Entertaining 911: Holiday Party Planning Tips
When the party's on the line, check out our on-the-spot answers for your last-minute questions.

Q. How can I get a red wine stain off my white tablecloth?
One tip is to pour boiling water over the stained area; the hot water will remove the stain. If it's not an antique linen cloth, soak it overnight in the washer in a solution of cool water and non-chlorine oxygenated laundry product. The next day, put the tablecloth and the solution through the laundry cycle as usual. A couple of other ideas are to pour a little white wine or club soda over the red wine stain, and then launder as usual.
Click here for more stain-removing ideas from RealSimple.com.
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Q. How can I have an appetizer party without breaking the bank? -
Q. I'm hosting the family holiday dinner this year, but don't have enough place settings of china. Any suggestions? -
Q. My cakes keep sticking to the pan. How can I get them to come out clean? -
Q. If I have a recipe that calls for a vanilla bean, can I use vanilla extract instead? -
Q. I want to have a holiday cocktail party that won't break the bank. Any ideas that won't scream "Cheapskate" too loudly? -
Q. Once I set my table with all the plates and glasses, there's not much room for a centerpiece? Is it bad not to have one? -
Q. I have a recipe that calls for fresh ginger but I don't have any. Can I use ground?
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Q. I have a recipe that calls for a small amount of Grand Marnier. I don't keep liqueurs on hand, and a whole bottle is expensive. Is there anything else I can use. -
Q. I'm having a holiday cocktail party and don't have enough matching wine glasses. Do I need to rent some? -
Q. How am I supposed to get all this stuff in one shopping trip? -
Q. Any ideas for festive drinks that are non-alcoholic? -
Q. How can I get a red wine stain off my white tablecloth? -
Q. My recipe calls for self-rising flour, but I only have all-purpose? Can I make a substitution? -
Q. The party's tonight and I haven't planned a thing. Help!
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