Holiday Cheer Fabric - $8.50 [ Link ]
Problem: You're terrible at wrapping gifts.
Solution: Yards of affordable holiday fabric.
Fabric makes such an easy, reusable and attractive material to wrap your gifts in, I'm wondering why I didn't think of it earlier — not that thinking about things early is my forte.
by Le Papier Studio
Solution: Yards of affordable holiday fabric.
Fabric makes such an easy, reusable and attractive material to wrap your gifts in, I'm wondering why I didn't think of it earlier — not that thinking about things early is my forte.
Kitchen Papers Perfect Setting Paper Placemat Pad - $24.00 [ Link ]
Problem: You have no idea how to set the table.
Solution: Playful (and instructional) placemats.
Don't hide behind entertaining incompetence; showcase it! Clever placemats like these are available at dozens of retailers now, which proves that I'm not alone in not knowing what goes where and why.
by Nordstrom
Solution: Playful (and instructional) placemats.
Don't hide behind entertaining incompetence; showcase it! Clever placemats like these are available at dozens of retailers now, which proves that I'm not alone in not knowing what goes where and why.
Mason Jar Snow Globe - $30.00 [ Link ]
Problem: You always seem to forget a gift for the host.
Solution: Easy DIY mason jar snowglobes.
Just because we're part of the last-minute crew doesn't mean we can forget our host. Simple and creative DIY gifts like these mason jar snow globes do double duty as whimsical centerpieces and charming keepsakes.
by Anthropologie
Solution: Easy DIY mason jar snowglobes.
Just because we're part of the last-minute crew doesn't mean we can forget our host. Simple and creative DIY gifts like these mason jar snow globes do double duty as whimsical centerpieces and charming keepsakes.
Luxe Faux Fur Stocking - $29.00 [ Link ]
Problem: You don't know where to start with holiday decor.
Solution: Play with neutrals.
When in doubt, pick a single color to accent and energize your home for a party. This season, the palest hues and subtle metallics work so effortlessly with a neutral interior that your guests will think you've been at it for weeks.
by Restoration Hardware
Solution: Play with neutrals.
When in doubt, pick a single color to accent and energize your home for a party. This season, the palest hues and subtle metallics work so effortlessly with a neutral interior that your guests will think you've been at it for weeks.
Afana Votive - $4.95 [ Link ]
Problem: What does "mood lighting" even mean?
Solution: Lots and lots of tea lights.
Turn the lights down and fire up as many tea lights in elegant holders as you can round up for instant elegance. Candles are the simplest way to transport a space from living to entertaining.
by Z Gallerie
Solution: Lots and lots of tea lights.
Turn the lights down and fire up as many tea lights in elegant holders as you can round up for instant elegance. Candles are the simplest way to transport a space from living to entertaining.
Quince and Cinnamon Stick Wreath - $79.95 [ Link ]
Problem: Your party has forgotten one of the five senses.
Solution: Fill your home with holiday scents.
The table is set, gifts are wrapped, the food is ready, candles are lit ... don't forget to decorate with aroma as well. Cinnamon simmering on the stove or in a wreath creates instant coziness.
by Williams-Sonoma
Solution: Fill your home with holiday scents.
The table is set, gifts are wrapped, the food is ready, candles are lit ... don't forget to decorate with aroma as well. Cinnamon simmering on the stove or in a wreath creates instant coziness.
Problem: You don't want everyone crowding into the kitchen for drinks.
Solution: A makeshift bar.
Here's one area I don't have a lot of trouble being prepared for: the bar. Find a surface — you can repurpose a bathroom cart, an old hutch or a dresser. (Moving a piece of furniture comes with the bonus of making your home feel refreshed and ready for entertaining.) Add a fun chalkboard with drink recipes, like the one shown, to complete your custom speakeasy.
by The Old Painted Cottage
Solution: A makeshift bar.
Here's one area I don't have a lot of trouble being prepared for: the bar. Find a surface — you can repurpose a bathroom cart, an old hutch or a dresser. (Moving a piece of furniture comes with the bonus of making your home feel refreshed and ready for entertaining.) Add a fun chalkboard with drink recipes, like the one shown, to complete your custom speakeasy.
Problem: You're hosting a large, last-minute dinner and you don't have enough dishes.
Solution: Thrift store dishes.
Let's play worst-case scenario: You're suddenly responsible for feeding a dozen people, and you have only eight place settings. Don't go the paper or plastic route — head to your favorite secondhand store instead and collect an eclectic mix of dishes to give your tablescape a wonderfully homey aesthetic.
by Beach Vintage
Solution: Thrift store dishes.
Let's play worst-case scenario: You're suddenly responsible for feeding a dozen people, and you have only eight place settings. Don't go the paper or plastic route — head to your favorite secondhand store instead and collect an eclectic mix of dishes to give your tablescape a wonderfully homey aesthetic.
Problem: Your dining room feels less than cozy.
Solution: Sheepskins.
Your dining chairs will gain instant holiday cheer if you throw some sheepskins on 'em. Sheepskins evoke a wintery wonderland, even if you're in the tropics. Pick up a few affordable ones from Ikea — you'll use them long after the holidays are over.
by The Marion House Book
Solution: Sheepskins.
Your dining chairs will gain instant holiday cheer if you throw some sheepskins on 'em. Sheepskins evoke a wintery wonderland, even if you're in the tropics. Pick up a few affordable ones from Ikea — you'll use them long after the holidays are over.
Problem: Your solo loveseat just won't cut it for your holiday shindig.
Solution: Temporary seating.
Finding a spot where everyone can sit is always a challenge. Repurpose tree stumps (add a sheepskin for comfort) or pile a stack of books and tie them together with ribbon (best for the kids).
by Vuong Interior Design Solution: Temporary seating.
Finding a spot where everyone can sit is always a challenge. Repurpose tree stumps (add a sheepskin for comfort) or pile a stack of books and tie them together with ribbon (best for the kids).
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Plastic plates, cutlery and glasses, and paper napkins, all collapse, make food and booze taste weird, and are simply tacky.
Whereas "real" stuff can all be machine-washed, so you're not lugging out dripping bags of garbage the morning after, and when not in use, you can store them in the basement in Rubbermaid boxes.