10 Quick Solutions for Last-Minute Holiday Problems

Sail right by potential decorating, hosting and gift-giving pitfalls with these invaluable nick-of-time tricks

Jenn Hannotte December 18, 2012

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Those of you who have mastered the art of leisurely enjoying the holidays need not read any farther. This is for the rest of us: those of us who still have nothing under the tree (if there is a tree at all), who have nothing to wrap those future gifts with, who have no food in the cupboards and no menu to help guide them. Those of us in the "flying by the seat of our pants" camp, who get a sick pleasure from pulling it all off in the face of poor planning!

I'm not out to present a treatise on how to manage time, organize and become a better human being. We're like old dogs, but that doesn't mean we can't use a few slick tricks to get us through with grace.

Le Papier Studio

Holiday Cheer Fabric - $8.50

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.

Nordstrom

Kitchen Papers Perfect Setting Paper Placemat Pad - $24

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.

Anthropologie

Mason Jar Snow Globe - $30

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.

User

Luxe Faux Fur Stocking - $29

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.

Contemporary Candleholders Contemporary Candleholders

Contemporary Candleholders - $4.95

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.

Williams-Sonoma

Quince and Cinnamon Stick Wreath - $79.95

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.

Jennifer Grey Color Specialist & Interior Design

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.

Beach Vintage

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.

The Marion House Book

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.

Vuong Interior Design

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).