Last Minute Tips - You Can Be Ready!

Today is THE day when you really can pull it all together. Tomorrow you want to be kicking back and ready for the friends and relatives coming in. So, let's get the chores out of the way.

Gifts: Hope you have all your presents bought but if there is something you feel you still need, you might consider trying Walgreen, CVS or Shoppers Drug Mart. (What, no Shoppers Drug in your neighborhood? Wish there was one in my neighborhood: it's another thing I miss from Canada!) We were in Walgreen last night and they have a huge number of ideas as would the other major drug chains. There are CDs, TV promoted items, massagers, perfume, candles, potpourri, wrap, candies, etc. Parking was not too bad and check out was fairly easy.

Groceries: Okay, this one is the tough one. Make sure your list is complete and that you already double-checked that you don't have an item on your "goody shelf that will do. Make your list flexible: if you look for one exact item, it could be difficult, so write "cocktail rye or similar; olives - stuffed or plain". Stop to look up and smile at the other shoppers because - guess what? They are in the same situation as you are! Give them a "Merry Christmas" and you will make their day and yours a little better.

Wrapping: Enlist some help with the last minute wraps and try to use gift sacs if possible - pick those up at the pharmacy or food store.

When you are out, keep your stops to a minimum.

One stop you do make might be at the drive-thru to get tonight's dinner - a nice simple Burger King or McDonald's. The Pizza deliveries are going to be backlogged. Know that up front.

House still not spic and span? Back at the drug store you could have picked up some potpourri. That is amazing stuff that just sends a wonderful scent through the entire house. Put some at the entrance, some in the living areas and some in the guest bath.

Change the towels in the guest bath and give it a quick clean up. That might be the one place family and guests will notice.

If you live in a house like ours, the dining room table is one of the first things your guests see. So, even when you are not ready for a meal - put out some candles and a dish of fruit or candy in the middle. Put on a Christmas CD. Turn on the Christmas lights early - inside and out.

Don't forget to send a Holiday Message to everyone on your e-mail list. Not everyone is as fortunate as we to have people coming in to visit. They will really appreciate that you are thinking about them! We use Jacquie Lawson Cards. I think we renewed at $12 for the year. We definitely got our money's worth this past year. The cards are fun and beautiful! Find them at www.jacquielawson.com.

Kick back. Remember, if their house were spic and span, they would have invited you there!

I may not be Martha Stewart with a fleet of workers at my house but there is more than one Martha way to get it done!

Have a great day! I mean it!