Christmas Wrapped

I’m always surprised by how busy the holiday season is. We keep things simple at my house, so it’s not as if I have lots of baking to do or guests to host. Even so, I’m starting to feel the time crunch.

Last year, my neighbor introduced me to a wonderful way to share the holidays with a large group of friends and family with very little stress: the holiday open house. She invited guests to drop by any time between 4pm and 9pm and asked everyone to bring along a plate of their favorite appetizers or desserts. All she had to do was tidy up the house, turn on the music, and set out some egg nog and a few paper plates and cups. After that, she sat back and enjoyed the steady stream of guests, and her party practically ran itself.

We all had a wonderful time. Families with young kids could come early, eat a few bites, then cut out without feeling like they were offending anyone. Neighbors got reacquainted without the pressure of having to carry on dinner-length conversations. Even the busiest of friends could drop by for a few minutes. Everyone enjoyed sampling the wide array of goodies (the dining room table was laden with delicious contributions), and, best of all, the hosts were relaxed…the key to a fun party.

At the end of the open house, a few hangers-on helped clean up, and everything was washed and put away by 10:30pm. Lots of fun and celebration for very little effort and time.

So, if you’re hankering to host a party but don’t have the time or wherewithal to throw a full-scale holiday event, consider an open house. Let your guests help you celebrate, and everyone will have a great time.

Don’t scramble when your coworker pops in with a bottle of wine or your neighbor drops off a basket of fruit. This season you will be prepared. This season you’ll be ready. This season you won’t break the bank.

Pick up a few of these excellent little gifts, wrap them up, clear out some space in your front hall closet and suddenly you’re not only gracious, you are a genius.

Short White Kira Vase $14.99

Pomegranate and Fig Candle $13.99

John Derian Poinsettia Disc

Bird T-Lite Holder $7.99

Birds On Ribbon Ornament $2.99

Red Tealight Set $12.99

John Derian Card Suits Coaster Set $12.99

Small Mirrored Star $9.99

Pine Votive Holder 3-Piece Set $12.74

Botanical Kissing Ball $9.99

I’ve known my husband for over a decade, but he’s still a huge challenge to shop for because he wants things that are expensive (new computer, perhaps a hybrid crossover vehicle) or outside the realm that I am comfortable buying. Like this one from his list the past three years: THX certified receiver/amp.

In years past I’ve purchased clothing for him, and this has been met with varying degrees of success. This year, he swears he’s submitting a list, but I’m not holding my breath. Last year’s list included a $1.2 million dollar dream car. I’m still bitter about that one.

It’s not just my husband who is difficult. I have a father and a step-father to consider. There are only so many Clint Eastwood movies to give them, so I usually opt for a gift card.

This year I’m planning on buying gadgets exclusively for my husband because these items always elicit a giddy response. For instance, I’m considering this handsfree bluetooth speaker that will help him comply with all hands-free driving laws:

While searching for that I found several other things my little gadget freak might enjoy. Like this cute USB hub:

This past summer he tried to be a better grill master, and since he was always taking his phone out to time his turns of the meat, I’m thinking this might be more helpful than getting his greasy hands on his phone:

The final gift that I’d like to get would be this dog tracking GPS:

We love throwing parties all through the year but, as I mentioned, we’re especially fond of parties at the holidays. After spending a reasonable time putting up the tree and decorating the mantel, it seems economically wise to share your home with as many people as possible after all that work.

Best party advice I’ve ever gotten: If someone goes through the trouble to host a party, your part of the commitment is to make it fun. It seems like at the holidays every one understands that unspoken rule.

I am married to a graphic designer and when we plan parties my husband is full of inspiring ideas for the invitations. What he is not full of is the inspiration to find the actual time required to make these inspiring invitations. I’ve learned the best way to get him on the ball is to get ready to place orders for invitations, at that point he’ll either come through or I’ll place my order and have the invites one way or another. All without becoming the Nagging Harpy Of The Holidays.

Here are a few invitations from Target that will set the tone for any simple and elegant holiday parties you’re planning this season.

Pink Peony for a holiday invitation? Yes. It works because it’s understated and in the right color family. Your guests will expect a cozy holiday dinner at your home with this invitation.

This tea length invitation in merlot will slip through the printer easily and is easily customized with some free clip art. This is a great source.

Using red or green ink to fill in the details and switching out the black ribbon with the same will make this paisley flat card a holiday invite without any trouble.

The Crimson Deckle Edge collection is another simple way to invite your guests to your house for holiday celebrating.

This olive pocket card printed from your computer with a deep red ink will also set a simply elegant tone for your party. this set is intended as wedding stationary but you can use the pocket and response cards for extra information about your party. We like to hold a White Elephant Gift Exchange at our holiday party, use the pocket and enclosure card to explain the rules.

This year we’re going to try something different for a change and simplify everything for Christmas. This means I’ll give Jon a list of cute accessories, and he’ll give me his list of gadgets that I will point out we don’t need.

I figure if I give him my list before Thanksgiving, he can capitalize on the sales, which will be more important this year than in years past.

A few of the items (I hope you read this, Jon):

Isaac Mizrahi for Target Computer Tote:

Bedding (because I’m pregnant and tired, and we all know how much I like to nap):

A maternity cocktail dress for New Year’s Eve:

A pair of new sneakers to make room for my swollen ankles:

And a pair of stylish sweat pants that won’t show just how many bags of chips I’ve been eating: