Conquer the chaos and channel the cheer of the season with Family Handyman's guide to navigating the holidays.
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DIY Your Gifts and Decorations Early
There’s no shortage of holiday decorations at your favorite department stores, but sometimes DIYing your own brings a personal touch and a genuine warmth that store-bought items just can’t capture. Try creating your own DIY stained glass holiday ornaments, gift bows, or Christmas crackers this year.
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Crush Your Holiday Cleaning
Your house might be teaming with more people, decorations and gifts than ever, but you can’t let all the clutter take away from the joy of the season. Plan to tackle your holiday cleaning ahead of time so it won’t be a distraction from spending time with friends and family.
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Avoid Sneaky Extra Costs
Just because you have to pump up your thermostat to keep a house full of visitors warm over the holiday season doesn’t mean your energy bills have to get out of hand. Learn how to save on energy bills.
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Make Room for Your Guests
Speaking of a house full of guests, not everyone has an abundance of guest rooms to host their family and friends. Here are some tips and tricks to convert any room into a guest room for the holidays.
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Pick the Right Tree
Whether you have a small space or just an aversion to pine trees shedding in your living room, a traditional Christmas tree isn’t for everyone. Consider these Christmas tree alternatives for small spaces, along with these convincing artificial Christmas trees.
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DIY Your Decor
Your holiday decor doesn’t have to be expensive to be extravagant. Make your own window clings with products you already have at home, a festive serving tray to match your decor or completely transform your fireplace mantel with something as simple as a pool noodle.
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Don’t Be Afraid to Go All Out
The holiday season is not the time to scale back on decor. In fact, it’s the time to embrace being over the top! Here are some OTT holiday decor ideas to inspire you!
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Protect Surfaces from Harm
Whether you’re DIYing your over-the-top decor or purchasing it from a store, you don’t want to damage your walls, ceilings, or floors in the process. Utilize these tips to avoid damaging your walls and doors with temporary hooks.
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Get Ready to Entertain
Hosting more guests this season means you’ll probably need more serving space. If your dining table is maxed out, DIY a folding table! Not only does it provide extra room for dinner, but its compact design can also double as additional table space next to the sofa while you gather to watch TV or play games.
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Keep the Kiddos Safe
From endless holiday lights to tall trees and candles, holiday decorations can become a hazard when toddlers and young kids are around. Follow this guide to make your decorations kid-proof.
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But Don’t Forget to Have Fun
Above all else, having fun with your friends and family is the most important aspect of the holidays. Even something as simple as hiding your Elf on a Shelf in creative spots for your guests to find could take your festivities to the next level.
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Store It Right for Next Year
Don’t forget to prepare for next year, starting now. Make re-decorating next year easier than ever by avoiding tangles and breakage with these decoration storage tips.
More Holiday Tips
