I love all the entertaining, beautiful holiday decor, and visiting with friends and family during the holiday season. It can be challenging to balance enjoying the holidays and not stressing over completing tasks. The to-do list seems to double or triple in some cases. To help in this article, I offer a few tips on reducing possible stress that may occur over the busy holidays.
How-to tips when spilling accidents occur:
Unfortunately, accidents happen! These scenarios have happened to me, and I had to find solutions to share.
- How to remove wax from your wood dining table.
- How to remove wax from a tablecloth.
- How to remove red wine stains from carpet or upholstery. By the way, there is a red wine stain remover that you can purchase from Amazon, Wine Away; it is always good to have on hand.
Last-minute appetizer ideas:
Keep on hand in your pantry and refrigerator the following: An 8 oz log of plain chevre (goat cheese); according to Epicurious, “Vacuum-wrapped chevre from the grocery store can keep, unopened, for at least two months.” Toppings that you can easily pull together:
- Jarred olive tapenade – place the unwrapped cheese on a lovely plate and top it with the tapenade; serve with veggies, crackers, or both.
- Fig Preserves or Jam and shelled-pistachios – warm the preserves (or use honey) with a small amount of apple cider vinegar to thin them a bit. Chop up the pistachios, sprinkle over the cheese, and keep a few boxes of crackers in the pantry to serve with the cheese.
- Fresh parsley or any herbs you like – chop them and mix the fresh herbs with coarsely ground pepper, then roll the goat cheese in the mix. Click here to learn the best way to store fresh herbs, so they last longer.
Have a variety of crackers (include gluten-free for friends who may have a sensitivity; this brand can be found at most groceries; the Sea Salt one is tasty.)
Last-minute hostess gifts:
Be sure to have holiday gift bags on hand so you can grab and go! The key to this suggestion is purchasing a few items ahead of time and having them on hand.
- A lovely gift bag of flavored balsamic vinegar and unique olive oil.
- An assortment of quality pistachio nuts.
- A lovely wine carrier and a bottle of wine.
- Everyone loves a beautiful seasonal bouquet – pick up a seasonal floral arrangement that most florists will have on hand during the holiday season for quick pickup.
Tips on wrapping gifts:
Most department stores and malls offer a wrapping station to wrap gifts for you. However, wrapping does not have to be a challenge; click here for present wrapping tips. Also, if you want specialized bows, save money and make your own bows! Use a wired ribbon of your choice to create a single or double-ribbon bow.
Enjoy all of the festivities of the season! For all your home staging and interior decorating needs, call me at 610-955-8202.
By Debbie Correale, Redesign Right, LLC. Stay connected on Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Houzz, and Instagram. Feature photo from Pixabay.