Tip of The Day December 2013

John O'Hagan

Let us help you make this holiday season the best, easiest celebration yet. Follow our day-by-day tips to make your holiday bright this year, without the stress!

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Holiday Concerts and Parades

It's that time of year! Check the newspaper for free holiday concerts & parades and get them on the family calendar today.
Holiday Concerts and Parades

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Decorate a Gingerbread House

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Learn how to decorate a gingerbread house that will make your neighbors swoon with envy, or better yet, host a gingerbread house decorating party. The best part is you can eat the winnings!
Decorate a Gingerbread House

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Get Your Table Ready

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

With scores of holiday soirees approaching, clean your tablecloth. You'll need it again, soon!
Get Your Table Ready

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Packaging Christmas Cookies

There is no gift more heart-warming (or sweet) than a gift from the oven. Learn how to beautifully package cookies for gift-giving.
Packaging Christmas Cookies

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Budget-Friendly New Year's Bash

It's never too early to have New Year's Eve plans. This year try skipping the crowds and invite friends over for a budget-friendly bash.
Budget-Friendly New Year's Bash

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Potluck Parties

Photo: Jennifer Davick; Styling: Buffy Hargett

You're about to be swamped with party invites, so it's about time you perfect your potluck, travel-friendly appetizer.
Potluck Parties

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Gift-Wrapping Party

It's time to get the girls together for a gift-wrapping party. And if you don't remember anything else, just don’t forget the wine!
Gift-Wrapping Party

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Storing Christmas Cookies

Annabelle Breakey

Learn how to store your carefully crafted Christmas cookies to avoid stale treats.
Storing Christmas Cookies

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Donate Toys

Use 15 minutes of your day to set aside outgrown toys. Donate them to other children in need. Let your kids help so they can also learn about the spirit of seasonal giving. Or, get the girls together for a clothing swap and donate any leftover items.
Donate Toys

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Plan Your Holiday Menu

Plan your holiday menu now to save stress later. Bring out your best when you host the big holiday meal. From beef tenderloin to traditional ham, check out our favorite menus for Christmas dinner.
Plan Your Holiday Menu

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Grocery Stores

Here's a little secret between us: grocery stores are less crowded on Wednesdays. Start shopping for those nonperishable holiday menu items today. Don't forget the wine!
Grocery Stores

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RSVP for Parties

Don't forget to RSVP to all those outstanding invitations, including New Year's Eve, (that also means lining up your date for your New Year's Eve kiss)!
RSVP for Parties

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Healthy Holiday

Photo: Sean Locke/Photodisc/Getty Images

Use our party strategies at your next holiday gathering to keep you on track and looking great, even if the host serves an irresistable layer cake.
Healthy Holiday

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Teacher Gifts

Photo: Charles Schiller; Styling: Lynn Miller

Try knocking out your teacher gifts today. And of course, we suggest something tasty, as nothing warms the heart like a gift from the oven.
Teacher Gifts

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Christmas Lights

Load the kids in the car tonight to look at Christmas lights. You'll create memories that will last a lifetime. Discuss your favorites over a hot drink afterward.
Christmas Lights

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Spa Night

From hosting parties, to a never ending "To Do" list, the holiday season can be stressful. Escape everyday stress with a spa night in your own living room. Turn on the tree, light the candles, and relax.
Spa Night

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Shipping Cookies

Photo: Antonis Achilleos; Styling: Susan Vajaranant

Have family members who live far away? You can still send them some Christmas cheer! Learn how to package cookies to avoid shipping-induced crumbles.
Shipping Cookies

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Check Your List

You made your list, now it's time to check it twice. Did you order everything you meant to? Now's the time to know!
Check Your List

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Quick Clean the Kitchen

Try to spend 15 minutes cleaning your kitchen. Quick cleans will keep it tidy throughout the parade of guests and dinners.
Quick Clean the Kitchen

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Make Gift Tags

Design: Jessica Snead

It’s not too late to make gift tags, adding a personal touch to each gift. Download these too-cute tags for free!
Make Gift Tags

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Quick Desserts

Photo: Oxmoor House

Save time in your holiday menu by using a quick-cooking dessert recipe that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
Quick Desserts

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Family Game Night

Van Chaplin

Don't set foot in the mall this weekend—it will be a madhouse. Stay home and play a game with your family. Just roll the dice and deal the cards for a rollicking night of family fun!
Family Game Night

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Make-Ahead Breakfast

Randy Mayor

Prep a make-ahead casserole to enjoy while opening gifts on the 25th. Prepare the casserole, serve it with a bowl of fresh fruit and a pitcher of juice, and let everyone dig in.
Make-Ahead Breakfast Menu

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Watch Santa's Travels

Gather the kids around the computer to watch Santa's travels. You might just see him stop by your house!
Watch Santa's Travels

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Control Your Snacking

Oxmoor House

Pace yourself! All day snacking means you won't enjoy that amazing dinner, and more importantly, those amazing desserts.
Control Your Snacking

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Perform a Leftover Revival

Photo: Marcus Nilsson

Breathe new life into all those Christmas day leftovers. Turn those mashed potatoes into latkes and pumpkin into muffins!
Perform a Leftover Revival

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Water Your Tree

Don’t forget to water your (live) tree so it'll perk up for your New Year's Bash!
Water Your Tree

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Post-Holiday Bargain Hunting

Hit the stores to stock up on holiday-themed goodies and wrapping paper at bargain prices for next year.
Post-Holiday Bargain Hunting Recipe

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Returning Gifts

Pair ready-to-return gifts with receipts and organize them by store so that returns are easy this year. Be prepared for long lines by grabbing a snack on your way out the door.
Returning Gifts Recipe

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Recycle Your Tree

Don’t toss that tree. Recycle! Then, eat up those leftover Christmas tree cookies to commemorate the successful season!
Recycle Your Tree Recipe

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Happy New Year