping pater,and place cakes and pies on them to create a layered look.
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Use ornaments to label the items on your buffet table or as place cards.  Use any kind of indelible or paint pen to write on them.  Make them stand with O rings that can be purchased at any hardware store.  You can  either glue them on the ornaments or just use as a temporary stand so that your guests can take home the ornament as a keepsake.
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Make Hanukkah decorations with silver and royal blue place settings.  Fold blue napkins into triangles, and layer them to create a Star of David design.  Use nine cobalt  blue glass votives with candles, or nine pillar candles in all shades of blue, to create a Menorah centerpiece.  Add a final touch by attaching a sash make of silver lame fabric to the end of the table with corsage pins.  Another final touch is to set out personalized dreidel keepsakes at everyone's place setting.
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For a New Years's Eve gathering put clocks and wristwatches out on the dinner table( you could even use wrist watches for napkin rings), along with calendar sheets for the following year.  Guests can take the calendars home for a keepsake.  For a neat surprise, set all the clocks to off at midnight.
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Shop all year long for Holiday gifts and put away.   Use a computer spreadsheet to keep track of purchases and to whom they will be given to.( perhaps even where they are stored).
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If you are using an artiificial tree for the holidays, don't just use for that holiday, leave it up all year and redecorate it for every holiday.  This way you can enjoy it all year long, and won't have to store it away. 
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Try putting the tree in the playpen, instead of the baby.   This will protect the baby and also any small animals you might have from getting into it. 
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Also, to protect a small child or animal, consider hanging the tree upside down from the ceiling.  Decorate as usual and it will also serve as a conversation piece. 
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Enjoy listening to Christmas music earlier in the year, say October thru  December.  It will get you in the mood, or spirit, and make holiday preparations easier. 
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Make a wreath out of real pine branches.  It makes the house smell so nice around the holidays, especially if you are using an artiificial tree.  Add a few pine cones or ornaments and that is all you need for a very nice holiday decoration. 
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For old fashioned fun have the kids make chains out of colored paper that has been cut to about an inch wide, and about 6" long ( parents with smaller children should cut the paper in strips for the kids).A long chain makes a very colorful and affordable garland for the tree. 
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