FEATURE HANDMADE FOR THE HOLIDAYS Beautiful

EX TR A-SPECI A L OR NA ME N TS

Oh, what fun it is to make these adorable tree trimmings! Use them to decorate a branch—or a shelf or window. 1 KNIT BAUBLE Remove the metal top from a plain ball ornament. Hold 2 colors of yarn together and hot-glue inside the opening of the ornament. Once dry, wrap both strands around the ornament to cover completely; use hot glue to secure as you go. Apply red acrylic paint to the balls of 2 rock candy sticks ($3.99; at Michaels), then trim the ends into points using scissors. Once dry, thread these knitting needles through the yarn on the ornament and replace the metal top.

2 SWEET-SCENTED TREE

Bend a 3½" piece of naturally coiled wrapped wire ($4.99; michaels.com) in half to form a loop, then gently push each end into the hollow part of a cinnamon stick. Use hot glue to attach cut sprigs of fresh rosemary for branches and small gems for ornaments. 3 COZY CAP Cut 50 14" lengths of yarn, plus a 1" ring from a paper towel tube. Fold a piece of yarn in half and pull the doubled end around the ring and back through the yarn loop; pull to tighten in place around the ring. Repeat until the ring is completely covered. Gather the loose ends of yarn and feed them through the center of the ring. Knot a length of yarn about 1½" above the ring; use the remaining yarn to hang. Use scissors to trim the top into a pompom shape, and stuff a cotton ball inside the hat so it keeps its shape.

4 SPARKLING STARBURST

Carefully push whole and halved toothpicks into a 1½" foam ball, then apply 1 or 2 coats of silver spray paint. While still wet, dust fine silver glitter over the ornament. Use a dab of hot glue to attach a string for hanging.

No-Fuss Organizing

Expert tips that help you save time, space and your sanity during the most hectic time of year.

B Y L O R I E M A R R E R O

STREAMLINE DECOR

Don’t pile it on Too many decorations can quickly become clutter. Make room for holiday additions by swapping out nonseasonal items, like vases and bowls, and temporarily storing them in empty Christmas bins. Save (only) what’s special Corral any miscellaneous ornaments and accents that you don’t end up using in one box. Before you pack everything away at the end of the season, reconsider whether you should keep or donate these extras so they don’t build up over time.

MANAGE GREETING CARDS

Spread smiles around the house without adding to paper pileups.

Create a catalog You don’t have to hang every card you receive! Drop them in an open container, like the Medium Lacquered Box ($14.99; containerstore.com), and place it on the coffee table to flip through. Keep the counter clear Stash a roll of washi tape near your mail drop zone so you can safely secure your favorites to the fridge, wall or doorway molding. Stay in touch Tear off return labels for friends and family who have moved, set them aside in a marked envelope, then update your address book in January.

PREP FOR HOUSEGUESTS

Share online access Post the name of your home Wi-Fi network and password (tape it inside a cabinet or put it on a card on the guest nightstand) so visitors can save on data charges. Leave a key Enable everyone to come and go as they please by creating an extra key ring that they can use during their stay.