ajc.com 2008 Holiday Guide

Home and office holiday parties are in full swing now, and I hope everyone is enjoying the camaraderie of those they hold dear.

As hectic as these few weeks are, there is a feeling of good will that prevails, smiles that appear at the thoughtfulness of others, kind words that pass between strangers. It is a magical season, if we take the time to take it in. I think that is the secret. Stop for a few minutes in the middle of your last-minute shopping, or while you are serving up the holiday feast. It's not all madness, or it shouldn't be.

Vino Wong/Staff (ENLARGE)

Never leave a candle unattended, even for a few minutes, and keep it away from flammable materials. Keep fire extinguishers nearby and know how to use them.

RELATED LINKS: • Read more Home & Garden stories • Find more tips in Holiday Guide

Here are some tips and ideas that are either timesavers or worth the time.

Around the house

Make room for your guests, whether they are invited for dinner or staying for a few days. Rearrange furniture to suit the festivities. Have extra folding chairs and a few small tables at the ready to handle the crowd. Pack away books and collectibles to open up space for seasonal decorating.

I never lose sight of the 'Wow' factor. One main focal point is all that's required to heighten the holiday spirit. It could be a fabulous wreath over the fireplace, a new take on traditional decorating, for example, going all blue and silver, or checking out the hottest new ornaments. This year butterflies and silk flowers are the trend. Add them to your tree, wreath and table.

Freshen up the powder room and guest bedroom with seasonal charm. Perhaps this is the time for new towels and linens. Hand towels in jewel tones and a ruby-red blanket in cozy chenille will make guests feel special. A simple bouquet of flowers by the bed or a single bloom on the bathroom counter is welcoming and elegant.

Table setting

Personalizing the table is a lovely way to make everyone feel included and special. Use your digital camera and printer to create small place cards with a picture of each guest. Either glue to colorful cardboard or pick up some small frames at the dollar store.

Instead of a large centerpiece, which often takes up too much space on a crowded table, make miniature arrangements for each place. It's quick and easy with small clay pots, floral oasis and a single carnation or sprig of evergreen. The place cards and flowers can be taken home and put on the mantel or bedside table as a happy keepsake.

Candle safety

I nearly burned the house down during Christmas dinner a few years ago, and I cannot stress enough the importance of vigilance when it comes to fire. Never leave candles burning in an empty room, even if you are only leaving for a minute. That's all it takes! Every home should have a fire extinguisher, and each family member should know where it is and how to use it. (This was my second mistake; I had hidden ours away in a closet.)

With all the flammable decorations and wrapping paper, fire spreads in seconds. I love candles, and still use them, but always carefully protected in nonflammable containers and displayed away from danger.

Volunteer

Get in touch with your local charities and service clubs to find out how you can make someone else's holiday happier. At this time of year extra hands are needed everywhere. Involve your children in some form of volunteering that is age-appropriate; it will become the most memorable part of the holidays and will begin a worthwhile tradition of giving.

Debbie Travis writes home decorating books and hosts "Debbie Travis' Facelift" on HGTV. Her syndicated column appears occasionally.