The holidays can be a hectic season for all of us. With food, gifts, and visiting family and friends to worry about, the stress of putting together a party can really get to you. Luckily, you don’t have to wait til December to start preparing. Follow these easy tips, and come Christmastime, you’ll be enjoying the festivities along with your guests--and even impress the nitpicky ones!


For more home organization and decorating tips, check out these FN articles:

• On the Shelf: Over 20 Ways to Clean and Store Collectibles
• 10 Tips on Planning and Following a Weekly Menu
• Room Oomph: 10 Easy Home Design Ideas You Should Try
• Paper, Scissors Rock: 6 DIY Ways to Decorate with Cloth and Paper
• The Dish on Dishes: 7 Handy Hints for Storing Dinnerware

(First published in Real Living Magazine, Handy Hints section as "Countdown to Christmas" in November 2008; adapted for use in Female Network)