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

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.